I’ve been thinking. A dangerous pastime, I know. But the assassination of a debater who had different views than others has bothered me a little. Now they’ve caught the guy and have determined he was acting alone. I’m acquainted with violence. I think I’ve seen, and been involved with, violence more than most people. Because of this I have a thick skin and even a dark humor toward it. But this particular political assassination was different to me. I’m not really a Charlie Kirk fan. Some of his debates I enjoyed but I didn’t really follow him. I guess his murder is indicative of our society and that’s what bothers me. I feel that most people are good citizens. Even when we don’t agree politically or religiously. Some good natured ribbing or even name calling may be acceptable. But this idea that if you’re different you’re wrong needs to change. I actually can get along with someone who does not believe in God. I don’t need others to confirm my beliefs. I guess it’s the idea of someone disagreeing so much that they would kill another. I don’t get that. To some point I can understand someone getting so angry that they kill someone in a moment of rage. But calm, calculated, killing of another human because of their beliefs concerns me greatly. In February of this years come these headlines:
Passenger Becomes Violent After Demanding To Know Where Mormon Passengers Were On United Airlines Redeye
On Sunday night, United Airlines flight UA1484 took off from San Francisco (SFO) for Chicago (ORD). But shortly into the flight, a man began acting strangely. He got up frequently and walked to the front of the aircraft. He got in the face of flight attendants. They argued. He raised his voice. He also demanded to know where the Mormons were onboard.
It’s not clear whether the passenger was a Mormon himself. Many members of the Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), colloquially referred to as Mormons, do not drink alcohol (or coffee or tea, per the “Word of Wisdom”…) and this passenger appears drunk.
Then in Michigan a guy shoots and kills 4 members after ramming his truck into a chapel and setting it on fire. And now we get this news story:
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The former Marine who opened fire in a Michigan church and set it ablaze last month was motivated by “anti-religious beliefs” against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the FBI confirmed.
I know it seems like I’m fear mongering. It seems like I’m beating a dead horse. But I don’t know what else to do. The persecution of members is on the uptick. In the military we call that a trend. I don’t know what the guy was going to do if he found a “Mormon” on that plane in February. But I don’t think he was going to give them an award for being good Christians! Now he appeared drunk. But he was also clearly violent. You can’t carry a weapon on a plane, and you also can’t Run, Hide, Fight. Well, maybe you could hide a little. Or throw your soda. But running is out. Guys, we need to be aware. We are being singled out as members of the Church by those who hate us and want to do us harm. The only time it was this bad was when we were being run out of states. The government and general population were against us with extermination orders and mobs. At least for now the government will protect us.
How should we respond?
Joseph Smith said:
“The standard of truth has been erected; No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:540.
Persecutions are raging. Calumny (false, defamatory statements) is defaming. Joseph Smith understood all of what was to come, and the Church experienced all of these things. Armies did assemble against the Church.
Only in the early days of the Church was there a worse time than now for members of the Church. In answer we must be strong. We should protect the Church with words of defense, but we should also be prepared to defend it and ourselves physically. I know many members will talk to me about being a peacemaker. I prefer peace. I’ve been in war and believe me, I don’t want to do that again. Being a peacemaker is fine until those wishing harm upon us or the Church bring the fight to us! Do we die trying to be peacemakers? Do we let evil win and just kill us all? It’s not in my DNA. I can’t do it! Just as I can’t watch a man beat a woman on the street without intervening. It’s not in me. I’m not a hero or a crime fighter. I’m just a guy. I also do not believe my Father in Heaven wants me to just watch as bad things happen.
The reason I started this blog was to share with others what I have learned and hopefully learn from others. But if you haven’t figured it out yet by reading my past posts, I believe in defending. So let me say right here, learn how to defend. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, learn to defend. I say the same to all as I say to members. Learn to defend. It doesn’t have to be a gun but learn to defend yourself and your family. I recommend a gun. But that’s just my preference. One of the most important things we can learn is situational awareness. Some shooting instructors don’t believe that, but I do. Anyone can learn situational awareness. Understanding and watching what is going on around you is something kids can learn. Listening to your “gut” feeling or what I call the Spirit. There is a book by Gavin de Becker titled “The Gift of Fear - Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence” that everyone should read. It talks about how fear and intuition can be a blessing, trusting your instincts to keep ourselves and others safe.
My friends, these are the last days. We know that persecution will increase to those who believe in Christ. There will be horrible, unspeakable events. We must remain vigilant. We must care for each other and others. We must defend truth and righteousness. We must endure. To do this well we must defend. Find a good instructor. Take classes. Practice. Play out scenarios. Practice good situational awareness and operations security. Do all this while serving others, being kind, and sharing truth.
I will try to keep my topics more diverse and not keep raising my warning voice. I know I just wrote a post similar to this:
Persecution is Heating Up! October 8, 2025
I’ve addressed security at Church for many years. I’ve also raised a voice of warning for some time. But it is “Heating Up”
I don’t want to say I told you so, but I did in 2022.
“But this policy is a disaster waiting to happen. I predict it will happen one day.”
From “Bishops and Security: Comment Reply” Sep 9, 2022
This was in reference to the Run, Hide, Fight policy that the Church insists is the ultimate in latest security at church. It failed 4 people on September 28th in Michigan. It will happen again because the policy is woefully inadequate.
Please think about this, pray about this, and prepare!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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