Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey has encouraged Christians to arm themselves after the shooting rampage at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon last week left nine people dead.
According to witnesses, the shooter had asked the victims if they were Christians before killing them.
"I would encourage my fellow Christians who are serious about their faith to think about getting a handgun carry permit," Ramsey said in a Facebook post after the shooting.
"I have always believed that it is better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it. Our enemies are armed. We must do likewise," Ramsey said.
How should Christians respond to the debate on gun control after mass shooting incidents like this? Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, answered these questions and more. Click play to watch.
Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, and subject of a new documentary on gun violence "The Armor of Light," offered a different perspective.
"While the lieutenant governor of Tennessee may be well intentioned in his suggestion that fellow Christians arm themselves in response to the recent horrific school shooting in Oregon, but it's not good advice," Schenck said in a statement.
"Anyone with good firearms training knows that when you strap on a gun, you are psychologically ready to kill another human being. That's a paramount moral decision," he said.
"Politicians are not a source for good moral guidance because their motives are often clouded by their electoral ambitions," he continued. "The best people to give moral advice on guns or any other issue are church leaders, and they've been conspicuously silent on the question of Christians arming up in fear."
"I appeal to pastors and other church leaders to speak out clearly, prayerfully, and biblically on the Christ-like approach to guns, fear, and even love of enemy," he added.
"Armor of Light" released in April at the Tribeca Festival and will be in theaters Oct. 30.
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