Tag Archives: Violence

Violence

What is the cause of violence?  For what reason does a person “get into the face of another” and shout and curse and spit vitriol?  I think is it simply sin.  You see, sin is a riddle, a mystery, a reality that is difficult to define.  It is often ignored because there is no personal responsibility if there if it remains a nebulous concept.  Often, we try to think of this idea called sin and think of it as wrongdoing or transgression of some standard. But it also includes the failure to do what is correct, prudent, loving.  Sin offends people, it is violence and lovelessness pointed and directed toward others.  But more than that, it is disrespectful to God.

The concept of sin is very complex, and the terminology associated with is also very complex. And when I try to reconcile all the opinions of what is lawful and what is not, it is easy to be caught up in a definition hell.  To make a differentation between peaceful protest and rioters is charged with political condemnation.  Simply to say, all lives matter is seen as racist. But in reality, it is not about definitions or even spin or fake news. It is about the expectation of my behavior in relationship to all around me. To repeat the admonition of Jesus, “However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the law and the prophets.” The cause of violence is simply not doing what you expect others to do to you. 

What is going on here?

Help me to understand. I simply do not understand how tearing down society and culture helps. Why would any person willingly destroy property simply to make a statement of belief? When does violence, destruction, mayhem, infliction of pain become justified to make a point? What I don’t understand is the motive behind these acts of common indecency.

The motive of those who would seem to actively tear down something has to be skewed in some way to say it is OK to protest violence with much worse violence. If it is to bring awareness to injustice, you have made your point. Yes, there is injustice in our society. Yet to inflict even more injustice is simply without merit.

I am a Christian. I am commanded to love. No limitations, no restrictions, no lines in the sand where you can step over and I will not love you. What I ask is that you look at your own lives for injustice, hate, bigotry, racism, and before you make your case. Jesus said not to judge that you may not be judged in the same manner. Are your awareness actions anything like what you want to accomplish? Do you want to be treated like you are treating those about you? Jesus would ask you to make sure your heart is right first. THEN make your case, in a logical, unemotional, thoughtful way and I will listen. Throw away all the catchphrases and sound bites, all they do is stop the discussion. Don’t call me names and fill your protest with pre-conceived ideas about me. Present to me your solutions to the injustice which carries no inherent injustices themselves, and I will try to everything in my soul to work toward that solution.

In the meantime, stop with the violence, destruction, mayhem, and infliction of pain to make a point and which does not include a solution.