Recent shootings have sparked serious discussions about how to prevent these tragedies. Is the root problem guns, or ignorance, or poor mental health?
The mass murders inside a Connecticut (USA) school and on a Norwegian island remind all of us that we live in a sin-cursed world. When the victims are young, the tragedy is even more painful and profound. The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, in particular, has sparked serious discussion about how to prevent these tragedies. Some argue for more gun regulation, some for education. Is the root problem guns, or ignorance, or poor mental health? While no one can make complete sense of crazed gunmen’s actions, Christians are in a position to offer an answer that gives real hope.
The Bible tells us the underlying cause of massacres—sin. Around six thousand years ago, death and suffering entered the world through the rebellion of Adam and Eve in their perfect world. The first homicide occurred when the first couple’s son, Cain, killed his brother, Abel.
Because of Adam’s sin, all of us are under a death sentence. But that’s not the end of the story. Christ, who entered the world two thousand years ago, conquered death when He died on the Cross to pay for all our sins.* With that death and His Resurrection, He made eternal life available to sinners. Tragedy provides an opportunity to share that good news with hurting people.