The Wired Word for 09212025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 09/21/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://www.thewiredword.com/touch-icon-iphone-retina.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 09/21/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #political-violence - #media-literacy - #faith-and-civics Author: The Wired Word Editorial Team Source: The Wired Word (newsletter/article) Reference: https://www.thewiredword.com/ date created: {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} {{time:HH:mm}} --- # 🧩 Title: The Wired Word (09/21/2025) — Charlie Kirk’s Assassination, Anger, and Christian Peacemaking ## 🧭 Table of Contents: 🔗 [📝 Summary](#-summary) 🔗 [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) 🔗 [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) 🔗 [📚 References](#-references) 🔗 [🗣️ Paraphrase](#️-paraphrase) 🔗 [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) 🔗 [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) 🔗 [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) 🔗 [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) 🔗 [❓ Questions](#-questions) 🔗 [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) 🔗 [💡 Implications](#-implications) 🔗 [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) 🔗 [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) 🔗 [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) 🔗 [✅ Logical validity](#-logical-validity) 🔗 [🛡️ DARVO Analysis](#️-darvo-analysis) 🔗 [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ## 📝 Summary: 🪧 The article frames the **Sept 10, 2025** shooting of **Charlie Kirk** during a Utah Valley University event as a flashpoint for discussing **political violence**, **anger**, and **Christian responses** such as **peacemaking** and **neighbor care**. 🕰️ Key time anchors: **2025-09-10** shooting at UVU; suspect **Tyler Robinson** arrested after ~33 hours; initial hearings through **2025-09-16–17**; broad calls for de-escalation across parties. 🧭 The piece curates reporting (WaPo, AP, Fox, ABC, local Utah outlets), quotes Gov. **Spencer Cox**’s “**Disagree Better**” ethos, and supplies scripture-guided discussion prompts (Genesis 4; Judges 3; John 3; James 1). 🧪 Tone: **pastoral**, **conciliatory**, **civic-minded**; it calls readers to self-examination, lower rhetorical temperature, and practical neighborliness rather than policy prescriptions. --- ## 📖 Main Content: 🧵 **What’s new**: A prominent conservative activist was shot on stage at UVU (**2025-09-10, ~12:23 p.m. MDT**). Reporting tracks the suspect’s background, arrest, and early court steps; public leaders urge restraint and unity. 🧩 **What it means**: The event intensifies debate about **online radicalization**, **polarization**, and **norms of disagreement**. The article uses **Christian scripture** to reframe response from retaliation to **mercy and restraint**. 🛠️ **How it argues**: Synthesizes journalism + scripture + guided questions; emphasizes **moral formation** over hot takes; recommends local action (listening, care, de-escalation). 🧪 **My read**: Strong at **mood-setting** and **virtue ethics**; lighter on **data** (e.g., trend lines in political violence, platform policy shifts). It’s an effective **discussion starter**, not an investigative deep dive. --- ### 🗒️ Notes 🧷 Event basics: **Shooting at UVU (2025-09-10, ~12:23 p.m. MDT)**; crowd size in the thousands; suspect **Tyler Robinson (22)** later surrendered; prosecutors indicate intent to seek **death penalty**. 🧷 Political framing: Utah Gov. **Spencer Cox** labels it a **“political assassination,”** links to **Disagree Better**; bipartisan voices caution against **radicalization** regardless of ideology. 🧷 Information environment: Early hours flood of **mis/disinformation** online; foreign state media amplification; conflicting claims about suspect’s ideology; calls for discernment. 🧷 Past incidents context: References to **Trump 2024 shooting**, **arson vs. Gov. Shapiro**, and **Minnesota lawmakers case**, situating a **pattern** of political violence concerns. 🧷 Scriptural throughlines: 🧭 **Genesis 4** → anger → murder → divine accountability. ⚖️ **Judges 3** → violence in salvation history, tension with NT ethics. ✝️ **John 3:14–15** → paradox: instrument of death becomes means of life; **mercy transforms violence**. 🗣️ **James 1:19–20** → quick to listen, slow to anger; ethical self-control. 🧷 Community praxis: Encourage **listening**, **neighbor care**, **slower speech**, **church-led dialogue**, **media literacy**, and **online safety** for families. --- ## 📖 References: 🧾 Washington Post — TPUSA leadership transition after the killing: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/09/18/charlie-erika-kirk-turning-point/ 🧾 AP — UVU security context & Cox unity remarks: https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-campus-security-utah-colleges-universities-0a68ac679546f88076b53323421591f5 ; https://apnews.com/article/spencer-cox-unity-speech-kirk-political-violence-17a8c23ba06428cbbc413a673cd0f986 🧾 ABC News — Charges & court appearances: https://abcnews.go.com/US/tyler-robinson-set-face-formal-charges-shooting-death/story?id=125614396 ; https://abcnews.go.com/US/students-utah-valley-university-return-charlie-kirk/story?id=125663166 🧾 Fox News — Charging decisions & live updates: https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-tyler-robinson-arraignment-9-16-2025 🧾 Utah News Dispatch — Cox to students: https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/09/15/utah-gov-cox-message-to-college-students-after-charlie-kirk-killing/ 🧾 The Salt Lake Tribune — Firearm details: https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2025/09/16/gun-used-charlie-kirk-killing/ 🧾 Politico — Disinformation surge: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/17/charlie-kirk-shooting-disinformation-russia-china-iran-00570357 🧾 Snopes — Rumor vetting: https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/09/18/charlie-kirk-family-shooting/ 🧾 Al Jazeera — Platform moderation & right-wing tone shift: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/18/us-right-shifts-tone-on-social-media-censorship-after-charlie-kirks-murder 🧾 Wikipedia (event summary, time-stamp context): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Kirk --- ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 🗨️ **Gov. Spencer Cox’s appeal (core idea)**: Our politics are brittle; this killing assaults shared civic trust. Each of us must choose to **lower the heat**—to speak and act so we make things **better, not worse**. 