Sgian Dubhs in Church: Opinions, please

**beloitpiper** · 25th December 06, 09:29 PM

It's sad when a church (not a religion) dictates your life so strongly. I mean, I might understand why a church would be uncomfortable with somebody wearing a sgian dubh, but to forbid a kilt?!?!?! That seems extreme and discriminatory. If the church was really devoted to God and Christianity, wouldn't they allow everybody and everything that wanted to worship? Personally, if a church tried to dictate my life (and my heritage is a BIG PART of my life too) I'd find a new church that accepted and welcomed be for who I am.

**gilmore** · 25th December 06, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

It's sad when a church (not a religion) dictates your life so strongly. I mean, I might understand why a church would be uncomfortable with somebody wearing a sgian dubh, but to forbid a kilt?!?!?! That seems extreme and discriminatory. If the church was really devoted to God and Christianity, wouldn't they allow everybody and everything that wanted to worship? Personally, if a church tried to dictate my life (and my heritage is a BIG PART of my life too) I'd find a new church that accepted and welcomed be for who I am.

For a view counter to yours, see Matt Newsome's well-reasoned article on why he does not wear a kilt to church on Easter Sundays. It is either in his blog or in a thread here on X Marks.

What one can do and what one should do are not always the same.

**Captain** · 25th December 06, 10:00 PM

Beliot... I agree with you as a worshipper and attender. But if your employer says no kilts it's not quite the same as just the church you attend...

**beloitpiper** · 25th December 06, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Captain

Beliot... I agree with you as a worshipper and attender. But if your employer says no kilts it's not quite the same as just the church you attend...

Agreed.

**beloitpiper** · 25th December 06, 11:41 PM

There's a difference between a choice and an order. If Matt doesn't want to wear his kilt church on Easter, that is his decision. If the church tells him he cannot wear his kilt on Easter, then it's a bit different.

**Tartan Texan Trenton** · 26th December 06, 01:36 AM

I for one am having a hard time understanding why an on-duty police officer would leave his weapon in his cruiser when entering a church. Oh, I understand the symbolism - but he's on duty, 'to protect and serve' - and how is he going to 'protect' if unarmed? Sure, the Pilgrims carried their weapons for self-protection on the way to church and then stacked them at the front door before entering - but I can reasonably infer that somebody guarded those weapons - with rifle in hand - while the rest of the congregants were inside.

**neo71665** · 26th December 06, 06:56 PM

Its a small town and most people here have enough respect that they aint gonna do anything stupid in a church that would make a police officer need a gun. But as most officers of the law they still have mace/pepper spray and if you aint ever been hit with it, don't. As for the pilgrams, I dont think the need to protect one self from indians attacking (just saying indians as it popped in my mind first) makes us need to carry weapons with us all the time. They still have their radios (with earbuds) so if they are called out the can go.

I still say the lack of one little peice of your outfit (the sgian) will not bother anybody but you. If its that big of a thing to you then wear it, I just dont see any need for it in a church or bank for that matter. To each their own.

Originally Posted by Tartan Texan Trenton

I for one am having a hard time understanding why an on-duty police officer would leave his weapon in his cruiser when entering a church. Oh, I understand the symbolism - but he's on duty, 'to protect and serve' - and how is he going to 'protect' if unarmed? Sure, the Pilgrims carried their weapons for self-protection on the way to church and then stacked them at the front door before entering - but I can reasonably infer that somebody guarded those weapons - with rifle in hand - while the rest of the congregants were inside.

**Warlock** · 26th December 06, 11:37 PM

Wear it if you want. If you don't, no big deal. I like wearin' kilts, and I'm not Scottish, but just because I'm not doesn't mean I can't. What ever makes you feel best. { by the way, I have worn my S&W model 25 into church, when I've been on call. I'm a locksmith. 8 robbery ATTEMPTS, shot at 5 times. I shoot back!}