I'd like to offer reflections on the Orlando Massacre which transpired a few days ago. Please read the entire post prior to commenting.
This is a massacre. A mass killing. It is a tragedy and that fact must not be forgotten. Many lives were lost and so many were changed forever. We must never politicize such tragedies in a way that demeans or disenfranchises the victims and their loved ones.
It is, as always, appropriate to have a healthy discussion around the event, but only in the effort to respond to those effected with selfless love, or in the effort to prevent another similar tragedy from occurring in the future. These discussions, however, should take into account that all of us--save those very, very few who promote mass killings--are on the same side. Whether you are conservative or liberal, a northerner or a southerner, old or young, and gay or straight, we are together and united in our disgust with this action and resolution to prevent another similar action.
It is important not to blame the wrong people, as is so frequent in our society. It is highly inappropriate to blame the victims for not embracing their 2nd amendment right to gun ownership, or to blame the nightclub for banning weapons. It is very true that if someone nearby had a firearm, knew how to use it, and had good aim, the tragedy could have been reduced; but the victims are not remotely responsible for the terror inflicted upon them. No one can or should be blamed for having violence perpetuated against them. The case is also true with someone who is a victim of rape; even if that individual is dressed "scandalously", they are not asking for violence, and no one has the right to their body or life without consent. Victims are not to be blamed! They are victims.
It is important not to blame gun owners or those who support an interpretation of the 2nd amendment that allows semiautomatic rifles. Gun owners across America did not commit murder in Orlando this week; one man did. It is very true that the semiautomatic weapon used in Orlando made the massacre more deadly than a simple pistol, and a healthy, respectful discussion on whether or not such weapons are permissible to the common public is in order, with or without a massacre taking place. But we need to understand that all the weapons in the world cannot commit such violence without a human being with violent intention. Again, do not blame people for their politics and imply that their politics lead to this violence, as this places attention away from bringing love and compassion to the victims and their families. Furthermore, it causes a divide between people that should not exist; we are called to be united in peace against violence.
It is important not to blame Muslims for this violence. It is very appropriate to understand that one group of highly radicalized Muslims called "ISIS" has taken responsibility for this event and has celebrated this atrocity; but I want to remind you that religious extremists do exist and have existed for centuries, and even have a notorious place in Christian history (the KKK comes to mind). Violence committed in the name of religion is not new, but such violence does not represent those who don't participate in it. Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I am part of the KKK; likewise, just because someone is a Muslim does not mean that they are part of ISIS or otherwise seek death to Christians/Americans/gays/etc. There are just too many Muslims to make a blanket statement about them in this manner, and doing so can only lead to greater problems. As Christians it is doubly important to us that we are kind and loving towards all people, including Muslims, as a witness to the power of the Holy Spirit, given to us by Jesus Christ our Lord and our Father in heaven.
We can squarely blame the gunman for this violence. Upon his hands lies the blood of more than 50 people. And I would even include some share of blame for any and all who directly encouraged him to undertake the event, including those who are promoting ISIS's ideology. But please do not place blame on all those people whom you do not like; again, while it is healthy to have a conversation about how to help transform our society into a more peaceful one, it is counterproductive to use anger and hate towards one another, as almost all of us are on the same side.
Here are just some suggestions for how we might move forward in transforming our society into one where massacres are a distant history:
1. Pray for one another, and often. Pray for those people you love of course; but also pray for those people you don't like. Pray for people with whom you disagree politically. Don't pray for these people despite them, but honestly pray for their flourishing through God's blessings. Prayer can and will transform us to be a more peaceful society.
2. Consider donation to the families impacted by violence, whether these from Orlando, or those in other massacres, such as in Charleston last year. I promise that if you look online, you will find a way to tangibly support victims of violence; and I assure you that even a week later, a month later, or years after a tragedy, your assistance is both needed and appreciated greatly.
3. Be a salty witness to peace and justice, both online and offline. With Facebook posts, avoid messages that blame groups of people, particularly those we've talked about who aren't responsible for committing violence. Messages of solidarity, compassion and prayer are all great witnesses. In person, do the same, especially in public when people are apt to overhear you. Conversations should focus on outpouring of love for the victims.
4. Political action is possible, but know that Christians will disagree on politics and that no political party is endorsed by God. If you are convicted to undergo political action, whether small or large, in response to this violence, please remember the victims and keep them at the forefront of your mind. Using tragedy to prop up your own political agenda is not only in poor taste, but is a terrible Christian witness. First and foremost our political agenda is that Christ has come to redeem the world; all other politics should be secondary. And Christ just so happens to keep us at the forefront of all that he does, particularly those who are suffering and disenfranchised. So when undertaking a political response to this tragedy, or at any time, never forget that your identity lies in the life of Christ Jesus, who was victimized and violently murdered at the hands of religious extremists and political strongmen.
5. Never lose hope. Remember that this world ends in a new creation, and that resurrection lies ahead. Best of all is God is with us; and God will never abandon us because he has chosen to be God with us. Never allow violence to curtail that hope we have in Christ who strengthens the weak.
Peace be with you all, and my highest sympathy and love for those impacted by the Orlando Massacre.
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