If only we could learn the causes of violence.  In a recent column Motive of destruction, (Boston Globe 1/8/14) Daniel Benjamin writes about terrorism, bombings and mass shootings.  It now appears that the Boston marathon was not an organized act of terrorism, but rather the work of a mentally unstable young man and his brother.  So we muse about the causes of violence – the shootings of children at Sandy Hook elementary school, the Oklahoma City bombing, the Boston Marathon bombing, the twin towers falling on 9/11.  What causes people to engage in these acts of terror and destruction and how can we protect ourselves and our society?  We explore social, psychological and ideologiacl reasons.  But there is one dynmaic glaringly missing from this public discussion: sin.

I know it’s an old-fashioned, out-dated, ecclesial concept.  But as long as it is absent from our debate, we will continue to spin our wheels with unanswered questions of how and why.  Humanity sins.  Good people make bad choices.  Dark forces of evil tempt individuals with power and violence, homicide and suicide.  And to muse upon the causes of such violence without including a spiritual dimension leads us to misunderstand and underestimate the nature of evil.  Without the spiritual dynamic our musing leads us to is objectify the villain as evil-personified.  But any of us are capable of destroying other people or of destroying ourselves.  We are human and we sin.  Until we accept, confront and surrender to God our own sinful nature, we will not find the compassion and wisdom necessary to understand, help and change the violent culture in which we live.

Of course we must confront terrorist organizations, provide better mental heath care, and work on suicide prevention.  All these social, pyschological and politcal efforts are important to pursue.  But let us also respond spiritually by naming violence and destruction as sinful.  Let us pray for those who engage in such violence, pray for those who are tempted to destroy others, and pay attention to our own capactiy to sin.  Only then will we respond to others with humility and compassion.  Gently put down your own rage.  Now.  Today.  Again.  And again.  Turn to God.   Hush the internal shrieking.  Pray again.  Be silent for five minutes.  Breathe.

I have found such spiritual exercise requires effort and persistence.  Daily spiritual practice strengthens a gentle spirit.  To be mindful with God about my own temptations softens my judgement of others and strengthens my compassion for criminals and victims alike.  Remember that sin is at work in the world.  You and God together will triumph with grace, forgiveness and compassion.  Grounded in that spiritual wisdom, this crazy world in which we live becomes more bearable, and more beautiful.  All because you will view others with the deep compassion you learned in God’s forgiveness of your sin.