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School Shootings – Why All the Violence?

School Shootings – Why All the Violence?

Seeing that shootings like this and gun violence in general is much higher in the United States than other Western countries, what does that say about the psychological state of many Americans? Why is this happening so much in America as opposed to other places?

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting of 20 children and 6 adults, at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut people are searching for answers – why? Why did this tragedy happen? Why all the shootings – Columbine, Nickel Mines Village, Clackamas Town Center Mall, Virginia Tech, a movie theater in Colorado and far too many more – why?

Something is terribly wrong – but what? Do we have too many guns, or not enough gun control laws? Perhaps, but multiple laws were broken in every one of these tragedies. Will new legislation really stop someone on a suicidal killing spree? Will new legislation fix what is wrong with people who do such heinous acts?  Is the problem in defective laws, or in defective hearts and minds?

The Bible describes two competing motives currently operating within the hearts of human beings. Altruistic love, the principle of other-centeredness, as demonstrated by the heroic staff at the Sandy Hook Elementary school, who gave their lives protecting the children, and another principle, one that will hurt, exploit and even kill others for one’s own purposes.

The motive of love, originates in our God of love, who created us in His image to be living temples where He dwells by His Spirit. As we grow in our experience with Him, we open our hearts, experience His healing presence and find our capacity for love expanding daily. But, as we close our hearts to Him, as we embrace the values of the world, we close the Spirit out and not only do our hearts harden, but the restraining power of the Holy Spirit is slowly withdrawn from the earth. When this happens the bonds of love, which hold together the fabric of humanity, slowly unravel.

Paul wrote to Timothy and warned that in the end of time “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim 3:1-5).

Recent research confirms Paul’s prediction. A joint research project conducted by San Diego State University and the University of South Alabama, published in the January 2010 issue of the journal Social Psychology and Personality Science, examined the level of narcissism amongst college freshman over the past 15 years. Using a standardized measure of narcissism, in which a score of 21 reflects high narcissism, the researchers found a marked increase in narcissism from 1994-2009. In 1994, 18 percent of students scored 21 or higher, but by 2009 34 percent of students scored over 21. The love of many is waxing cold.

But why is this happening? Why do people become lovers of themselves instead of loving others? According to Paul it is because the truth about God and his methods of love have been lost, even among those who claim to still believe in God (Rom 1:18-31). We can pass as many laws as we want, but it is only by returning to the truth of God’s character of love, as revealed in Jesus, that genuine heart transformation is experienced.

We can either grow in love for God and others, or we can grow in fear-driven selfishness – narcissism. As love grows cold, we withdraw our support for those less fortunate. We become socially isolated, we stop giving to help, and instead seek to get our own. As fear and insecurity rise we see threats rather than friends. We disengage helping those in need, including those struggling with mental health problems. Rather than loving those with mental illness, we fear them, shun them, and avoid them.

Today, I had a patient in my office whose son suffers with schizophrenia. She was distraught over the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting and called her son telling him her confusion over how anyone could do such a thing to innocent children. Her son answered, “People wonder why this happened. It is because people call out for help and no one is there, no one listens, no one is available. And the shooter didn’t think of the children as children or people, he probably thought they were aliens or demons or zombies and was saving society from them.”

My patient cried as she looked at me and said, “My son understood. My son could have done that.” Her heart was aching because her son cannot afford the costly medications and he has struggled throughout his life to find effective treatment. When on the right meds, she said he seems normal, but when not on meds, or when on cheaper ineffective meds, he struggles to hold onto reality and often fades into delusions and hallucinations.

I am not drawing any specific conclusions regarding Adam Lanza. There isn’t enough information for that at this time. What I am saying is that when love fades in society, exploitation of others increases. Adam may have suffered with an illness that caused irrational thinking. He may not have been in touch with reality, he might have been suffering a psychotic episode, but if so, why didn’t someone notice? If he was delusional, why wasn’t he lovingly intervened with to restore him to wellness? Do we need more laws – or do we need more love?

But violent crime attributable to mental illness accounts for only 4-5% of total violent crime occurring in the US each year.[ii] Even if it is proved that Adam suffered a mental breakdown, violence in society is most often not perpetrated by the mentally ill. Then by whom? Those who fail to love; those who have lost empathy and compassion for others.

From this tragedy we will surely hear voices advocating for a variety of societal fixes: less violence on TV, less violent video games, less availability of guns, better mental health access, etc. While each of these interventions may have merit, do any actually address the root problem?

Martin Luther King, Jr. had it exactly right when he said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

The only solution is love – unabashed, unafraid, uncompromising love – and that love is found only in Jesus. It is time for people the world over to throw off the distortions about God, embrace the reality of His unceasing love and begin living lives that love others more than self. The answer society needs, the solution the world craves, the remedy humanity requires is the unconditional, unwavering, relentless love of God! And that love was born 2000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem. This Christmas, in the face of such cruelty, embrace the Love, rejoice in the Love and share the Love with others.


According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the US homicide rate is 4.2 per 100,000, while most of the European nations ranged from 0.7 – 2.8 per 100,000. The highest rate of over 30 homicides per 100,000 occurred in countries in Africa, while Polynesia had the lowest rate of 0.1 per 100,000.

[ii] Swanson JW (1994). Mental disorder, substance abuse, and community violence: An epidemiological approach. In Monahan J and Steadman H (Eds.), Violence and Mental Disorder. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 101-136.

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Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana