Anybody who has been in a dark crowded theater in the last week has probably pondered, “What if that were me who would have been a victim or someone who was part of my family?” Last Friday’s tragic incident in Colorado leaves a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the evil that exist in this world. I won’t offer up reductionist theories on how to eradicate mass shootings and certainly don’t feel we will ever obtain a utopian society in this temporal world we live in.
Yet, this should challenge us as a society to start serious conversations on why a civilian has access to an assault rifle that can injure and kill so many in a matter of 90 seconds. There is a thin line between a society that entitles individual liberty and right to bear arms and one that is responsible for insuring safety for its citizens. It seems that far too many times guns fall into the hands of sociopaths and mentally ill people who feel no empathy for human life. There are those who feel isolated and angry at society and families and co-workers who are not vigilante at seeking help for these individuals. Last of all we are part of a culture where violence is increasingly prevalent in music, movies, and video games.
In the end I don’t have answers and we as a society should look at all factors instead of taking sides on what is the causation of mass shootings. We live in a complex world where we are all interconnected to each other. In closing on earth God does not promise to spare humans from tragic events as we live in a fallen world. He does promise those who belong to him that he will always be with them in the midst of trials and tribulations and that one day those who have been redeemed will spend eternity with him where there will be no more pain, sickness, or suffering. Let us continue to pray for the victims’ families, survivors, and the shooter and his family as well. God is able to redeem any circumstance for ultimate good.
The problem with creating more laws to control the buying and selling of guns is this; those that want to harm others with weapons will continue to have access to weapons where those that use them responsibly are penalized. The answer to this conundrum is not more gun control.
The same amount of damage could be done with home made explosives or poisons. You can make highly toxic compounds using chemicals you have in your kitchen cleaners. When an individual wants to hurt, maim, and destroy others, they will find a way and there are not laws and regulations enough to stop them.
The solution to this issue is one that involves more than regulation. It requires we step away from our insular world of computers, social media, and cell phones. It requires that we engage with our neighbors and genuinely care about them.
Relationships, friendships, and being willing to get messy and get involved in someone else’ life is the only way this will ever stop.
Michelle, Thanks for the feedback, however I keep asking myself honestly “what if that were my little girl in that theater”. Americans enjoy individual freedoms and that is good but there should also be a line when we need to consider the safety of society as a whole. The problem with guns in this country is it is impossible to seperate responsible and irresponsible citizens. Mr. Holmes had no prior criminal record, but the fact he could purchase tear gas, bullet proof vest, and 6000 rounds of ammo is a little disturbing. You are correct we live in a world that if people wanted to do harm to others they could, however banning or restricting certain weapons could mitigate the extent of damage done. Sadly with the click of a mouse someone can have access to the type of guns that should only be used in military combat. Again though as the blog stated we live in a fallen world where we can never elimate violence, the hope is as Christians is to try to shine a light