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I read through some of this kid's rantings and "poetry". This posting is to those who may be tempted to feel that perhaps the kid was persecuted and mistreated by church members. Well, yes he may have gotten some funny looks and some rejection, but it is how you interpret and process that kind of experience that shows what kind of a person you are. For this kid, apparently everything was about him. He was so completely self-absorbed that all sensory input was interpreted through a lens of me-ness. No one understands and appreciates me.

Yes, like everywhere else in the world, there are phonies in churches. There are cliques and there is backstabbing going on. But when you can look beyond yourself a little bit, you are able to see these things as opportunities for ministry rather than taking them personally.

There is a popular song out there right now that illustrates the self-focused attitude. I don't know the artist or all of the lyrics, but here is a couple of lines:

"Because of you, I never strayed too far from the sidewalk,

Because of you, I always played real close so I won't get hurt..."

The singer goes on to lament that her life is ruined because her father was overbearing, overprotective and cold. Well okay lady, you had a hard childhood, but it is time to go on. There is a world of other people out there who could use your unique talents whatever they may be. The attitude exemplified in this song is encouraged in our culture. If you don't have a healthy "self-esteem" you may as well give up.

A great irony in this episode is that the essence of Christianity is "other-centeredness" or simply love. Perhaps that has something to do with why the shooter hated Christians. Their very essence was threateningly alien to him.

Oh and by the way, this outward looking attitude would also help in toning down some of the high spirited posts I see on this very thread. Read my tagline.