Online feedback

Our Sunday Gleaner story about the charging of the Rev Al Miller with negligence in relation to his missing gun has piqued much interest. Here's what some of our online readers have said.

Poppy show!

Have you ever heard about any Christians or pastors being killed? It seems as if in Jamaica you all take preachers, teachers and politicians for poppy show.

- Informah

Faithless shepherd

A great many preachers are doubtful about the veracity of what they preach, but they preach it for the flock; they don't have to lead by example. So while 'the just shall live by faith', their shepherd just doesn't have to.

- Stoneyage

The pastor's choice

It would be ridiculous to expect pastors not to carry guns, as a rule. It should be more a matter of choice, where consideration is given to possible threats to the pastor's life, and/or property, and the lives of his family.

The Bible does say "thou shalt not kill", but it didn't specify against self-defence. In Jamaica today, self-defence needs are obvious, and pastors, although they are God's shepherds, are also human. Maybe they should choose faith in the power of God to protect them, but such a choice cannot be forced on them by rule.

- Padraig

Faith with works

Remember, God protects those who protect themselves.

- Capisty

What's the difference?

But in the Bible, God commanded his people to kill whole countries and tribes all the time! All in the name of self-preservation. What's the difference with a pastor owning a gun in modern-day Jamaica?

- Gab

Self-defence is a right

Jamaica is a dangerous country. We have criminals who have no respect for life. Some would shoot a person as easily as they shoot a dog. Our overworked police force is incapable of protecting all its citizens. All citizens have the right to self-defence.

Lately, we have witnessed the killing of a number of clergymen all over the island. Our men of the cloth have as much right to protect themselves as any other citizen. In Jamaica, we believe that God will always protect us from harm. History has taught otherwise.

Those who believe in God should pray, but there is nothing sinful in carrying a little extra protection.

- R. Oscar Lofters