Comments on: How is a call to arms ‘Christ-centered’? Center for Justice and Peacebuilding director publishes letter to former law school classmate Jerry Falwell Jr.

By: James W

James W — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 20:34:23 +0000

Thanks so much for your response and and it is relieving to know 91��Ƶ works with local law enforcement in planning for hopefully something we will never see. Frankly, President Swartzendruber’s and Mr. Byler’s comments and their non aggressive and extremely passive statements in criticizing President Falwell’s address to the LU students made me wonder what 91��Ƶ would do if faced with a shooter situation. Though it may not be acceptable for facility and students to be armed on 91��Ƶ’s campus, it is comforting to know law enforcement – with weapons – will be called in to protect, defend, and neutralize. In this light, 91��Ƶ position isn’t that much different than Liberty’s position …. A good guy with a gun will hopefully neutralize a bad guy with a gun.

And with that I end with Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the Peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Our law enforcement officers and first responders are truly “peacemakers”.

By: John Clarke

John Clarke — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 20:15:50 +0000

Dear Sir, Liberty University is situated in the United States, where our Constitution affirms and guarantees God-given rights. Among them is the right to arms for self-defense. I presume your university has fire extinguishers in its buildings in advance of any fire breaking out. I believe in peace and mutual respect, but not everyone does, and often aggressors have the advantage of choosing time and place and weaker victims than themselves. They sneer at passivism and celebrate the easy victory. Under a certain circumstance, Jesus said he who had no sword should sell his cloak and buy one. When it was obvious to the Jews at Masada that they could not endure the siege and would be taken by the Romans for slavery and torture, they fell on their own swords. Free men and women own weapons. They are not the threat. I hope to see responsible adults acknowledged as such. Peace is greatly to be desired, but not at the risk of a senseless and meaningless death.

By: Moderator

Moderator — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:18:48 +0000

In reply to James W. In response to your question about a "proactive plan to protect the students and faculty in an active shooter situation": A Crisis Preparedness Management Team (CMPT) meets regularly at 91��Ƶ and strives to comply with federal and state guidelines and best practices for emergency preparedness. We work closely with local law enforcement agencies to schedule “table top” exercises and simulation drills according to FEMA guidelines. –President Loren Swartzendruber

By: James W

James W — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:06:04 +0000

Hello Mr. Daryl…
I have listened to President Falwell’s address and in no way do I believe he suggested Muslims were not welcomed at Liberty. From my understanding there are in fact Muslim students attending Liberty.

Once his address was taken out of context by the media, President Falwell specifically clarified he intended to say Radical or Extremist Muslims.

I certainly don’t think that 91��Ƶ should be “welcoming the stranger” which President Falwell was talking about in his address. That “stranger” should not be welcomed on any college campus.

Does 91��Ƶ have a proactive plan to protect the students and facility in an active shooter situation?

I understand that peace and love is what we should all strive for in being children of God. In today’s world, as we strive for peace, what are you suggesting we do in a split second when confronted with acts of violence like those in Paris and CA?

Thanks.

By: Harvey Yoder

Harvey Yoder — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:02:01 +0000

Great words, and I’m so glad the Richmond Times published them.

By: Jim Clymer, Jr.

Jim Clymer, Jr. — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 21:12:13 +0000

Thanks Daryl, for your courage, and for modeling what it means to be Christ-like. You are an inspiration to many!

By: David Hege

David Hege — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 20:26:12 +0000

Thanks, Daryl. I couldn’t have said it better. I admire your letter and your humility.

By: Matthew Carlson

Matthew Carlson — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 18:48:12 +0000

Thanks, Daryl, for this personal response and for modeling respectful dialogue while also calling for accountability.