Tuesday of this week a University of Texas student took his life. Survey results indicate that more than half of college students consider suicide during their college experience. This is in contrast to the fifteen percent of the general population. In an article that detailed the tragic eposide at U of Texas, the author indicated that the college sphomore, Colton Tooley, was "brilliant in mind and respectful always in his behavior to others." The story reveals the struggle that friends and family are going through in trying to understand why a student, with talent and a seemingly bright future, would end his life so abruptly and without any warning. From an observer, Tooley's life was an American dream. He graduated seventh in his class, was smart, polite and friendly. Why would someone like this end his life?
I believe that this articl
e relates to our class discussion of the immaterial man. In the material sense, Tooley seemed to have it all. But, what may have been lacking is a focus of the immaterial side of existence. The college expierence focuses so much on the material: grades, social life, future plans, etc. But there little to none energy spent on the immaterial in most college expirences. During a time of life where the person needs to drawing closer to Christ (which is the true intention of Spirituality), many times he is pulling away.
Could this be way so many of our peers look to end their lives, when from the worlds point of view they possess it all? Are they lacking the security that only comes when one embraces the immaterial part of man, the part that connects to God and to His strength and salvation?
I believe that this articl
e relates to our class discussion of the immaterial man. In the material sense, Tooley seemed to have it all. But, what may have been lacking is a focus of the immaterial side of existence. The college expierence focuses so much on the material: grades, social life, future plans, etc. But there little to none energy spent on the immaterial in most college expirences. During a time of life where the person needs to drawing closer to Christ (which is the true intention of Spirituality), many times he is pulling away.Could this be way so many of our peers look to end their lives, when from the worlds point of view they possess it all? Are they lacking the security that only comes when one embraces the immaterial part of man, the part that connects to God and to His strength and salvation?
Good discussion. I agree with your view of how the so many people look to the world for how their lives should be. We have so many people thinking that their lives are useless because they don't have a nice car or own at least a couple of thousands in their bank account. One part of the news a lot of people ignore is how these rich peopler always feel that life has no meaning apart from the material possessions they have. I believe it just comes down to assessing our lives honestly and figure out what is more important to us and find balance for everything. God should be our foundation. He is more than faithful to make sure that our lives will having meaning both in the material and immaterial sense.
ReplyDeletethis is very sad and it tells us that worldly achievement cannot replace the positon of God. It is time for us as spiritual police to help rescue these souls from the dungeon of darkness. we are lights of the world and we need to reach out to these lost or drowning souls with the message of HOPE and of a better tommorow. we must understand that we are not secret agents but proclaimers of the gospel that is able to bring peace into a soul.
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