By now, we all know - the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech this morning has left as many as 33 dead, including the gunman. Some have called it the deadliest shooting in modern US history. For the friends and family of the deceased, it's an especially a sad day. May the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, comfort them in their grief and trouble.
Even for the rest of us, it is difficult not to be affected by such tragedy and senseless killing. It's a harsh reminder that we live in a fallen world, tainted by our rebellion against God. How can we make sense of this? I suggest reading this perspective on the Virginia Tech shooting from the Desiring God blog. It offers a view on how to care for those in suffering as well as a biblical perspective on suffering, evil and God's sovereignty.
Another good reference point on how to speak about this tragedy with non-Christians is the speech by Tim Keller, delivered at the 9/11 remembrance service last year in NYC. Great takeaways on how to identify with suffering (as we rightly should) and yet introduce the hope of the gospel.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Thanks for the links, ESI. And the courage to post something about it. I feel completely numb when I think about stuff like this.
Not sad exactly. Not angry. Just numb.
Mark
I understand. How could we possibly not feel numb? It wasn't expected and as typical of these mass shootings, it seems so senseless.
There was so much I wanted to say as commentary to the incident but given how challenging it is to phrase it "just right", I decided to link to others who have said it better than I ever will.
Sometimes I think it is okay not to speak for awhile, not to explain, not to anesthetize. Just sit with it. I think that can be okay.
LL
Yes, those are wise words.
It's wierd how this is such a horrible tragedy, but because it didn't happen close to home, and network news constantly feeds us shocking images, the shock-value has been mitigated.
Craver
I was wondering how the rest of the country might process this over time. In the DC area, due to relative proximity to VA Tech, there are a lot of connections to the tragedy.
But, I must say that the news coverage has been overwhelming...it can numb us to the loss of lives. And, of course the repeated showing of the killer's video tape is unprofitable, IMHO.
Post a Comment