🗨️ **James 1:19–20 application (editorial voice)**: Communities survive tension when people **listen first**, **speak carefully**, and **temper anger**. Quick tongues and hot tempers rarely grow **righteous outcomes**; disciplined speech does. --- ## 📰 Newsletter: 📰 **Learning to build, not burn** — Political violence returned to the headlines with the **UVU shooting of Charlie Kirk (Sept 10)**. Leaders across parties urged restraint and better norms for disagreement. For your developer brain: apply **code review energy** to your media diet—verify sources, test assumptions, and avoid merging hot takes into production. 🔧 **Learn web dev**: Start here — MDN Web Docs (https://developer.mozilla.org/), LearnWP (https://learn.wordpress.org/). 🆕 **WP updates**: Track official news (https://wordpress.org/news/) and Core Make (https://make.wordpress.org/core/). 🤝 **Community**: Find contributor teams (https://make.wordpress.org/) and AI discussions (https://make.wordpress.org/ai/). 🧰 **New plugins**: Explore trending code responsibly — Plugin Directory (https://wordpress.org/plugins/) and measure risk with security advisories (https://www.wordfence.com/blog/). 🔎 **Read more**: AP, WaPo, ABC, Utah News Dispatch, Politico, Snopes linked above. --- ## ✅ Action Items: 🧩 **Advocacy mapping** — Tie this case to **open-source contributor safety**: propose a “**Civility & Safety in OSS Spaces**” brief for meetups and contributor days (moderation norms, bystander guidelines, doxxing response). 🧩 **Contributor onboarding** — Add a **media-literacy micro-module** to WordPress contributor training: source evaluation, rumor triage, and crisis comms basics. 🧩 **OSPO trajectory** — Draft an **OSPO policy memo** on community event security, harassment reporting, and content moderation alignment with **company values** and **WordPress governance** norms. 🧩 **Education lens** — Build a short **lesson plan**: “Slow to Anger, Quick to Verify”—pair **James 1:19–20** with **Civic Online Reasoning** checklists; include role-play of hot-button threads. 🧩 **Transparency & inclusivity** — Publish a **public playbook** for GoDaddy community staff: de-escalation scripts, neutral facilitation prompts, and escalation ladders; invite feedback from **The WPCC** and Make teams. 🧩 **Metrics** — Define KPIs: moderation response time; incident count; attendee sentiment; first-time contributor retention post-event. --- ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 🧠 Exposure to **structured, cross-partisan dialogue** at tech/community events reduces **online hostility** and **attrition** among contributors over 90 days. 🧠 Incorporating **media-forensics training** into contributor onboarding lowers **misinformation sharing** rates in project channels. 🧠 Publishing a transparent **event safety & moderation policy** increases **perceived psychological safety** and **speaker diversity** within two release cycles. --- ### 📊 Methodology: 🧪 **Design**: Cluster-randomized field trial across meetups/hackathons; compare **dialogue module vs. control**. 📈 **Data**: Moderation logs, retention analytics, pre/post psychological-safety surveys (Likert), sentiment from issue comments. 🧮 **Analysis**: Difference-in-differences; mixed-effects models for team/site clustering; pre-registered hypotheses. 🔎 **Sources**: Public incident reports; platform moderation dashboards; Make team forums; anonymized NPS. --- ### ❓ Questions: 🧩 Where is the line between **naming harm** and **amplifying conflict** in public statements after violence? 🧩 How should OSS communities **tune moderation thresholds** during national crises without chilling speech? 🧩 Which **formation practices** (listening circles, codes of conduct, empathy prompts) most reduce **rage-bait engagement**? --- ### 🔮 Future Research: 🧭 Longitudinal mapping of **political-violence narratives** as they jump from **state media** → **social platforms** → **church/community groups**. 🧭 Comparative study of **event security baselines** across campuses vs. private venues hosting political speakers. 🧭 RCTs on **pastoral/lay training** for de-escalation in congregations with polarized media diets. --- ### 💡 Implications: 🚦 Stronger **community safety norms** can preserve **pluralism** in OSS and faith spaces. 🧰 Practical **media-literacy** reduces rumor cascades that endanger real people. 🏛️ Transparent **moderation + event protocols** can rebuild trust and lower legal risk for orgs and hosts. --- ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: 👀 **Visual** — Present: headline-style sections; missing: infographics on timelines/actors. Improve: add **timeline graphic** (event → response → hearings) and **flowchart** for rumor verification. 🎧 **Aural** — Present: none. Improve: add **audio summary** and a **podcast clip** with cross-partisan dialogue. 📝 **Verbal** — Present: scripture exposition and quotes. Improve: more **concrete case examples** and **analogies** to tech norms (e.g., “linting your speech”). 👐 **Kinesthetic** — Present: discussion prompts. Improve: add **role-plays**, **moderation drills**, **neighbor-care tasks**. 🧮 **Logical** — Present: ethical reasoning; lacking data series. Improve: include **trend charts** on incidents, **citation trees** for claims. 👥 **Social** — Present: group questions. Improve: add **facilitator guide**, **breakout roles**, **code-of-conduct refresh**. 🧘 **Solitary** — Present: reflection implied. Improve: add **journaling prompts** and **private checklists**. 🌱 **Naturalistic** — Present: none. Improve: analogize **ecosystem health** to community moderation (invasive memes vs. biodiversity of views). --- ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: 🧩 **Screen readers** — Use semantic headings (H1–H3), descriptive link text (“AP on UVU security”), alt text for any figures. 🧩 **Keyboard nav** — Ensure all accordions/footnotes work via tab + enter; visible focus. 