I know that there is gun violence and death every day, but events like last night’s shooting in Aurora, CO, seem more “real.” I guess it has something to do with my ability to resonate with the event and to empathize with the victims. In my mind I know it is terrible when dozens of Afghan civilians die at the hands of our military or the Taliban, but I have no categories for such violence. On the other hand, I know the enjoyment and presumed safety of a movie theater. It is unlikely that I could ever be killed by a Taliban extremist. It is far more likely that a freak act of violence like the one in Aurora could happen and that is scary.
I can’t explain this as a Christian, but I trust the God revealed in Christ. Yes, C.S. Lewis’ The Problem of Pain gave me some intellectual answers for the problem of theodicy, but the Book of Job is far more helpful existentially speaking. I am sure people will attribute this event to a variety of “theological” reasons, but I chose to acknowledge my agnosticism. I don’t know why God allows this or that. I can merely hope in God’s love, goodness, and justice in the end.
I wish people would wait before using this event for a political platform. I’ve already seen some headlines. I don’t want to read the articles. I won’t.
There has already been some discussion over whether the violent nature of the film The Dark Knight Rises had anything to do with the event. I am sure that the content provided a platform that made sense to this terrible murder, but I can’t blame the film, the filmmakers, or the actor. Too many people watch these movies and the thought of killing people never crosses their minds. In fact, we tell these stories because they give us a sense of justice and protection in a violent world. Characters like Batman give us a sense that good triumphs over the worst evils. Sadly, reality is that there is no Batman, no Spiderman, no one that can “save the day.” These things happen and sometimes evil cannot be stopped.
I can pray. I don’t know what prayer does at a time like this, but I trust God, and I hope that he hears prayers and that he acts on those prayers. I know to pray and then let God be God.
the archives near Emmaus 
Brian I completely agree with your words and sentiment.
If you’ll permit me, I’d like to make a case for why this incident is not a freak act of violence. It is in fact the natural state of fallen state of man – and evident in the rest of the world as the norm (though perhaps not normally in Western Europe and N. America, Australia or at this extreme). This is what I was seeing in Afghanistan on a daily basis I’m not talking the course of normal military operations but one Afghan tribe against another where there was little or no NATO representation.
My heart just aches about this incident, and for the victims, and people of Colorado. Without an awareness of sin, a morality that rejects it, Christ, Christ-likeness, and the power he provides, this would be man’s final cause. It makes me long deeply for Christ’s return.
I agree – let time pass before this becomes a political platform (though I can’t quite see what, if any, political advantage can be had from this). In the meanwhile – prayer is needed, and good.
Prayer now=good. Thank God we have those lament Psalms to go to.