During the past six months it seems our nation has experienced an alarming spike in violence. The mass shooting at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, the rampage in Newtown, Connecticut, and a 15-year-old boy's slaying of his parents and three younger siblings in New Mexico are but highlights of almost epidemic senseless murder.
In the wake of these violent crimes, much has been made of the causes and possible solutions. Unless you are from another planet you are well aware that our country is in the midst of a heated debate over gun control. The President has appointed a task force to research and recommend more stringent gun laws and second amendment defenders are standing strongly opposed.
Just this week, famed actor, Dustin Hoffman laid the blame at the feet of Hollywood by accusing movie directors of desensitizing audiences with a "fraudulent" depiction of real life violence. In response, Arnold "The Governator" Schwarzenegger and Samuel L. Jackson, accomplished actors in their own right, insist movie violence has no correlation with real life issues.
What I find interesting in the discussion is that politicians, actors, and the news network talking heads are quick to jump to and vociferous in their debate about the possible causes and solution, yet will not even entertain the thought that the problem might be spiritual. Consider this, long before there were guns, Cain killed Abel. Before Hollywood began pushing gratuitous violence in films and video games, "the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). Before a task force organized to tackle the problem, God said "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Before glory hounds and confused conspiracy theorists began bombing heavily populated buildings Jesus identified the cause clearly when He said, "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness" (Mark 7:21, 22). Without a doubt, the problem is spiritual.
So where does that leave us? Well, clearly we must not bury our heads in the sand. We must recognize, to some degree, that the movies and video games of the last 30 years have created in the minds of teens and young adults a false reality about violence and death. We must defend our constitutional rights to bear arms, but recognize that some citizens, either because of previous unlawful acts or mental instability, no longer have the right to own a gun. But more importantly, we must recognize that neither total gun control, nor a "Father Knows Best" Hollywood will solve the problem. The solution is a changed heart and a changed heart can be had only in Jesus. That is why Paul wrote "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We, who are salt and light, must become determined in prayer and urgent in evangelism. And we must cry out, "God help humanity."
Journey On,
Michael