🧩 **Contrast** — Minimum WCAG AA; avoid low-contrast link colors. 🧩 **Text resizing** — Test at 200–400% zoom; ensure no content loss or overlap. 🧩 **Media** — Provide **transcripts/captions** for any embedded video/audio. --- ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment: 🌐 **Cultural breadth** — Add perspectives from **campus LGBTQ and faith groups**, security staff, and student orgs across ideologies. 🗣️ **Inclusive language** — Prefer **person-first** descriptions; avoid speculative labeling of identities or motives. 🧩 **Neurodiversity** — Break dense sections; add **summary boxes** and **checklists**. 🧑‍🦽 **Representation** — Include images/examples showing **diverse identities** in peacemaking roles. 🛟 **Psych safety** — Add **content advisories**, clear **reporting pathways**, and **no-harassment** reminders. --- ## ✅ Logical validity: 🔎 **Strengths** 🧠 **Appeal to evidence** — Cites multiple outlets and official statements; triangulation improves reliability. 🧩 **Balanced framing** — Notes violence from different political directions; resists single-cause narratives. 🧭 **Ethical reasoning** — Scripture-based arguments for restraint and mercy are coherent with stated aims. ⚠️ **Weaknesses & potential fallacies** 🚩 **Hasty generalization** — Infers a rising trend without presenting data; risk of **availability bias** from recent events. Fix: include longitudinal stats. 🚩 **Appeal to emotion** — Vivid language and scriptural lament may overshadow analysis. Fix: pair emotion with data and clear definitions. 🚩 **Post hoc** (risk) — Implying online rhetoric directly causes violence without causal evidence. Fix: cite peer-reviewed studies on radicalization pathways. **Tone of voice**: Pastoral, invitational, reflective; avoids stridency; aims for constructive civic discipleship. --- ## 🛡️ DARVO Analysis: 🧱 **Deny** — The article does not deny events; it acknowledges uncertainty where motives are under investigation. 🗡️ **Attack** — Avoids personal attacks; quotes include partisan jabs elsewhere (media commentary) but the article itself steers neutral. 🔁 **Reverse Victim/Offender** — No systematic reversal; warns against politicizing tragedy to claim **exclusive victimhood**. 🎚️ **Net** — Low DARVO content; posture is **de-escalatory**. --- ## 🎯 Conclusion: 🧭 The Wired Word piece is a **guide for sober, faithful response** to a politically traumatic event. It shines as a **discussion scaffold**—ethically rich, pastorally framed—while needing **more data, visualization, and accessibility features**. For WordPress and OSS communities, its call maps cleanly to **moderation norms**, **psychological safety**, and **transparent governance**—the boring, vital plumbing of a functional commons. - Summary: The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked the nation and led many to fear an escalation of political violence. - URL: mailto:reader-forwarded-email/bd6426ce6c4bad7bbf1235214165b730 Dear Class Members, The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked the nation and led many to fear an escalation of political violence. In response, this installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on anger and violence, caring for neighbors and finding ways to disagree gracefully. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Kirk Murder Raises Concerns About Political Violence** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of September 21, 2025** **In the News** Charlie Kirk, the founder of a young conservatives organization called Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, during a campus event at Utah Valley University. The killing shocked the nation and horrified those who watched a video of the attack on their phones and computers. In the hours after the shooting, Spencer Cox, the governor of Utah (R), called the murder a "political assassination." After a 33-hour manhunt, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson turned himself in to authorities. As of Monday, September 15, Robinson had not confessed to authorities nor cooperated with the investigation. He appeared briefly in front of a judge by video on Tuesday, as authorities continue to try to determine his motive in what appears to be an act of political violence. According to *The Washington Post*, Robinson is registered as an unaffiliated voter, while his parents are registered Republicans. Relatives have told investigators that Robinson had "very different" political views from those of his conservative family. "There clearly was a leftist ideology," Cox said on *NBC*. Robinson was once a straight-A student. But after dropping out of Utah State University, it appears that he was "radicalized," according to Cox. Bullet casings from the scene were engraved with messages such as "hey fascist! CATCH!," along with words and symbols used in online gaming. "Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep," said Cox. People who know Robinson have described him as fond of video games. The suspect had been living with a romantic partner who "was shocked" to learn about the shooting, Cox said. The partner has been cooperating with authorities, and is not thought to have had any prior knowledge of the shooting. According to Cox, the partner "is transitioning from male to female," although this status has not been confirmed and authorities are withholding judgment on whether such details are relative to the investigation. Robinson is being held at the Utah County Jail on seven counts, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. The Utah County Attorney, Jeff Gray, says prosecutors will seek the death penalty. In TV appearances, Cox has made repeated appeals to Americans to come together and condemn political violence. "If your view of America is not shaken right now, then there's something wrong with you," he told *CNN*. Describing the killing as "an assault on America," he said, "Every one of us has to look in the mirror and decide, are we going to make it better or are we going to make it worse?" Cox is one of the leaders in Utah who have sought to "position their state as a model of cooperation and consensus-building," according to *The Atlantic*. They proudly call it "The Utah Way," and point to bipartisan