It has not yet been a week since the Marathon Massacre and there are still so many thoughts and feelings to process. It is impossible to avoid a sense of confusion when some violent act involving innocent human life occurs relatively nearby. Reviewing my thoughts helps me in the business of dealing with such a tragedy.
Such violent acts have occurred elsewhere, at times rather frequently. It is easier for someone to hurt many others. Making bombs and other devices are easily fabricated by using internet. Violent acts may become more frequent; at least one cannot avoid thinking that random acts of violence are part of life. While we were accustomed to think that leaving one's house in an automobile is a risk, we always thought that the risk is very low. In the big picture, the risk of experiencing violent acts of terror will also be a relatively low risk affair.
Over the past several years, I have become more attuned to the intolerance generated by all religions. While Islam has been a major source of violent acts on the public during the past several years, Islam cannot be totally isolated from other religions. When a religion distorts the inherent value of another human being, there is an act of violence, albeit without overt injury. In the name of religious values, gay rights have been trashed and gay people a source of scorn. Religions inherently generate bias against others who do not share their views. While one would think that religions would promote love and justice for all, often times it is not evident. How religions can align a belief in a loving God is often the backside of a belief in a vengeful God. From my perspective, now, a vengeful God is an absurdity. While it may be difficult to conceptualize a loving God in the context of human hatred, as in Monday's violence, is easier for to live with this quandary than trying to make sense of a vengeful God.
I have often shared my view that it amazes me that humanity can be so primitive. Our behavior towards others, including animals and nature, is still so base at times. You would think that after these approximately 60 million years, one would think that we would be further advanced in our behavior towards others. From a self-interest perspective, each of us would be better if we all promoted love and justice. At times, reading about violence within families, even towards children, is painful. Extending our observations to communities and the nations, it is disheartening to think that we are still resort to such primitive acts of violence.
Of all that I have read this week, the most helpful review was done by an atheist (cannot retrieve the article). While he was unable to cope with the violence of the Boston Marathon by relying of faith in a higher being, he was able to look ahead because of his faith in his fellow man. He was aware that there are those who make a mockery of being human, but he cannot live without recognizing his faith in the goodness of most people. That sentiment was most helpful to me. I experience goodness so often and I have fortunately not suffered much from violence (apart from my own childhood). My only adult experience of violence is vicarious, as seen in others. And, as noted by so many, the tragedy of last Monday was more than matched by the slew of people who have responded so heroically and, for others, as beautifully if not as heroic.
Love and justice are stronger than hatred and violence. At times, it may be hard to believe, but I clearly identify with the view: Promote Love and Justice!
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