November 22, 1963, that evening. My mother, a stanch Republican, wept at the kitchen table. My father, as hard a man as I have ever known, sat in a chair and stared out a window, occasionally wiping his eyes. When the news came through earlier in the day, I was in the back seat of the car because I was home sick and was going with my mother to the bank. We pulled into the parking lot and people were staggering around or just stopped, leaning against their cars. It was strange. Complete strangers hugging one another, talking in hushed tones, looking to the sky for answers. At that moment, we happened to be in Chardon, Ohio and church bells began to ring. Deep sorrowful notes. That evening the lead anchor on TV barely got through his newscast because he kept choking up. Government leaders at every level needed a day before they could face reporters and the reporters willingly allowed them that day.  

July 13, 2024. News people took on somber faces, but there was a feeling of satisfaction. Government officials said the appropriate words, but one New England government bureaucrat posted on social media, "We abhor such violence, but if you are going to take the shot, don't miss." In spite of the fact that two were dead and others wounded, the media people were all rushing around trying to get a different angle on the tragedy. On one of the news feeds that I read (I read both liberal and conservative feeds because I want both sides), the big news was fifth in line after the death of a Hollywood near celebrity, the misadventures of the royal family and other world shaking events. And, of course, people pointing out that the weapon used should have been banned.

So, what has happened in America between John F. Kennedy's killing in Dallas in 1963 and Donald Trump's near killing in Butler PA in 2024?

In June of 1962 the Supreme Court ruled that organized prayer in school sponsored by the school was unconstitutional. By January of 1964 the ban was fully implemented throughout the country. The ruling grew to eventually, in most schools, ban the Bible anywhere in a school building. During the 1960s there were multiple riots in various cities where many died as well as three major assassinations. In schools, dress codes were eliminated. The ability to punish a child was severely curtailed. What once had been referred to as the theory of evolution became the fact of evolution. As society changed, so did the churches. What had once been condemned as sin became accepted. Rarely does a church stand for anything, but rather goes along with the ebb and flow of society. Denominations began to put their theological differences aside and join together by their social justice beliefs, thus causing a breakdown in the theological fabric of the churches. The sense of right and wrong that had governed society crumbled before the wave of evil that swept the world and is still plaguing us today.

And now, the finger pointing has started. The Secret Service is at fault! Well, you fail to secure a relatively small area and a shooter gets to within 130 yards then, yes, you share the blame. The Democrats are to blame! Again, you formulate hate of a man then, yes, you share the blame. The Republicans are to blame! Here you widen the gap by backing such a divisive man then, yes, you share the blame. But who is really to blame?

We have covered all the bases, right?

Not really. The real culprit in the degrading of society at every level, the real culprit in increasing violence, the real culprit in the lack of God in our institutions, are CHRISTIANS. 

What? No, wait! We are the ones who are being wronged!

When was the last time you prayed earnestly for the president? When was the last time you prayed earnestly for your school system? When was the last time you prayed earnestly for the churches? When was the last time you shared your faith with an unbeliever? When was the last time you delved deeply into the Word of God?

What did Thomas Crooks, the 20 year old who shot Trump and killed another man, know of God? Oh, he probably celebrated Christmas, but with Santa rather than Jesus. He probably enjoyed Easter, only with a bunny and colored eggs rather than a risen Savior. I have been to Butler PA on multiple occasions. Churches everywhere! Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday schools, Youth programs.....did young Thomas ever once hear of the true Jesus? Of course, he could have been in church every Sunday of his life and still laid on that rooftop with a rifle. But, did any Christian ever share the Gospel with him?

A Christian has three jobs. Pray. Study the Word (not some quicky devotional, but the real Word). Share the saving power of Jesus. Until we truly begin to do our three non-time consuming jobs, we will continue to watch our world seriously go to hell.