The link attached (http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_statements_more.asp?id=2091) is a compassionate and insightful reflection on yesterday's shooting in Tuscon from Pax Christi. In addition to Pax Christi, the Franciscan Action Network (www.franciscanaction,org/civildiscourse) has been calling for civility in public discourse for months before the election last November. While there will likely be continued disagreement about the level of influence that words like "target" and "RELOAD!" and images of cross-hairs had on the shooter, can there be any denial that what we say and the words we use influence others?
It seems to me that ALL words, images, phrases and rhetoric that use militaristic or violent symbols or expressions should be shunned by anyone claiming to be Christian. To use words of hate, disrespect, and prejudice or to imply that violence or war-like actions solve anything is contrary to anything I have read in the Gospel.
What is the message under our words when "pro-life" proponents call themselves "prayer WARRIORS"? What about the "war on poverty", the "war on drugs", or the "war" against evil? Is it not so small a step to go from "battling" evil on a spiritual level to using violence to eradicate that evil that might be thought to be embodied in an individual, or a race, or a nation?
Maybe we have to examine each and every word and phrase we use to make sure that it is actually reflective of the Gospel message of non-violence, forgiveness, human dignity, and peace. Otherwise we will continue to wonder why violence is persistently sought out as a solution, when, in fact, only love and peace have ever, and will ever, bring a lasting resolution to any human strife and discord.
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