In The News

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ECHOES OF VIOLENCE


The responses to the death of nine parishioners in Charleston, South Carolina have been varied and sometimes conflicting. Persons have attributed this to a lack of adequate gun control, racial antagonism, ISIS indoctrination, and so on. Of course, it may be due to some combination of factors. Then, regardless of the cause, there remains to be considered what is the preferable response. All things considered, it appears to be a difficult call.
Difficulty notwithstanding, several observations would seem appropriate. (1) The racial issue seems foremost among the considerations. The alleged gunman had a history of racial antagonism, and seemed driven to address the issue.
While it is generally agreed that race relations need improvement, some are more inclined to play the race card than others. I think it preferable to emphasize the positive features of our racial relationships than its negative alternatives. For instance, I was pleased to see that a newspaper had selected a picture of a black and white youth embracing in prayer by way of response. After which, television showed the parade of persons in defiance of such abhorrent practice.
(2) Conversely, some seized on this opportunity to promote gun control. This is one of the more divisive issues in our culture. While an appropriate consideration, it comes across as opportunistic, while overlooking the need for reconciliation and healing.
I recently inquired of a person involved in security as to the effect of gun control. He allowed that there was no simple solution, since the bad guys are adept at circumventing restrictions. While the possession of fire arms in some instances acts as a deterrent against violence. Moreover, the issue plays out differently in rural and urban environs.
(3) Not to be overlooked, this slaughter of innocent persons took place in the confines of a historic church, associated with the anti-slavery movement. The blatant attack of Christians for their faith is sharply on the increase. In a manner striking similar to when they were labeled as pagans, for their refusal to worship false deities. But now when they will not embrace what is promoted as political correctness.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:12-13). On condition that they refuse to be conformed to culture, but transformed by the renewing of their mind (cf. Rom. 12:2).
(4) Whether in this connection or some other, hate is commonly attributed to so-called hard love. As for the former, hate consists of passionate dislike, and the hope for revenge. As for the latter, hard love strives for improvement. As C. S. Lewis observed, it is because that God loves us that he strives to make us lovable.
In this regard, it appears that the charge of hate crimes is highly selective and difficult to establish. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Jesus inquired. “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:3, 5). So it would seem.
(5) There is also a notable lack of civility in current political discourse. Whereas civility serves as a prime expression of genuine love for one another. “Love is patient, love is king, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
Furthermore, “To be fully human we must be able to imagine other’s hurt and to relate it to the hurt we would experience if we were in their place. Consideration is imagination on a moral track” (P. M. Forni, Choosing Civility, p. 7).
(6) If fully human, then to seek common ground. Which affirms the sacred character of life. From beginning to end, and without exception. Which obviously has wide ranging implications, that need to be considered selectively.
All of which recalls that periodically in the creation narrative it was observed that it was good, and in conclusion that it was very good. That is to say, it was functional and aesthetically pleasing. Consequently, to be appreciatively preserved, as a common legacy. Or so it seems, in the light of this tragic event.

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