How one's view of personhood colors tragic events.

Here is a reaction to a local story that I have not been able to get out of my head. Last week, George Leroy Baker III was in town for his granddaughter’s wedding. After the reception, he went for a walk and was beaten to death by three teenage boys in downtown Lynchburg. One of the boys mentioned that they carried out the attack in an attempt to impress some girls. I find the comments of the victim’s granddaughter and her new husband to this seemingly senseless and unprovoked act to be remarkable. In this article they mention that

“Although we are hurt, we do not hate the boys who committed this heinous crime. We want to reach out to their families in love as we are all working through traumatic emotions together. It is encouraging to see bonds that have been formed through all of this and we have departed Lynchburg with a greater love and appreciation for this incredible city and an even greater desire to come back”.

I am a professing Christian, but I do not know if I would have a level of grace and forgiveness that even approaches what these people have displayed towards the perpetrators and towards the City of Lynchburg in general. I work downtown, not too far from where this occurred, and I find myself falling more in line with the vengeful and unforgiving viewpoints of my coworkers – many of whom are not Christians – than with the Christian perspective and attitude that this family has taken towards this tragedy.

In reading about this story, I was reminded of the material and immaterial view of personhood that was discussed in class a few weeks ago. I can certainly understand how experiencing this event from a strictly material view of personhood could naturally lead to a sense of hopelessness and a strong desire for revenge. However, the faith of this family (their Christian worldview) has shaped their view of this tragedy and helped them to cope with their loss in a radically different manner. So where does this leave me? My prayer is that God would grant me the grace to exemplify my faith and belief in the face of great adversity, much like this family has.