compromises on LGBTQ rights, religious freedom and immigration. When Cox was chair of the National Governors Association in 2023, he launched an initiative called "Disagree Better." And leaders of the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have focused in recent years on the Christian call to be peacemakers. According to *Fox News*, Kirk's murder is the latest in a string of acts of political violence that includes the shooting of Donald Trump (R) while campaigning for president in July 2024. In April, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) was the victim of an arson attack. Then, in June, two Minnesota lawmakers and their families were attacked, leaving two dead: Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband. The suspect in the Hortman case, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is facing charges in state and federal court. *Northern News Now* reports that he has been charged with murder, stalking and firearms charges, and the chief federal prosecutor for Minnesota has called the killings a political assassination. Friends have described Boelter as an evangelical Christian with politically conservative views who had been struggling to find work. Other politicians are joining Cox in urging a de-escalation of political rhetoric across the country. "If it were up to me, I think you need to take the word 'radical' and remove 'right' or 'left,'" said Sen. John Curtis (R-UT). "Radical coming from any direction is not good, it's not healthy and it should be called out." "It's really sad and just scary, you know, honestly, just how dire things have gotten in this country in terms of our political discourse," said Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), to *Fox News.* "I was actually just remarking the other day how, in a survey, over 50% of Americans surveyed said that they would call people in the other political party 'the enemy.' I just think that's terrifying, that's so dangerous of a place for our country to be." Residents of Robinson's neighborhood were shocked by the arrest. "It's a pretty conservative place, and it's very rooted in family values," said a 41-year-old named Jessie Riley. "I'm dumbfounded," he said. "You kind of look at humanity a little bit different. ... When it's here, you're like, wow, maybe I should pay more attention to my neighbors." More on this story can be found at these links: [Kirk Shooting Suspect Had 'Leftist Ideology' but Motive Unclear, Utah Official Says.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0U17tkCBJPOTYr-2BJ2FWzIMy-2F8oFev0PuTkehfxUvjTOA8YCjABd9edLimvaGeTdKFediQNHrkb5CaxjpcYWjHg8cYbM_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYWqC5zTpbQJghS3mkgLGGWP3SHpKUu6k4rgP1GPoN6gS8TCjr66KNq8c-2FnxoeGf3UE7UcgPBh3AT-2FsYD5euUW6Dy2BFOOd-2F2jJV62WGvNfrmqeJw0X1Vd9Ae6HrUcadRCL0LL4JWDB8tWFZ2SoRTZxfvId3Jfr36ZrR2M6QPMM-2B6eatquvbNx-2FWYi2UEBIGWzM3WLXh4iB6KXsU-2Bz1a4vbM-3D) [*The Washington Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0U17tkCBJPOTYr-2BJ2FWzIMy-2F8oFev0PuTkehfxUvjTOA8YCjABd9edLimvaGeTdKFediQNHrkb5CaxjpcYWjHg8G0S4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYYemKh9JuJGy2XbRZagNkOyWGLqvwbnPc2AuvVZ3PqNk6Q412ssMboj-2B-2F076ar93dQGRls-2BXgkKBkXMBzi9UM8HMmjfFNe1jCb0yqOnduffEXXOh1uvMSf6XJBLRIPA3eOWhclbC-2F-2B12YjWQeymSPcH-2F4WcCacv61dMeznYX3mojO3mJ75vnMCwY-2Bfq5MsBxIE2y0qFFDc0zJvikA38U4qY-3D) [Trump Has a Warning for Spencer Cox.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAhYkU3qpDDdhU3-2Fb5KUlnJwxjQSshEshR3TrLAnktvhkVXzzRZbhcpGeQ113GWX-2FJAHIE68LQwuWcLBZmrt23uptDfyFQEfpj9ddh45Hf-2BW3DmLQlG-2Fe1qeOtQjqwWdPg-3D-3DF21Q_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYbV3WD9n1165siV-2BOEvmarh4xq39WplEWztfQAy8lL0d-2FZTjJx7SV2zBY5FuKsKQLP16BU-2BNCSoWUt1Hs1TbDwC29OVkKm5OYpPQ78ncXmbD-2FYx6Svr2gECrYR0I2oeHtfa0yui21z3ZWY8-2F5-2BFYNwDpMZxkqR0oGosTFlgnQmeCSb245FMrKT6xS9pr3-2FL0POTKCtBoUyY4jrEjMC7vDfY-3D) [*The Atlantic*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAhYkU3qpDDdhU3-2Fb5KUlnJwxjQSshEshR3TrLAnktvhkVXzzRZbhcpGeQ113GWX-2FJAHIE68LQwuWcLBZmrt23uptDfyFQEfpj9ddh45Hf-2BW3DmLQlG-2Fe1qeOtQjqwWdPg-3D-3DpcR6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYcXZX7yy50-2BQI9rgJmfmRK9XQ-2FdmC00SNdQnmB5ozU-2BxtSiGSJ0nwgR2pTgfwrKxy1fLBHRqexCy0m2ZiD6aajYqdSg9Gz7djrS7Sok-2BQn2Pl5JWpm8RxXlNJSoJGjdIpkf7dR1s7KTTC6YgYY6tlxbpNC2Yevd3ChDw6iyDHrqyFNcfVp4APNEWxKi0HsUhPx40UqAROCdo81IOolB0oPU-3D) [Following Kirk's Assassination, Lawmakers React to Lethal Political Climate: 'Violent Words Precede Violent Actions.'](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhag6-3i_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYTufuHuTSO8BVqK-2FRl-2BtIKXkSWI32k631FEFenBvYqS5DdmBH-2Baq-2FeyWY6IVsixvEI-2BjhMxTLc4K2C-2B4TApFdHpS6pnV8Lcjlpf3DMb3FVGFzMS4g8nF0CMf-2FYMRbSot-2B8UL95il1qRQI14G5iVhavpNgbpT-2BA6PPpHsEaCSg6Nol0Eag7Q2SAb0b-2Bf4OMdcKRueDJQcEe-2FAgw9hNwrH0bM-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhag83_P_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYfK6Zn4whukbRQAulQcUW290CTCq9iOcbMvn-2BgqInPLCI2DuCVOfenmtl3OgAAAUOxjZR06nA28KprsCUJ-2BoDLRYsG7ZnY15LwIonElOr2VT2LKqcUCcgOKi4vTLA-2BeIIpu-2FPrOj92zYN4Dvm-2F1PCdyh6ZQDw5fv6FbTaZTz9wKdx0ll3IY8IcEi7NnMkcFlQoyrW8ZXAD0UjjKcMEqTYxg-3D) [Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man Accused of Killing Melissa Hortman.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLNPlWQTzCnTcAIvLRKJXdvxKwohMGZ3sbJ5O3nLg2ISYLv5N-2B-2F-2BaTj0gSpWePSiwKWJRtGLiFkOT4u-2FKkZrjZKeTPT-2BR0krneJH7UoIE-2Bjy03TOv1WUBjpuVfF9hNu3hBpbn4s-2BVmdYYyJCmL8o7e4-3DC1O6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYXnGfO5orLFu3l55r2jJMGT9-2BfpXpRaqLTcrAfnpCJaujAcyRz0DUAeItnc22-2BH1RxmZy-2BF3mczIfqOlEh-2FGQVw1uDk67Mjl-2BRx9vO80-2B89i9huQQA96FNltpZvkvB-2FEEbjEKx00lInnShNQYQTPfH7-2Bhe3a2D622aEz272wn2ca2goOWh8OFtoddZDbJs7kRQm3sumJYytS9xWicOu0GCg-3D) [*Northern News Now*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLNPlWQTzCnTcAIvLRKJXdvxKwohMGZ3sbJ5O3nLg2ISYLv5N-2B-2F-2BaTj0gSpWePSiwKWJRtGLiFkOT4u-2FKkZrjZKeTPT-2BR0krneJH7UoIE-2Bjy03TOv1WUBjpuVfF9hNu3hBpbn4s-2BVmdYYyJCmL8o7e4-3DfDBK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYY5yjthtp4hbrWrBtbPJ8Py1bJnol4tYa-2FLzS208fO0qMi9pHM9dEndKfgpJHTqwpVvHzuGn02yEaNi7uozfk-2BKOnvGPoS4OAxEN7rx5O2Wqzfxw3wyXP6DU2Auj6XLB3hFfYVoreToCqxEHiw78j4c-2Fhh2g62S-2FnxQHr4b8yoJx-2BzsCGUKpBypuY9p-2Fu30qQFzR6-2BV8ND5MrD0zwTR-2Bh6g-3D) [Left's Dehumanization of MAGA Behind Rising Support for Violence](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE58pvJC-2FhOFalI4p4itcfcrzj7LAfPbgl2wzZ5NQVj-2F1pducOzslTgZgtdXcaohdJfv5RmOWayAeG9IHV4bQxQ-3Dp5zw_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYVhEAu6xQ9rtAAbVRnTsNc-2FV2YSw4EFRKVnZHEZpn5A50GTsnBA-2FKJP0AhjD3oW1iRiN-2FmLUEmn4E6kk0RCUORG6BCtD823HrgX5eRSE69NUBKTkTP2vCpuWoC0XHZWubOd5vChooIAYGwYTqdvarOdJ8Rx-2FSv42bJ4-2FEbjug9ELRTFeNkHE2c5VHSf85EDgzwwYztTd8tM4tnUFTWhwMEo-3D)[***.