Like abusive relationships, Murder and violence are serious problems that plague our world today. They cause immense physical, emotional, and psychological harm to the victims, their families, and their communities. Those who had to leave an abusive relationship, knows that there is a time for everything. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; (Ecc 3:7)
Those forms of abuse also negatively impact the social and economic development of our society, as well as the health and well-being of the people. Moreover, they can have a brutalizing effect on society, which may increase the tolerance and acceptance of violence and aggression, and may also create a sense of injustice and resentment among the people. In this essay, I will explore some of the effects of murder and violence in society, and how they can make people more accepting towards death around them and numb them to the value of life. I will also offer a Christian perspective on how to respond to these issues, based on the teachings of the Bible and the examples...
In real life.
One of the effects of murder and violence in society is that they increase the fear and insecurity of the people, especially our vulnerable groups, such as our pensioners, children, minorities, and the poor[1][2]. People may feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods, homes, or workplaces, and may avoid going out or interacting with others. They may also develop anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health problems, as a result of witnessing or experiencing violence. These psychological effects can impair their ability to function normally and to enjoy life.
Another effect of murder and violence in society is that they reduce the trust and cooperation among the people, as well as the legitimacy and effectiveness of the institutions, such as the police, the courts, and the government[3][4]. People may lose faith in the authorities and the justice system, and may resort to vigilantism or violence themselves. They may also become cynical and apathetic, and may withdraw from civic participation and social engagement. These social effects can undermine the social cohesion and the democratic values of our society.
A third effect of murder and violence in society is that they damage the social and economic development of our society, as well as the health and well-being of the people, by increasing the costs of crime prevention, law enforcement, health care, and social services[5]. Violence can also disrupt the education, employment, and income opportunities of the people, and can increase the poverty and inequality levels of our society. These economic effects can hamper the growth and prosperity of our society.
A fourth effect of murder and violence in society is that they can have a brutalizing effect on our society, which may increase the tolerance and acceptance of violence and aggression, and may also create a sense of injustice and resentment among the people[6][7]. Violence can desensitize and dehumanize the people, and can make them indifferent or even supportive of more violence. Violence can also generate a cycle of revenge and retribution, and can fuel more conflicts and hatred. These moral effects can erode the ethical standards and the human dignity of our society.
These effects of murder and violence in society can also make people more accepting towards death around them and numb them to the value of life. People may become accustomed to seeing death and suffering, and may lose their sense of compassion and empathy. They may also lose their sense of hope and purpose, and may question the meaning and the worth of their existence. They may even adopt a fatalistic or nihilistic attitude, and may disregard the sanctity and the preciousness of life.
As Christians, we are called to live by the way of the Word, not the way of the world. We are called to follow the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ, who came to bring life and peace, not death and violence. The Bible teaches us that God is the creator and the giver of life, and that He values and loves every human being, regardless of their race, gender, age, or status. The Bible also teaches us that God hates the abuse of power and the sin of injustice, and that He will judge and punish the evildoers, and vindicate and reward the righteous. The Bible also teaches us that God is able to deliver us from any evil situation, and to heal and restore us from any wound or trauma. The Bible also teaches us that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and that He has a hope and a future for us.
Therefore, as Christians, we could respond to the issues of murder and violence in society in the following ways:
- We could pray for God's guidance and protection, and for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We could also pray for the victims and their families, and for the perpetrators and their repentance. We could also pray for the authorities and the leaders, and for the peace and the justice of our society.
- We could seek help from God and from others, if we are affected by murder and violence, either directly or indirectly. We could not suffer in silence or isolation, but we could reach out to our friends, family, church, or community, for support and assistance. We could also seek professional help, such as counseling or therapy, if needed, to cope with the trauma and to heal from the pain. We Could Also Petition for stricter penalties.
- We could speak up and stand up against murder and violence, and for the rights and the dignity of the oppressed and the marginalized. It won't help to be passive or indifferent, but we could be active and involved, in advocating and campaigning for the prevention and the reduction of violence, and for the promotion and the protection of life. We could also be willing and ready to help and serve those who are in need, such as the victims, the survivors, the refugees, or the poor.
- We could forgive and love our enemies, and not seek revenge or retribution. We would not repay evil for evil, but we could overcome evil with good. We will not harbor hatred or bitterness in our hearts, but we could release them to God, and let Him deal with them. We could also show mercy and grace to those who have wronged us, and seek reconciliation and restoration, if possible.
- We could value and cherish life, and not take it for granted or waste it. We need not be afraid of death, but we should be prepared for it. We could live for God and others, not only for ourselves. We do not seek worldly pleasures or treasures, but we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness. We could not lose sight of our eternal destiny, but we could look forward to our heavenly home.
In conclusion, murder and violence are serious problems that have many negative effects on our society. They can make people more accepting towards death around them and numb them to the value of life.
However, as Christians, we have a different perspective and response to these issues, based on the Bible. We believe that God is the source and the defender of life, and that He is able to deliver us from evil and to heal us from harm. We also believe that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and that He has a hope and a future for us. Therefore, we could pray, seek help, speak up, stand up, forgive, love, and value life, as we follow God's will and God's way in this world.
Sources: , 12/26/2023
(1) The Devastating Impact of Murder: How It Can Leave Lasting Emotional Scars. https://aasem.org/murder-can-hurt-you-understanding-the-devastating-impact-of-homicide/.
(2) Violence Info – Homicide - World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/violence-info/homicide/.
(3) Crime and Violence - Healthy People 2030 | health.gov. https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/crime-and-violence.
(4) How Christians respond to crime - Matters of life and death: Crime .... https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/znfdpg8/revision/6.
(5) What Does the Bible Say about Violence? - Christianity. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-violence.html.
(6) What Does the Bible Say about Killing? - Christianity. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-killing.html.
(7) Crime and Punishment, a Biblical Perspective - Virginia Christian Alliance. https://vachristian.org/crime-and-punishment-a-biblical-perspective/.