Reflections on the Tragedy at Newtown

Written by E. Lee Webster

Some time has now passed and we can look back at the senseless shootings at Newtown, Connecticut. Like most people I was impacted by the tragedy. Events like this trigger great sorrow. Most parents and grandparents pause imagining that it could have been one of ours. We identify with the parents and families that experienced the tragedy overwhelmed by the immensity of what happened. What can we learn from what happened there? Even now I am attempting sort out my thoughts concerning that day.

Following the media and social networking it is clear that there have been a number of reactions to the event. There is a move for gun control, movie and electronic games have been criticized, some want police assigned to every school or some want to arm teachers, others have proposed mental health services, and there have even been some lawsuits. Some educators that I have met have suggested that it was an isolated event and that nothing could have been done to prevent the carnage. As I reflect, however, some of the suggestions may have merit but it appears to me that the problem is rooted deeply in our culture which has rejected many traditional values and beliefs. I am again reminded:

1. Life is precious. Every person who experiences the loss of a loved one knows that life is both precious and fragile. Following a tragedy such as that in Connecticut the immensity of the loss emphasizes this truth. In the mean time we do not often extend that same value to include others who also are cheated of the gift of life. Guns are not responsible for the thousands of lives sacrificed each year through abortion or euthanasia. I find it hard to believe that death and loss on one hand is considered violence and on the other is acceptable. How does one explain that dichotomy to a young child and what does it say about our culture?

2. Marriage and Family are the core of our society. This truth is clearly evident when we view family members coming together as the primary source of support to those grieving. Parents and grandparents clinging to one another and their children for comfort. Meanwhile there are alarming trends taking place in the institution of marriage. Cohabitation is increasing, marriage rates are dropping, divorce rates are tending to increase. Statistics clearly bear out that the social, educational, emotional and financial benefits of this institution for parents and children alike. Clearly, the best place for a child to experience physical, emotional, and social growth is in a stable the home with his or her natural parents. It is time for all of us to recommit to strengthening marriage and the vows that bind a man and a woman together, “until death do us part.”

3. Evil is a reality. This has been true since the beginning of time. Consider the biblical account of Cain and Abel, the atrocities in the Roman Coliseum, the Holocaust, Oklahoma City and 9/11. Evil permeates life and culture and seeks to destroy. Consider also the impact of bullying, domestic violence, video games that promote murder and crime, movies that idolize killing, pornographic images that devalue people, and political demonstrations with threats and brutality. Perhaps it is time for us to take a closer look at this reality and resolve to make significant political and legal changes to provide a safer world for our children and grandchildren.

4. God is in Control. As much a reality as Evil is, we strive to find the goodness and comfort in our faith. In times of crisis and loss people turn to God for answers (and sometimes to blame him). Unfortunately, after the tragedy passes, the tendency is to return to our old patterns and forget God. After 9/11 the churches were filled but 6 months later things returned to normal. Now there are some who would restrict the freedom of Religion and remove the symbolism and reference to God from our heritage and future. It is “In God We Trust,” or have trusted, for generations. In Him love, hope, joy, comfort, purpose and meaning in life can be found. Jesus in speaking to his disciples said clearly, “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Now, as we enter 2013 I hope that all of us will take the time to reflect on these issues. Each of us bears the responsibility for the future. Remembering in the words of Edmund Burke the “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil for good men to do nothing.”