***](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE58pvJC-2FhOFalI4p4itcfcrzj7LAfPbgl2wzZ5NQVj-2F1pducOzslTgZgtdXcaohdJfv5RmOWayAeG9IHV4bQxQ-3Ds_rC_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYWdetz1fP-2BmdeZkhJ0dNvOd6qk3lhVsh9933JHmZ29TcqmEAAEMnk8Yz-2FM4-2F4hISquYfS4UM7wzvharOu08Vmxg4-2Fgqwa2NSS9sJuWb1nU-2FI-2BGHGLYZcsRkbM-2FdCOnXwUNt08x3IFR0Vqh1NGufCSEk9iJru0LC1DXkqFxUEseZURYNyaRUwD9QneWJa25YPPcbqamtg4wD8k6w7Pa-2FeLeQ-3D) [*Public News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE58pvJC-2FhOFalI4p4itcfcrzj7LAfPbgl2wzZ5NQVj-2F1pducOzslTgZgtdXcaohdJfv5RmOWayAeG9IHV4bQxQ-3DC_9O_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYW81u6Axf9GHj9eKEyfk1Cd8AJvl8OMpDgKNvZxyOIZA9T7UIOSe09m6hFJuXCykHCRDtBhs-2FPXW-2FzUDAH4MvYieXFosdu8CI0bRUw0cpK-2BBe124plpKfn7NVnqRSAcqFrL4dngcSYAGTibxJ9xiphGMuF9Zlarx6uKZxG2ha1gRhSjzYNz1KCgURa92YUJFDyaxV9qTzNml-2F-2BRAvc5L-2FK4-3D) **Applying the News Story** "I would hope that all people would take a moment, reflect, and bring down this political rhetoric," said [Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), to](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhagdTUy_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYbtQHHWwf0KgudCr-2Fcq4R2QsrecnOxmOmoV87v-2FDoW9ZkQdX9mQkU7zFee-2Bi2-2B-2FTyacr7IXnNu6HuZ1cHI3kRxtUvzyuqE-2FTxY6FYc6opevseGsyiC-2Bc37EaBmgTeHyL-2BMseePo2kt39Um3w-2B-2FtCqc5J-2BFd7Q47YSPRBTH4OCfEx0RAqwxrexRFTbiUnQeS2cwnOEcyiqGDR-2BdwpKa4CRhs-3D) [*Fox News Digital*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhageH4G_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYQc9Pp3J-2BGGFBJObrBDTE88QNsGbMzeBDxfB5SlAu1DGW2ZMTe-2FSmH8E9W68PVZm0pY-2BejwIMG9HgQutrqZwuvHAST8AEpjbOaRX0u4UKfXixobG-2B9EzVn3Z7W-2BZLvegfgv5EixGnz73ZSTHB-2F3kz2IxXLjjxL5LepBDkDDufqRXOF3jQDzWKw4WFlgUTkyLRp3CpeLzGg6RlO7AbUIH1WQ-3D). "Violent words precede violent actions." Use the murder of Charlie Kirk as an opportunity to discuss anger and violence, caring for neighbors and finding ways to disagree gracefully. **The Big Questions** 1. Within your family, your neighborhood and your church, what has been the reaction to Charlie Kirk's murder? What was your personal response? Be specific. 2. How is Charlie Kirk's killing "an assault on America," in the words of Gov. Cox? How is it an assault on the Christian church, if at all? Or, how is it neither of these things? In a sentence, how would you describe the significance of this murder? 3. Where do you see evidence of rising anger and violence around you? What can you do, if anything, to reduce anger and violence in your community? What actions would you like your church to take, if any? 4. "I'm dumbfounded," said a Utah resident named Jessie Riley, after the Kirk killing, "maybe I should pay more attention to my neighbors." What do you think he meant? How can we pay more attention to our neighbors, and what good would it do? 5. [Historian Jon Meacham recently said](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIKH0aP8wGEF4ljhXMWd-2BfLHMST5BeZDwOHdv4uOy4pVrWe0nStgU2Zm2-2BBYmKiuL2kSmEGISVgs952J7JalqUOx6jnMNJ-2BI2F-2Bv0T5Cps8zA8dh5EEXLJdb0nFPSmbeA5hIaquKoqLfirf5yXJtt2A-3D8w6E_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYb-2BIeUfR4By2E3z-2BNhMpErAKVtG7VAr-2FE81pHBSReem1l-2FWCKkD14vQGkPK4jw96887HNJFxAFCItnawrl5IK0i8aOie7g1GOlcO5iRp6jBpWXeR6aoPPFlPwJQZD2hsdWnjIGNnVRo8xHb6Hc8p6PD07RTWt6AqZioRv4YVmLcxJvEQCpGfWDAnW8Vyv6DmDEB-2BjfkG5YaBGtar35B8T0o-3D), "We do not want to be in a place where because you disagree with someone, you pick up a gun." How can you do a better job of disagreeing gracefully, as an individual and a member of the church? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Genesis 4:8-10***Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" And the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen, your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!"* (For context, read [Genesis 4:1-16](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNcF5hEvrXXJXna03SY9jgAIgmQFFVHv5CtScvZsDGV-2BG08S4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYVdjD49ddUGzqf1LgyA-2FyO3TDV9Ur-2Bo8zSBDwR73J8GZFOKnKPKHmmauc8JBX-2BWgnKtgTvOgWAvQCe-2BLimOa3-2FERaaqjyFCmuO4OqhN69AIa2NnYuFz-2BpV-2BJI5r2bAplYXGl4EKaF0K9RGpjLHQk36EtRgS8im98l1TFtG4p7M61RFA97AFh1bDPr0HjUXcA2EhfOp2kSYwExW7FIagczNE-3D).) In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve have two sons: Cain and Abel. Abel is "a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground" (v. 2). The Lord has regard for Abel's offerings from his flock, but not for Cain's offerings from the ground, which makes Cain angry. In frustration, Cain invites Abel into the field, and there "Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him." The hostility being felt by Cain results in the very first murder in the Bible. When God asks Cain about the location of his brother, Cain says, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" God senses his guilt and says that Abel's "blood is crying out to me from the ground!" God condemns Cain to be "a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth" (v. 12). TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus observes, "Violence fueled by anger and related causes goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden." > **Questions:** Where do you see a link between anger and violence, in the Kirk murder and in situations around you? What can you do to diminish anger before it erupts in violence, as an individual and a community of faith? What does it mean to you to care for your neighbors and be your "brother's keeper"? **Judges 3:20-22***Ehud came to him, while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber, and said, "I have a message from God for you." So he rose from his seat. Then Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into Eglon's belly; the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the sword out of his belly, and the dirt came out.