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.