I believe
Posted on October 12, 2006
Filed Under characters, death, family, religion, society | 1 Comment
I don’t actually but, more and more, I’m finding it disconcerting, in a nagging doubt kinda way, when I read about others who do. A Bore has written a nice piece that contrasts those whose belief is quiet and gentle with those who believe in an eye for an eye.
How Christians react to death and murder is the article’s title and I’ve included the first few paragraphs. Enjoy.
On Monday the 2nd of October, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts lined up 11 Amish girls and shot them at point blank range before committing suicide. He was reportedly angry at God for taking his daughter, who had died at just 20 minutes old. 5 of the Amish girls have died so far. 2 of the girls are reported to have asked to be shot first, to buy the others some time. How did the Amish react to this atrocity?
That evening they gathered together and organised a horse and buggy to visit the family of Charles Carl Roberts with food and sympathy. They invited the killer’s widow to the family funerals. They bought a lock for their schoolroom door. Now they aim to establish two funds, one for the families of the dead girls, one to provide for the killers family.
Out of a horrific incident, the Amish showed what faith in God really was, turning even that horror into a demonstration of the highest principles of their faith. I must confess, I find their actions deeply moving.
And so do I.
Comments
One Response to “I believe”
This is a great post, you’re all writing really relevant stuff today, which is heart warming. there is nothing more of a waste of time than dealing with another person’s petty malice. On the other hand, revenge can be justified, and if the grievance is terrible, it can be a deep need. We’ve had this conversation before.