* (For context, read [Judges 3:15-25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxu8W1XQrd0Yf4zZDlONPXRG5zUY1L9X1pJ5sdCQO3kKcZATny0RN0Otk-2F7QWdwm1tNe4__-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYUM6oiNjxijvqGjtFlqhWpSQGPEhdNh-2FD92g5aJDUXLA0g5SMpBTmeBCELJSOUrQkUJ3XuYoWY2p-2FKz-2FX363OzWdBSA-2FFPUuLyUZ6GKQJvHiTnJg-2F3VhLD3MeEJRkb4M2uA8KXKSIQb8gH1ZFKV0IAA9MQBHec2IWCnn3-2FZP31OO2IVlQdpSDmMLJ1Z7tElV4CvipTe40DZ7Gc9NPyLD4Kc-3D).) The book of Judges is named after the main characters of this Old Testament book. But unlike our judges today, their work was not primarily legal. Instead, they were leaders of the tribes of Israel, and they often led the military in heroic ways. Their leadership offered stability to the tribes of Israel before the monarchy was established, during a time in which a particular pattern repeated itself: The people of Israel were unfaithful to God, they were oppressed by a foreign people, they cried out to God, and God sent judges to lead them. In the third chapter, the Israelites cry out to God and are given a judge named "Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man" (v. 15). He visits King Eglon of Moab, a very fat man. After giving the king a gift, Ehud says, "I have a message from God for you" (the Hebrew word for "message" is *dabar*, which can mean "a word" or "a thing"). Then Ehud draws a short sword that he had fastened to his right thigh under his clothes, and he thrusts it into Eglon's belly, so far that "the fat [closes] over the blade" (v. 22), killing him. > **Questions:** What is the message of the story of Ehud and Eglon to us today? When, if ever, has God's will been advanced by violence? How does the life, death and resurrection of Jesus affect your understanding of God's will in political and national affairs? **John 3:14-15***[Jesus said] And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.* (For context, read [John 3:11-16](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxXB0oN-2BI8vrXauoJo6NOmSEJZBQJ92GeOSUxm5JhbCMH8xl8A2o0XwSTbXoXux8JjiDCB_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYR9GwaH0lcmyiM6wOxXk9ppKfT2pNQzfZ85DVSdaB5sK9U4tbsL7aeFQbcerhu88orKp8QHTqWc-2BG4rTHj3zceZbTrCbFIOVTk1fuzsDv-2BfzoeigR6YAfPdo1TmoWvBVd8Sf0WYV5AWjStEG9alkosWZjB4phJkl3kZ-2FZX4k7mKDfVGW-2FTuxVRv3YQCyDLfRb3eZ9RuwgBh9mkI5eRxLH3A-3D).) In the gospel of John, Jesus invokes the serpent of bronze in [Numbers 21:6-9](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxipKmMB4V5Lv9UivoVYw8Zs8B-2FsxlWQl-2FHrivvxFeipyygFB5IkMI-2BcWqV-2B8Dwyw63zwl_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYfmmEIpXmIRzVtp4N-2Fp-2BrkT4hML8Jkvvoh72s389WjQZp4JmGQLuP9whF5QRwDBPSuGzJUgaifCXgEopkCtJxB6x4FdPJUx5W1fDL2C0MDHJWA8qKWpYtE57H5SB9RqM-2BWS55s4i0tamZJkRO6HPRHUPBClPaN-2FJ-2F49-2BpkAlDZ016eSSydIY-2F-2BsEiccoNwv-2Ftnz-2Fw4QHbFEhGfw53RP9FZs-3D) in describing his own mission to Nicodemus, saying, "just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so much the Son of Man be lifted up" on the cross. "To put it mildly, this ought to be confusing," [writes Sam Sawyer in](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBr1VcT-2BydTkNTsQcRmhmM9URi3zthgq29MYttNDsDIEicgP81ACrK2nLMmds-2Fb1s78k6OAe67QqCG092fCH-2FMJtlqNKBr-2BFdh45WNpblniC3As1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYTldfTAzfG3A1zgZ10viIyaNSjs2r4WMQDT3-2BEmQqenaEQB5YijkCfr5-2Fg86FvEMUpb41nHGlYBUc68DzW-2FHOS0iXIIEcYES04UMFkA1dwdDF0AP0SjLkVRONxBFaYbQ50hHcS1hs-2BtUu4WSyQnk-2Bjcoo36f3hwrTLDlBTa0RWeReyxiobrcWPIfLVbHpIUHHaKWNF8DhZxC84cRcvNybZw-3D) [*America*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBr1VcT-2BydTkNTsQcRmhmM9URi3zthgq29MYttNDsDIEicgP81ACrK2nLMmds-2Fb1s78k6OAe67QqCG092fCH-2FMJtlqNKBr-2BFdh45WNpblniCjxmE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYYOY46f1DmLPBlvna9eU3zprgycZkAefaPSaBR6LIqZYLaJ-2FDaOk1o41vfhTshoCWk-2Fpv6X6kc6szVG4iCZMvT32ikbg70TfrIn6r8Q6mQDw9yrMJr0tXegdeUBtPs3cgZ6K8YYm0tth9cFtxow6xM4i2Yh-2BOIOO5FnmFT3Kg8iReXfCRvKjl8b-2FnZh18SSKWk8iJ3Z8xzHW9SlRqcuxDpQ-3D) [magazine](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBr1VcT-2BydTkNTsQcRmhmM9URi3zthgq29MYttNDsDIEicgP81ACrK2nLMmds-2Fb1s78k6OAe67QqCG092fCH-2FMJtlqNKBr-2BFdh45WNpblniCFqy2_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYeJEwuMuHzbfTKQ-2B6nF7Kir-2B9M0lqiA6BcFxkKZ2xbNQcRJI08SB67-2FToQep0xWhE7xOgdXfXe-2BHsxuTtPWhHEo-2FO98bMVyUGBwwYpd9dMMWiAPejkdQDGGAFxnmroiRzINXSy0YJatQ2Vk5WpVfOq4Hj15y3-2BfpQDfp7esQRlxDwOocM3oW8Dwk50-2BHLK5ARTi4oC-2BsGS9C5FY2TSAYn58-3D). "Why is an image of the source of the poison a means for healing? And what does it mean for Jesus to treat the lifting up of the serpent as prefiguring his own being lifted up on the cross? Yes, the bronze serpent becomes a source of God's mercy and healing -- but first the living serpents were the means of God’s punishment." Sawyer perceives that "God does not summarily conquer violence, sin and death by announcing that they are overthrown or by dominating them through force. Instead, violence, sin and death are engaged, suffered and transformed. The source of the poison becomes the source of the healing; the means of execution becomes the means of salvation; the body of the one upon whom our sins are laid becomes the bread of life. Violence is overcome by mercy, not by greater violence." > **Questions:** What does it mean to you that God does not use force to conquer violence, sin and death? When, if ever, does God allow humans to intervene forcefully to oppose oppression? When have you seen violence overcome by mercy, not by greater force? How could such an approach reduce political violence today? What would it mean for you to show mercy and compassion to a neighbor suffering from pain or isolation? **James 1:19-20***You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for human anger does not produce God's righteousness.