This morning on Facebook (I am addicted I admit it), one of my social network “friends” posted a comment about the recent tragic shootings in New York. She made the statement that she did not understand “WHY” the authorities were trying to find an answer as to why this Vietnamese man just went on a shooting rampage for no apparent reason. Her conclusion: Some people are just “born bad”.

I disagree. The truth is this folks: No baby is born bad or evil. Period. Quite the contrary, all babies (humans) are born with limitless potential and abilities. We all have a soul and if you have ever spent anytime around infants you know that they are delightful. They smile, coo, reach for touch, and desire nothing but love and attention (as well as food and changed diapers, of course). There is no DNA that scientists know of to predict future serial killer behavior in babies versus someone who will be a good citizen, excel in life and become President. We do know that environment, faith, and emotional development play a huge factor in how we will respond to life’s challenges and rise or fall as human beings.

Here is what else we know: People need people. People do not do well when they are isolated, not connected, and not well loved. God designed us for relationship. We are social creatures and we thrive most and best when we love and when we are loved. We all crave acceptance and nurturing. We all desire friendship and intimacy. Most of us know how to handle rejection well because we deal with it everyday in some form or fashion. When we lose a job, a loved one, or friend/lover betrays us deeply we hurt, we cry, we may even suffer silently for years, but most of us pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again (and again–and again).

In every case on record, where we find someone who seemingly “snaps out”, whether it be the Virginia Tech Serial Killer, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, The boys in Columbine, or the 9-11 terrorists, we can show a direct correlation to a troubled childhood, youth or young adulthood. We can trace patterns of isolation, loneliness, and deep seated anger and resentment that was allowed to simmer for years on end unchecked and uncared for. Such is the case with the killer in Binghamton, N.Y. From all accounts he felt that people were mocking him, isolating him, and he felt enraged by these perceived slights.

Here is my point: None of us is born bad. As the minister said in worship service this morning “SIN” is what does us all in ultimately. He used the example of how Christ when he walked the earth was kind to everyone he met–He only sought to do good to people and bring them joy, healing, and encouragement. Yet, based on historical accounts (secular and religious) we know that Christ was beaten, battered and ultimately murdered for what?? Because he was a good man, a truly righteous man, who threatened the religious establishment of his day.

However you may personally define “bad” (evil, sin, ugly, unholy, etc.) the important thing to understand is that we are all fragile and without a “mediator” or “faith”, and mostly “love” to keep us in “check” we are all capable of unspeakable acts of cruelty, jealousy, and hate. Think about it–you ever call someone a cruel name in the heat of anger? Ever get involved in “mob mentality” against someone who did not look like you or think as you do? Ever “hate” someone and wish them harm because they had hurt you first? Ever tease someone who was disabled? Or did you ever dislike someone from a foreign country who you felt had no right to be in “your country”?

All of the aforementioned acts are “bad” acts. People are not bad–they are not born bad–we are born into a world of fallen mankind, just look around you daily–does any of us not see that the world in which we live seems to be coming apart literally at the seams financially, diplomatically, relationally, spiritually, and otherwise? 

I will keep going back to my theme for 2009: L-O-V-E.  It is the one thing that can truly save the world and those of us who live in it!

If I have not love, I am Nothing

Sophia