Violence

We are more and more touched by violent acts: the Pittsburg synagogue murders, the Cesar Sayoc pipe bomber, yelling at Supreme Court nominee hearings, aggression toward Sarah Sanders at a restaurant, etc.

We are more and more engulfed in violent talk: promote violence to get one’s way, shouts of “death” to others, writings and books that are caustic to goodwill to all, less Christmas cheer with “peace on earth and goodwill toward men”, etc.

We are more and more touched by violent images: movie after movie blowing up cars and buildings, video games that kill and kill and kill with no affect on the conscience, pictures from war areas, and pictures of men and women lying dead from murder or disaster.

So, how do we get back to some civility?

Ideas abound such as making changes in D.C., “Be kind” programs at schools, return to former times, arms linked rallies with candles, the call for more faith, “come together” calls, etc.

And what is at the root of this violence?  Obviously anger!  And why anger?

1 . Broken homes:  Fathers absent, drunk or drugged, lazy, loud, or sports consumed, disconnected.  Violent talk between spouses or violent actions such as throwing things and no-fault divorce.  Anger toward a former spouse that results in continued court fights.

2 . You deserve!:  The idea that people deserve this and that.  Commercial after commercial pitches that a product will give you what you deserve.  “If I deserve, then why don’t I get?”

3. Blame game:  It is or was not my fault.  Personal responsibility is out.  There is no “I’m sorry” or “I’m wrong” or “Please, forgive me.”  It is always someone else that is wrong.

4. Unjust and lethargic courts:  Because justice is denied or delayed, the hearts of men are the more set to taking matters into their own hands.

5. Abuse by authorities:  Coaches, police, priests, and bosses (nearing retirement and laid off).  A deepening resentment toward those who were once held in esteem.

6. Ray Donovans promoted:  A TV series where the “hero”, not a policeman nor a private investigator, but a citizen on his own fixing things.  Taking matters into one’s own hands is against the rule of law and government – it is anarchy!

7. Arguing:  Sports shows, news programs, and interviews all talking on top of another or cutting someone off mid-sentence.  No common respect given to hear another out.

8. Mocking:  Belittle, denigrate, and ridicule others – even friends! – even if done in jest is not acceptable.  Social Media!  It fosters attacks with less and less thought of impact for it doesn’t happen face-to-face.

9. Truth:  Half-truths, 90% truths or almost truths are NOT the truth!  Either tell the truth or be quiet!  Social Media again!

10. Faith:  Faith in “what” matters!  Faith in Faith is Faith in nothing!  Faith in god – in what god?  The money god?  The education god?  The American god?  The religion god?  The superhero god?  The entertainment god?

If we could get a grip of these things we would be much better off, but not fixed!  Until we return to a fear of God and the teachings of Jesus we will not find the deep, lasting help that we need.

Fear of God:  There is a God who is holy – has standards / the 10 commandments; is present – sees, hears, and knows all; and is judging and will judge – withholds rain, sends calamities and will send people to an eternal, terrible Hell.

The ways of Jesus:  Love God, love neighbor, respect authority, know when to be quiet, and go about doing good.

May God help us see our own part in the problem and give us the gumption to change.