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An outlook on Violence
A wise man once said, “To understand the importance of a problem, you first need to define it.” The National Reach Council defines violence as, “Behavior by persons against persons that intentionally threatens, attempts, or actually inflicts physical harm.” This article will seek to explore the good the bad and the ugly side of violence in the life of mankind even to the taking of lives through acts of violent means.
The very first act of violence mentioned in the Bible is seen in the book of Genesis chapter 4 verse 8, “And Cain talked with Able his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Able his brother, and slew him.” This first act was done because of jealousy he had towards his brother Able. God then placed a curse upon Cain from the earth.
The question is how did this spirit of violence come about in Cain to commit such a violent act? The book of Genesis chapter 1 verse 26-28 states, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and every creeping thing that creep upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over every living thing that move upon the earth.” As we can see today and in the past, in addition to living up to this mandate, man has gone further through acts of unnecessary violence to their brothers and sisters, and even to Nations through various acts of violent oppressions and war.
There are a number of issues that bring about violence in a society even unto death. Some of the main attributes which triggers off violent acts are, the commission of criminal offences, gang wars, domestic disputes, child abuse, anarchy (lawlessness), infanticide (killing of a child), genocide (murder of a nationality or a group) in the name of ethnic cleansing and the most ugliest of all suicide (the taking of ones own life) to name a few. Though most of these acts can be avoided, and are deemed unnecessary, they are carried out on a daily base by man in their quest for dominion over the earth. As a matter of fact, most acts of violence are committed out of ignorance, not being able to talk about a problem and thinking that it can only be solved through violence. Other acts are carried out because persons and Nations of strong beliefs in their religion and culture are not willing to compromise to make peace.
The harsh reality of violence and the various acts of violence is that we are all perpetrators of violence, especially when we are angry. Whether it is in our thoughts or the actual deed in carrying out the act itself on someone, even if it’s an act of self defense, violence is apart of us. Only the law of the land prevents some of us from carrying out our thoughts. Some of us go as far as praying to God to bring about violent acts to our enemy even though we are asked by God to love them. Some people even go as far as using satanic (obeah) means to destroy the ones they hate. And we cannot forget the power of the tongue, when someone speaks a violent act over your life and out of the bitterness of their heart it has the potential to come to pass.
The justification of violence is found also in the law of the land all over the world for the maintenance of law and order. For example, a police officer can use as much force as necessary even if it means taking a life of an offender in the execution of his duty so long as it is justified by law in subduing the offender. In the Judicial system, after a person is convicted of a crime, their punishment can include acts of violence namely, hanging, flogging, lethal injection, firing squad and even the chopping off of a hand. Though all of these practices are being challenged by human rights activists they are still being carried out today.
Violence and the various acts of violence are inevitable due to the fact that we all have different beliefs in religion and principles that we wish to protect. As individuals and even as a Nation, when these rights are being threatened, persons will use what ever force is necessary to protect them. Also in doing so they will feel justified in their actions. This is true in all classes of society worldwide, rich or poor, educated or uneducated. For as much as we would like for all problems to be solved through peace talks and negotiations without violence, it is not always the case. As we see today in the world, when diplomatic peace talks fail, military force takes over, causing injuries, killing people by the hundreds and sometimes by the thousands.
There is another act of violence that God endorses but remains a controversy in the hearts of many. The book of proverbs chapter 22 verse15 states, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Also Proverbs chapter 13 verse 24 states, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chastened him betimes.” These scriptures are taken advantage of at times because some parents and guardians take it to a level of abuse, giving rise to child abuse. It is good that we continue to promote anti-violent slogans such as, “Stop the violence, No excuse for abuse and Peace on the streets.” This will cause some to think before committing these unnecessary scourges of violence.
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Roderick R. Mckenzie Sr.
I am a writer in Nassau, Bahamas and I feel that my work is good enough to go to the world market. To the world, my writing may seem to be secular and opinionated but, all of my work is divinely inspired by God with Biblical references to prove it. My goal is to teach as many people about Christianity as possible. As a freelance writer I would also like some exposure to the writing market and a possible job as a Christian writer on the Internet.
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