What Response?

The outrage, confusion and sadness which have come as a result of the recent shootings in Colorado have, yet again, in a time of tragedy, produced a wide range of reactions from the religious community.

"The gunman's actions are a result of the sins of others," we're told by some.

"The non-Christians among the dead are now in hell," others have pointed out.

"More guns at public events is the answer," I've heard more times than I care to hear.

Fellow believers, do these things seem right to you? Are these kind of pronouncements helpful? Most importantly, do they line up with the teachings of Jesus? His message is where our focus must be. A sick and twisted or evil mind, intent on doing harm, devised this plan of destruction, and carried it out, not anyone else, and it is also not for us to presume to know, or make public comment on, the eternal status of any of the victims. Give me some New Testament scripture, in proper context, which supports another view, and I'm willing to reconsider my position. But in the meantime, let's please stop the hurtful rhetoric.

There are those who think it is naive to say we should mourn, forgive and go forward without seeking answers. However, followers of Jesus need to take a long, hard look at what our response should be. What would he say about a case like this? Based on scripture, the answer would be give comfort and seek peace, not retribution.

One notion at the forefront is that had movie-goers been armed, the extent of the tragedy could have been lessened. But would we really feel safer attending a public event with the knowledge many others were there with weapons? I, personally, certainly don't believe guns should be outlawed, but the thought of more guns carried by more people is not comforting to me. In a time of chaos, imagine gunfire coming from several directions, and the confusion which would ensue. 

And where does it end? When does protection become preemptive? What if someone stands up down front to leave in the middle of a movie, with an umbrella in hand which is mistaken for a gun? Does the thought of a well-meaning citizen shooting an innocent victim in a darkened theater not give us all pause? Believers are required to consider the kind of community Jesus envisioned, and his teachings are practical, as well as spiritual. A violent or hateful response to violence solves nothing.

For those who seek to grow spiritually, there is a realization of putting aside our natural, human impulses as part of the growth process. We will not be able to prevent, fix or understand every tragedy, but we can do our part to not make the situation worse with hurtful, unloving words which bring those who are grieving no comfort.