* (For context, read [James 1:19-27](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxNIqZG-2B-2B-2BvBBz5qy3Z-2Fu62-2FeiWcQQNuCOPLRJu0Yt-2FcXiYFQjrLOWOKdydth2VT46HKNf_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYXFbeGKdMyCRy7rafUm6EEEfvKudLkmwqCSlETDEJqU6sNd4niye8pbT365Qz-2F4k2AQK0MmO-2FOVC4-2BNKHNeJfUKWFimOwGazO07l03wckGHIQs7Eb1zv2XA-2Br89erGrZb-2BBSspIh5iPRA4C1wxu5OeOh7TmTGG4iBvvqdvm0jcj30EKhfcz5d5lxqFp63QB0okZ8XfhZSydxqVnxqk7WJ8Q-3D).) Like Hebrews, the letter of James was written to followers of Christ who had grown up Jewish, and his focus was the proper relationship between faith and action. His section on faithful conduct, careful communication and self-control begins with the guidance: "let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." In times of tension, James knows that such practices are essential if members of the community are going to disagree gracefully and remain at peace. Knowing how destructive anger can be, he says that "human anger does not produce God's righteousness." James goes on to encourage the followers of Christ to "be doers of the word and not merely hearers," maintaining integrity between deeds and words (v. 22). True religion requires that people "bridle their tongues" (v. 26), "care for orphans and widows in their distress" and keep themselves "unstained by the world" (v. 27). > **Questions:** Where do you see value in being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger? Why is human anger not consistent with God's righteousness? How could harmony in the Christian community be advanced by people learning to "bridle their tongues"? What does James say to you about disagreeing gracefully and caring for neighbors? **For Further Discussion** 1. TWW Team Member John Coulson describes Charlie Kirk as "a champion of openly debating today's topics, and he was open in his Christian faith. His loss will be felt by many and hopefully it can be used as an opportunity to promote more, not less, conversation about the topics of the day." How can the tragedy of a murder be turned into an opportunity to promote more conversation about important topics? What could your church do? What can you do as an individual? 2. With regard to online engagement that seems to fuel extreme political positions, TWW Team Member Mary Sells observes, "There is some evidence that social media plays a role by monetizing eyeballs, aka engagement, because more eyeballs follow anger and hate than follow love and kindness. That means they can sell more ads and we are the hapless recipients." How can we protect ourselves from online activity that fuels extremism? What can we do to shield our children? How can the church be a positive force in the world of the internet? "Where is God in all of this," asks Mary, and "what Jesus would say to us?" 3. Within the TWW Team, there have been expressions of appreciation for Kirk and criticism of him. David Hall said, "Be sure to find and watch or listen to Charlie Kirk before making up your minds about who and what he was. He allowed anyone to come to his microphone and responded in ways that reflected our Christian faith. Don't rely on what you have only heard." Ako Cromwell said, "I knew of him before his death, because of the lack of empathy that he claimed for most oppressed groups; I knew of his vitriol." How can followers of Christ find common ground as they discuss the death of Kirk? When is it preferable to remain in tension, without common ground? What are you doing to promote dialogue in your church, even when disputes cannot be resolved? 4. "The ugly political fighting that follows moments like Charlie Kirk's assassination can feel all too familiar -- and even unavoidable," [writes Aaron Blake on](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4FMKecptPx22RXLrRN-2FQZuvmKKt5DzRO-2FqqXgYqpP8LXWiJ9Y6mTi3Q2DGO2YTV16KATd3GJdJUDhLEtaBXwN0owDJA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYQcvZyCyLXdi4n9fW5e8Q-2FMZtMdRSM1csPBIkHnD-2FeVsX4VcSNWFrLP50q7-2FFUhWpn2XWPRaZx6qexHuWAG-2BAnpU0RwIoSV9s-2BaDBqSG-2BdqEiLAw-2BJYVVG3b0JAbm3TsH8qbnfE165L6h-2B5AycB3lm-2Fbg4lYbaKLjz5luaOWYQh6S5vq6VK3UIgxDNjz5tuB5fPZvhci5zE5VmtNAxb-2Bp5M-3D) [*CNN*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4FMKecptPx22RXLrRN-2FQZuvmKKt5DzRO-2FqqXgYqpP8LXWiJ9Y6mTi3Q2DGO2YTV16KATd3GJdJUDhLEtaBXwN0o0Wzv_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYexJkQuyDNoLG3QydC7ehAUXaSle3XZB4N0tLze3EFPISKfc1g2feUg6fUMIR0-2FkcMZphjtr80KlpPXmQtO6tWuJ16r24p0PoQvTakJYWc8ZYCuiHtsv1nqYKhUjAlNaTD2g9f4wFQdk5jUmJXZADGg4FFBZDsrmEQsKa-2BNFzI1hXnATpERc30I5qbzTcl4Qs5eRLZ32SQINUJ9RH9XBOLY-3D)*.* "But it wasn't always like this, even relatively recently. The 24th anniversary of 9/11 on Thursday is a reminder that America didn't use to respond to tragedies in this manner. People didn't leap so eagerly and quickly to speculate about and politicize them, despite having next to no information. There was much less of a focus on capitalizing and more of a focus on our better angels." What has changed since 9/11? How have we allowed or even encouraged these changes? What can you do to shift your focus to your "better angels"? **Responding to the News** In a world of political disagreements, try to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Focus more on being a compassionate neighbor than on being a winner in political debates. See people with opposing political positions as fellow children of God, not as enemies. **Prayer** Gracious God, you sent your Son Jesus to conquer the world not through force, but through love. Help us to reduce the anger that is in us and around us, and to be instruments of Christ's mercy and peace in all we say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen. **Other News This Week** ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=GmbTUj-PZ_iQj_17mOL6sTwTcoX3jx9ZKnfZXdRitaxoMDAwdTAwMGpjssvsjZz89WGnv12KYFA_seXUDHKkAulY3Lo25T8zVN7cUSXIr1OMywBglmQpBcwKmDt26ny1-QPjA-NoXfW0l5zL-FDKkQfq4gxn8BXsNIt_uTYsraixPl93qxAYirvN4CfY9Ip6faO9WsOWGx-YjZZITdr4cDVuteNhqMTK3Rj2oG14gUapWm4HSoi-nv3JdE7dTmjfG2EBmeVfioTuuVjtVt-jeJbEauedtXnx3Rk93g_mvCz7_5NoeLlv6j9fAABakLmf1vjfdsdB8SoY1y-Q9RnY-nN7fjLwjioU4bia0PoMDc_IAxSFDnyrUd17GHaSz5j8qIyop_iJT1xS3fzwqJmx2hkHuFlm34NP87KlUEXYu38HEy81hYSXj7nOYnPZEbyBg7dMtLou3Rv99x7f2y87_ECmAQV7zJAV3xA7aKCoom6_ro-oLQ4NKNqKbCoulkLInysuprxTsW3HkltFIsWe-HNccRW5ugoI9vRPu0eD9OaajJVCwnQ2i1LcbA_FaVDc0WBNNEaZ3nyBR6TAs6k0R769yK7KX2BhVZkEEtDnAQWQiPat2Bvy3abHdFykYAtoWLMiLXnFnmQ=) <div>Dear Class Members, The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked the nation and led many to fear an escalation of political violence. In response, this installment of The Wired Word will focus on anger and violence, caring for neighbors and finding ways to disagree gracefully. