For the past several years I have been telling those who would listen that school, mall and church shootings will increase exponentially in the United States. And we are seeing it. Now right in Mary McKinney's back yard, just like happened in our 'back yard' a year ago October when 5 Amish girls died in a schoolhouse shooting.
We should not be deceived. These shooters are just like us, in fact they are us. In a country that has more handguns, rifles and automatic weapons per capita than any other, we should not be surprised when the center no longer holds and 'crazed gunmen' (and women) go on a rampage.
According to the mimetic theory, culture is breaking down because of the proclamation of the gospel. Our tendency to valorize violence, in video games, movies, sports, politics and national conflicts (John McCain "we must bring our troops home with honor") are sure indications that we are reaping what we have sown.
But before culture can break down in its external form, it breaks down in its internal form, in the minds of those who have been real or perceived victims of violence. These are the demoniacs of the gospel tradition, the 'crazy' people locked up in institutions, the socially aberrant so well described by Michel Foucault and others.
Getting out of the war in Iraq is real big these days, especially among our progressive Christian friends. Getting the war out of our heads ought to be as high a priority. The reason we war in our heads, create rivalries that escalate out of control is because we have not dealt with the more primary component, viz., imitated desire. We still laud the 'free market economy' that urges us to think more is better, commercials and advertisements tease us with a Platonic dream of wanting and having more as though our needs would or could be met by things. Our right as Americans to 'pursue happiness' is bringing us to our knees, we were not meant for this lifestyle as creatures made in the image of God.
So do not be surprised my friends when citizens among us (who are really expressions of our inner selves and not distinct from us) break down and utilize violence as the solution to their problems. Our own President and his administration are no different than these school shooters, for they all think that violence is the solution, the antidote to violence. Satan cannot cast out satan. Violence will never expel violence. Rather, as Christians we are called to engage in the exorcism of these dark forces. As Paul says, put on the armor of God and pray, and having prayed, continue to stand in the victory of Christ and pray more.
Michael
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