Sgian Dubh and the Church

[Deil the Yin]

Though I have frequently worn my sgian to church, I thought it worth pointing out, and perhaps echoing Mr Bigdad's comment, that in some states (such as Georgia) it is illegal to carry an offensive weapon in a Church. While the kilt and its accoutrements are an integral and accepted part of Scottish culture in Scotland (and probably most of Britain for that matter), not everyone on this side of the Atlantic is as accustomed to the tradition, America in particular being the melting pot that it is. Thus to those outside the kilt tradition, your utility knife is only nominally removed from being an offensive weapon, if you smell what I'm steppin' in?

Just another point of view on the matter. So in conclusion I would say that if it seems to make fellow parishioners uncomfourtable, just slip it in your sporran until after the service...? That would seem to be the real crux, as it doesn't seem likely you'll be arrested for it given the minister finds it cosher.

My only comment is that you say you wear the sgian dubh out of tradition yet you don't seem to consider traditions of the church. I am not a church goer but was as a youth. I believe that most times in history when men were more likely to be armed in some way, be it sword or six gun, they did not take those weapons into church. It is out of respect to the less warrior type personality and less because the young boys think it is neat. Perhaps those young men should be taught that weapons don't go to church. And a sgian dubh in the sock is not analogous to a pocket knife hidden in a pocket.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Back on-topic, and this one has been severely beaten to death (but I 've been itchin' to have my say) lol... I have worn my sgian to church without incident, and would do so in the future. Now, if I were asked not to (whether it be politely or not), it would indicate to me a symptom of a far larger concern and a set of priorities that would compel me to most likely re-consider my choice of churches. I would prefer to find a church where people are more concerned about the content of my heart rather than the object in my sock. If people are uncomfortable with my sgian, then they will also most likely be uncomfortable with other aspects of my attire and character.

Unless I am causing offense to God or acting in a way that offends people in general, I will not change my customs and behaviors out of deference to a few cracked pots that have personal issues they just need to work out on their own but yet, find it necessary to project onto others, making it THEIR problem as well.

Spot on.

[BEEDEE]

The mods have been following this thread carefully. The decision to carry or not carry a sgian dubh in any circumstances is a personal choice and the subject has been well thrashed out to date.

We don't feel that any other posts will contribute more to the subject, so this


Brian and the Mod Squad