RevLGK: In the wake of the recent tragic event--the terrible loss of over 30 young lives and the suicide of the mass-murderer, at Virginia Tech last Monday--I feel moved to say: The comments you have made about the need for posters to treat one another with respect--verbally and otherwise--are even more apropos than they have ever been, don't you agree?
OFFERED AS A REASON, NOT AS AN EXCUSE
Among other things, the evidence that has come out about the killer and those who knew him makes it abundantly clear that the killer was--and certainly felt he was--a victim of verbal abuse, which was heaped on him by abusers who were not spiritually mature enough to understand the nature and danger of what they were doing.
I remember you referring to certain people as being 'pneumatologically' toxic, sick souls. Such are they who chose to say and do harmful things to others with no thought of the consequences. The killers among us are those who allow themselves to drink in this poison.
Real or imagined, the killer, rered to above, felt that he was being pushed around and demeaned by others. As a result of this, he chose to get even, to lash out at society in general, not just withdraw as most people do. Pneumatology--beyond mere animal psychology, anyone?
Keep in mind that the above is not offered as an excuse, but as a reason. I hope it can also be a helpful warning to us not to be part of the problem.
The operative word, here, is 'chose'. Whenever anyone makes a choice to speak out or to act out, we do so because we are spiritual beings, not animal ones. Dogs can be trained to be vicious; we human beings usually choose to be.
By the way, most people will not become vicious and seek revenge on others when they are, or feel, demeaned. Most often they take it out on themselves. Both forms can lead to unnecessary spiritual pain and suffering. They do a lot of social harm.
NON-SECTARIAN PROFESSIONALS AND LAITY
The solution: Of course we need PROFESSIONALS, from a variety of dsiciplines, ESPECIALLY those attuned to the SPIRITUAL component of human nature; BUT ALONE, THEY CAN DO VERY LITTLE.
What we need are more and more spiritually-minded and mature lay people, helping the professionals. Ordinary people, from all walks of life, who are simply ready and willing to communicate with others lovingly, are essential to the whole process.
PRO-ACTIVE MEDIA
And we really need pro-active media, made up of journalists committed to COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS by bringing professional and lay together for the greater good of the whole of society
Such communication, using the principle of love--choosing the good--as outlined in the Golden Rule--found in all the great religions--can be of supreme value. Non-toxic ordinary and good people, especially as parents and family members, and friends, can help prevent and/or heal both kinds of pneumatologically-induced kinds of diseases. Like the African proverb puts it: It takes a villiage to raise a child.
