My wife and I are in deep sadness over the death of 17 students and teachers in Parkland, Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
We’re also grieved by the fact that the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, had a long history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with autism. Reports show he regularly faced rejection from classmates and neighbors.
Every part of this story is incredibly sad and heart-wrenching.
But while many will weigh-in to talk about political, legal, and psychological factors, I want to go back to a foundational issue, which is actually theological.
We live in a culture that not only allows but promotes and glorifies violence. The quantity of horror movies pouring out of Hollywood is frightening. Redbox, Netflix, and Hulu “blood and gore” film options abound. The gaming industry is filled with products that give players points for extreme violence, murder, and rape. Even the clothing and music industries proliferate gang-culture.
In a sad twist of irony, one student who survived the shooting in Parkland told a reporter, “It was really bad. We knew this wasn’t a drill. . . . It seemed like it was out of a video game.”
To make matters worse, many families who confess to be Christians not only accept but purchase and enjoy these products of our violent culture. They may even shame those who disagree with their favorite forms of entertainment.
So why should we wonder when criminal violence and vitriol is skyrocketing?
Yet God’s Word is clear: “The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates.” (Psalm 11:5)
The heart of God is actively opposed to those who enjoy violence.
Some will immediately object, “But what about war violence?” Yet I have met numerous military veterans who don’t wish to talk for one minute about the actual violence they had to endure for the sake of peace. Some men I know are seriously traumatized by some of the war films produced today. Why? Because they know the real-life consequences of war. It’s not through a screen and portrayed on a set for them.
It’s time for God’s people to repent of soaking in and approving of our culture of violence. It’s time for Christians everywhere to stand up and say, “No more. Not in my house. Not on my watch.”
As we pray for those grieving the loss of their loved ones, let us also pray for an awakening across our nation to the Gospel of Christ, which alone produces the lasting fruit of peace, righteousness, and justice.
Will you join me?
Trackbacks/Pingbacks