Human sacrifice

Between 82 and 84 Americans, ten of whom are children and youth under eighteen, are killed every day by guns in America and nothing is done to prevent them. Who or what does our nation consider to be of greater value than they? Are they slain for altruistic or benevolent ends like the ancient human sacrfices of Peru? Do their deaths put us in touch with our God? Do they give confidence to our society? Between 82 and 84 persons will die today by gun violence and on and on into unknown tomorrows, because our society does not consider preventing their deaths to be of great value. For many in the Gun Empire, the victims do not merit the most basic protection.—America and Its Guns: A Theological Expose, page 128

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Especially ironic is that so many who are against any form of gun control claim to be pro-life. Now, I'm pro-life; I think abortion is murder. But I also think war is not a Christian option; I don't believe that violence should be a Christian option—ever.

But to be pro-life means that you need to be pro-life from the womb to the grave. You need to put things in place to nurture the child, not just say, "Abortion is murder, so let's change the laws." That's not pro-life; that's anti-abortion. Pro-life says, "What are the factors that cause people to want an abortion?" And then begins to dismantle those.

Mind you, secular people can get on board that wagon, as well, but it is my contention that Christians are especially able to. We understand that the ways of this world are inimical to God, so we should be ready for obstruction. But we bring those walls down via prayer and prayerful activity steeped in the love of God. And we remember that God loves everyone, not just the person who agrees with us (but that's another rant for another day!).
</idle musing>