The Seeds of Violence

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement." (Matthew 5:21-22).

I never completely understood that passage until this week. A conservative speaker was shot dead. Everyone is asking "Why?" The president blames the opposing party. The "Radicals on the Left" are responsible for what is happening to the country. So, who was responsible when they were attacked? Earlier in the year, two democratic senators were shot outside their homes. Who was responsible when a democratic governor nearly got burned to death in his own home? 

What is at the root of this culture of violence? What is behind this epidemic of shootings that has gotten so out of control? What is violence and how does it begin? Violence has been around since Cain and Abel. It is an extremely complex issue and the factors contributing to it are numerous. We have a lot to learn about why it happens and how to prevent it. One thing I am certain of, however, is that it does not develop overnight. It is like a plant that takes a long time to grow, and it doesn't begin with a gun. Sometimes it begins with a tongue. 

The flames of violence have always been burning, but lately there have been some trends that added fuel to the fire. We were suddenly given the impression that it is okay to say whatever we feel like saying. It is okay to verbally attack our opponents in a public speech. It is okay to make snide remarks about them and utterly humiliate them in front of crowds of people. There is no need to hold our tongue or exhibit any restraint over our emotions or impulses. It is okay to be rude, aggressive and dismissive. We don't have to respect the people who do not agree with us. We were given the impression that it is okay to distort the truth and tell only part of the story. We were presented with a black and white picture of humanity - these are the "good" people and those are the "very bad" ones. We were given the impression that the "very bad" ones have no rights. We do not need to treat them with respect or to care about them. We do not need to treat them in a humane way. The behavior of others has become an acceptable justification for our own. Furthermore, instead of trying to better understand a problem, we are given the impression that we should focus on who we can blame for it, and how we can punish them. 

Naive are those who support these kinds of attitudes and think that they have nothing to do with the person who picks up a gun. Everything we do and say sends a message to everyone around us. The message that we do not need to respect others can have a powerful influence on the emotionally vulnerable, especially when that message comes from a leader. We as the masses need to decide whether or not we are going to tolerate that message. 

                          "Before you say "Amen" at your home or place of worship, remember that a child is listening".

                                                    Mary Griffith (from the TV movie "Prayers for Bobby").