Responsibility

            I like to peruse the “trending” stories on Facebook. Most of it isn’t that interesting. It ranges from absolutely ridiculous movements of ridiculous celebrities to important current events. However, there are names that always catch my eye. Rowling is one of those names. (Like all Potter fans, I keep hoping for more Harry from somewhere)

            Ms. Rowling was upset with Rupert Murdoch for saying on twitter, “Maybe most Moslems [are] peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible.” She quipped back, “I was born Christian. If that makes Rupert Murdoch my responsibility, I'll auto-excommunicate.” I raise children that say and do the craziest and embarrassingly public, odd things. I feel the need to stand up and say, “That’s not me!!!”

            While I was mulling over these thoughts, a friend posted a link to a story about a Baptist pastor in New Jersey who punched a child for the purpose of leading him to the Lord. Now, I was raised Baptist and that is not ok. I thought of Murdoch’s words. I do not think that I should be punished for that pastor’s wrong doing, but there is responsibility and accountability. A Christian, such as me, should say something, decry this act of violence and make my voice known to this man. I reposted the story and contacted the church. It was the least, and yet, also the most I could do. If he is determined to be crazy, someone will press charges eventually.

            I thought of the Muslims around the world. There are so many really pleasant ones that there must be public outcry of this appalling behavior. Right?? Why is their outcry not in my “trending” link file? A friend sent me several links and I found this one, here They are upset. They are crying out; they are calling for accountability.

            These acts of violence now transcend what religion these perpetrators are. Globally, something must be done. I hope not even more war. We have not had respite from war for decades now. People are facing third, fourth, or fifth deployments. Would that mean a draft? What of my son? But I get ahead of myself. I hope that all people regardless of religion can stop fishing about for someone to fix this mess and start exposing truths that would begin the process.