Cop author responds to book
criticism
By Ann Work
Wichita Falls police officer
and author Sgt. Charlie Eipper is reminding himself of the old saying, “There’s
no such thing as bad publicity,” as he promotes his controversial new book,
“Jesus Christ on Killing.”
Releasing his book on such a
fiery topic into the environment of today’s Internet has been “pretty ugly,” he
said Wednesday.
The Wichita Falls patrol
sergeant released the self-published book March 5.
The
book presents Eipper’s study of the Bible’s — thus, Jesus Christ’s — stance on
killing as expressed from Genesis through Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to
Matthew, Romans, 2 Corinthians and Revelation.
He
believes his book documents how Scripture supports self-defense when
threatened. He writes it also defends deadly force in the line of duty for
those whose mission it is to protect and defend our country.
Eipper also contends the Bible
has a surprising presentation of Jesus as the “Ultimate Warrior” who defeated
death at his resurrection but is predicted to return to earth in battle mode to
defend Israel.
It is a perspective on killing
he needed when he served as an Army helicopter pilot and later as a sniper and
gang unit team leader with the Wichita Falls Police Department SWAT team.
His job duties have required
him to use deadly force in several incidents; he wrote the book to help other
Christians, particularly those in the military or law enforcement, understand that
they can responsibly carry out their job duties and still be in complete
fellowship with their Savior.
But the book’s message has been
twisted and misunderstood by many, he said.
As recently as June 30, a
website called IssueHawk.com republished the TRN photo of Eipper by
photographer Torin Halsey, combining it with a rewritten TRN story, with
IssueHawk writer Igor Derysh claiming Eipper “justifies killing men in the line
of duty by invoking his Christian beliefs.”
Its headline says “Texas Cop
‘Kills for Christ,’ Claims to be Christian Warrior.”
The photo and article drew 43
comments.
“And Jesus cringes whenever
this guy claims to speak for the almighty. What a perversion of Christianity, “
wrote one.
“It’s always nice to hear from
the ‘loving and tolerant’ Christians,” wrote another.
Other comments ranged from,
“Texas is full of people just like him,” to “He is part of the far flung nuts
all across the country.”
Eipper has heard many more
criticisms.
“I had a 20-year-old kid meet
me yesterday who said, ‘Please tell me this article is not true,’” Eipper said.
“I said, ‘It’s not even close, man. Come up here and I’ll talk to you.’”
The two met at Hastings, where
Eipper laid out the book’s perspective.
“He was happy that I explained
some stuff,” he said. “It’s been like that ever since (the book released).”
Eipper corresponded with a
woman from Alaska who got so frustrating Eipper eventually just wrote, “Just
read the book, and then judge me.”
In his experience, nearly 100
percent of the negative comments come from people who have not read the book.
“They’re responding to articles
or responding to the title,” he said. “Some of it is just negative —
persecution for believing in God, or Christ — just anti-Christian stuff. I knew
that would come.”
Eipper’s mentor, Pastor Tom
Rodgers, told him to wear the criticism as a badge of honor.
The book has drawn positive
tidings, too.
The TRN article spurred a
connection with the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers organization, which
now promotes Eipper’s book on its website.
Well-known law enforcement
trainer, Lt. Jim Glennon, promotes the book in his classes across the nation.
It has spurred radio show
interviews and book signings.
Despite the harsh response
lately, Eipper doesn’t regret writing the book.
Like a pro, he’s warming up to
the realities of publishing.
“Even if it’s controversial
exposure, it’s good exposure,” he said.
