Sgian Dubhs in Church: Opinions, please

[neo71665]

I say don't wear it out of respect for the enviroment your in. Be it a tool or weapon most on duty cops down here will leave their gun in the car when going into a church. I don't see the lack of your knife taking away from the outfit as a total one bit.

[KiltedKnight]

During religious services in the field, in combat, soldiers generally have their firearms in hand or very close to their person. God does not concern Himself with what is on your person but in your heart. If a church would not allow me to wear a utility knife which is what the sgian dubh is then I would find another church.

Anything at hand is a possible weapon, a rolled up magazine, a glass bottle or a rock if that's what is in your mind to make it. The sgian dubh should not be an issue at all. If folks would stop worrying about it the sgian dubh would remain what it is, a tool, not a weapon. To demonstrate this consider a rifle that is made to look more military by changing it's looks. It still expells the same lead projectile that any common hunting rifle does but it's refered to in some walks as an "assault rifle" to make it seem more desireable to some. However, if that very same rifle is refered to as a "self protection rifle" it takes on a whole new aura. How could anyone say that they shouldn't have a "self protection rifle" in time of need? But to label it an "assault rifle" makes people nervous even though, as I stated, it fires the very same projectile that any other rifle uses.

We should not forget that the Bagpipes are a weapon of war, the only musical instrument ever considered such, should they be disallowed in church or any public function just because they were feared by an oppressive government at one time in history?


Chris.

[neo71665]

Armed soldiers in the field are a whole other ballgame as the rifle referances.

[Bob C]

Wear your sgian dubh. No one will give it a second thought.

[Caradoc]

However, as the sgian dhu worn by todays traditional kilt wearers is purly decorative, and not intended for use

This generalization is incorrect. I (for one) don't own any "purely decorative" knives.

[Alan H]

I'm just back from Christmas eve service at my Presbyterian church and I did not wear my sgian dubh.


Here's my take on it....
TO YOU, does your sgian dubh represent, or in fact function as a tool?

If so, then wear it if you wish.

TO YOU, does your sgian dubh represent or in fact function as a weapon?

If so, then DON'T wear it.

[Captain]

I carry a knife on me at all times... it is a tool, and I use it constantly whether it be for cutting zip ties, stripping cables, or just digging the stuff out from under my fingernails... I carry it in church, the 6 days a week that I am there. Of course I'm usually working in some capacity while at church since I'm their content creator... however, I see nothing wrong with a sgian dubh... of course I live in Texas and if they were allowed to, I'm sure a good number of members (including myself) would carry actual weapons (handguns) on their person to church... As it is, I'm sure our parking lot is full of stowed Glocks and 1911's...

I say there is nothing wrong with carrying it as long as it is done responsibly and respectfully... Sure there are people who shouldn't carry knives or anything else remotely dangerous - but you're not one of them are you?

[mbhandy]

You are blessed. I am the director of music in my church (Southern Baptist) and have been prohibited from wearing my kilt in church. However, I carry my pocket knife EVERYWHERE, including church. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's just part of our culture here.

I Think I would find another Church. Not very Christian of the Pastor or the Board

MrBill

[Captain]

While I agree with mbhandy, and am myself in the same situation (work at a church and prohibited from kilt wearing at church)... Actually, since I sit behind a computer editing all day I think mines worse... I mean the public NEVER sees me, so there's no reason I can't wear whatever I want!

That said, you can't just up and turn your back on God's call in your life over an article of clothing... Is it wrong that an ethnic and historical garment is prohibited from being worn in a house of God... ABSO FREAKIN' LUTELY! But it is still an article of clothing... it's not like he's at theological odds with his church... Now... if they tried to discipline me because I wore it outside the church and tried to pull some kind of "you're sinning because you're cross dressing" BS then I would definitely be pulling up the stakes and getting the hell out of Dodge...

[Sir Robert]

Weapons are absolutely a political issue. In this country we try to seperate Church and State. Some religions REQUIRE their adherants to carry a knife. Christianity does not require nor does it forbid the carring of weapons. If your Church forbids weapons or kilts, find another Church.