Stephen Prothro wrote for CNN about the Sandy Hook tragedy. Of all I’ve read, his words troubled me most deeply. His title was, “My Take: Six things I don’t want to hear after the Sandy Hook massacre.” Here are his six things:
1. “It was God’s will.” 2. “Jesus called the children home.” 3. “After death there is the resurrection.” 4. “This was God’s judgment.” 5. “This happened because America is too secular.” 6. “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”
He concluded his thoughts with this statement… “If you believe in a God who is all powerful and all good, then covering up for the Almighty at a time like this is in my view deeply unfaithful. Today is a day to shake your fist at heaven and demand answers, and then to shake it harder when no answers are forthcoming. To do anything else is in my view to diminish the idea of God, and to cheapen faith in the process.”
The first thought I had upon reading his last paragraph was, “Who are you, (Mr. Prothro), to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory…?” (Romans 9:20-23).
It is the height of arrogance for him (Or anyone) to question God… on anything! I know those of Mr. Prothro’s kind will not like this, but God can do… cause… or allow whatever He desires because He is God (V 21). Just because we do not see how something can be good doesn’t mean it isn’t good… ultimately… in some way… because as Christians we believe Romans 8:28. We live in a world broken by sin and God is in complete control of everything according to His wisdom.
When Jesus was asked about tragedies, consider His reply (Which is politically incorrect to say the least). This is found in Luke 13:1-5…
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
The murder of 27 people last week was a tragedy. I won’t disrespect those who are mourning over the loss of their loved ones. However, this post isn’t about that event, but Mr Prothro’s arrogance toward God. What should be the ultimate consideration for everyone is the point Jesus made, we are all going to die so the real issue is are we ready to stand before God?
Mr. Prothro… unless you repent you will likewise perish. Unless we all repent, we will all likewise perish. As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).
Well said Ron. Thank you.
It is amazing how many people reject God because the believe He should answer to them…
I don’t want that small a God, mine is sovereign. (period)
Thanks, Ron!
Enough said…. Amen
I so agree!!! I have heard so many different statements since this unspeakable tragedy but God is still sovereign and still in control. Thanks for another well written article.
What disappoints me is not so much the six points he made, but how many Christians utterly ignore how they can (and should) be working, humbly but tirelessly, to ensure tragedies like this won’t occur in the future. So many make excuses for inaction, saying we can’t do anything, but we know gun control works and we need it to fix our broken gun laws.
Christians think they can continue being silent on the over 10,000 gun-related homicides each year (in 2007, Japan only had 2 because they regulate guns as the deadly weapons they are), and continue voting for politicians who allow such tragedies to continue, without being complicit in the path of destruction their silence and votes lead to. That is my problem with most Christians today.
Thank you for your comments. First, how can anyone be outraged over gun related homicies and affirm as legal the killing of millions (Yes MILLIONS) of babies every year by abortion? I agree that taking a human life is wrong and should be opposed by all means necessary. To the point of taking the life of one who commits such a sin (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:3-4).
I really don’t think you have thought through the arguments you set forth. They are incomplete and filled with assumptions that cannot be proven. You may have problems with Christians… as do I… but the real issue you must deal with is CHRIST. He is the one that is Lord, King, and Judge. He is the only one through whom anyone can obtain salvation (John 14:6).