By Gerard Valentino

(This commentary has also been published at CNSNews.com)

Ohio's concealed carry law allows private property owners to post signs banning the carrying of weapons on their property. As a pro-gun advocate, I am saddened whenever I see such a sign, but never more so than when walking by a local chapter of a large Christian charitable organization.

Having been raised a Christian, I am familiar with the teachings of the Bible and bristle whenever people tell me that self-defense and being Christian don't mix. In fact, Christianity is based on the premise that innocent people should be helped and protected, which is the basis for Christianity's strong pro-life stance.

As someone with medical problems that limit my upper body strength, I probably couldn't fight off a determined attacker long enough for my wife and children to run to safety. That means I might have to take the life of a criminal intent on doing us harm and to that end I never go out in public unarmed. Luckily, for people like me, Ohio's concealed carry law gave citizens back the right to self-defense bestowed by the Creator and affirmed in the United States Constitution.

It also allows me to walk the streets without undue fear for the well being of myself and my family. If the day comes when I have to take the life of an attacker, I will do so knowing my choice was just, right, and well within the teachings of Christ and the Church. I will also go to my Maker knowing my actions will not be judged as wrong.

That is not the message being peddled by any church that posts signs banning legal concealed carry on church property. The signs are actually an outward way of stating that the life of everyone that walks through the door is secondary to a misguided fear of guns, and that the life of a criminal predator is more valuable than law-abiding patrons.

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