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Kirk Murder Raises Concerns About Political Violence The Wired Word for the Week of September 21, 2025 In the News <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in .25in 0in; background: white;"> Charlie Kirk, the founder of a young conservatives organization called Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, during a campus event at Utah Valley University. The killing shocked the nation and horrified those who watched a video of the attack on their phones and computers. In the hours after the shooting, Spencer Cox, the governor of Utah (R), called the murder a "political assassination." After a 33-hour manhunt, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson turned himself in to authorities. As of Monday, September 15, Robinson had not confessed to authorities nor cooperated with the investigation. He appeared briefly in front of a judge by video on Tuesday, as authorities continue to try to determine his motive in what appears to be an act of political violence. According to The Washington Post, Robinson is registered as an unaffiliated voter, while his parents are registered Republicans. Relatives have told investigators that Robinson had "very different" political views from those of his conservative family. "There clearly was a leftist ideology," Cox said on NBC. Robinson was once a straight-A student. But after dropping out of Utah State University, it appears that he was "radicalized," according to Cox. Bullet casings from the scene were engraved with messages such as "hey fascist! CATCH!," along with words and symbols used in online gaming. "Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep," said Cox. People who know Robinson have described him as fond of video games. The suspect had been living with a romantic partner who "was shocked" to learn about the shooting, Cox said. The partner has been cooperating with authorities, and is not thought to have had any prior knowledge of the shooting. According to Cox, the partner "is transitioning from male to female," although this status has not been confirmed and authorities are withholding judgment on whether such details are relative to the investigation. Robinson is being held at the Utah County Jail on seven counts, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. The Utah County Attorney, Jeff Gray, says prosecutors will seek the death penalty. In TV appearances, Cox has made repeated appeals to Americans to come together and condemn political violence. "If your view of America is not shaken right now, then there's something wrong with you," he told CNN. Describing the killing as "an assault on America," he said, "Every one of us has to look in the mirror and decide, are we going to make it better or are we going to make it worse?" Cox is one of the leaders in Utah who have sought to "position their state as a model of cooperation and consensus-building," according to The Atlantic. They proudly call it "The Utah Way," and point to bipartisan compromises on LGBTQ rights, religious freedom and immigration. When Cox was chair of the National Governors Association in 2023, he launched an initiative called "Disagree Better." And leaders of the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have focused in recent years on the Christian call to be peacemakers. According to Fox News, Kirk's murder is the latest in a string of acts of political violence that includes the shooting of Donald Trump (R) while campaigning for president in July 2024. In April, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) was the victim of an arson attack. Then, in June, two Minnesota lawmakers and their families were attacked, leaving two dead: Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband. The suspect in the Hortman case, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is facing charges in state and federal court. Northern News Now reports that he has been charged with murder, stalking and firearms charges, and the chief federal prosecutor for Minnesota has called the killings a political assassination. Friends have described Boelter as an evangelical Christian with politically conservative views who had been struggling to find work. Other politicians are joining Cox in urging a de-escalation of political rhetoric across the country. "If it were up to me, I think you need to take the word 'radical' and remove 'right' or 'left,'" said Sen. John Curtis (R-UT). "Radical coming from any direction is not good, it's not healthy and it should be called out." "It's really sad and just scary, you know, honestly, just how dire things have gotten in this country in terms of our political discourse," said Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), to Fox News. "I was actually just remarking the other day how, in a survey, over 50% of Americans surveyed said that they would call people in the other political party 'the enemy.' I just think that's terrifying, that's so dangerous of a place for our country to be." Residents of Robinson's neighborhood were shocked by the arrest. "It's a pretty conservative place, and it's very rooted in family values," said a 41-year-old named Jessie Riley. "I'm dumbfounded," he said. "You kind of look at humanity a little bit different. ... When it's here, you're like, wow, maybe I should pay more attention to my neighbors." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0U17tkCBJPOTYr-2BJ2FWzIMy-2F8oFev0PuTkehfxUvjTOA8YCjABd9edLimvaGeTdKFediQNHrkb5CaxjpcYWjHg8cYbM\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYWqC5zTpbQJghS3mkgLGGWP3SHpKUu6k4rgP1GPoN6gS8TCjr66KNq8c-2FnxoeGf3UE7UcgPBh3AT-2FsYD5euUW6Dy2BFOOd-2F2jJV62WGvNfrmqeJw0X1Vd9Ae6HrUcadRCL0LL4JWDB8tWFZ2SoRTZxfvId3Jfr36ZrR2M6QPMM-2B6eatquvbNx-2FWYi2UEBIGWzM3WLXh4iB6KXsU-2Bz1a4vbM-3D">Kirk Shooting Suspect Had 'Leftist Ideology' but Motive Unclear, Utah Official Says. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0U17tkCBJPOTYr-2BJ2FWzIMy-2F8oFev0PuTkehfxUvjTOA8YCjABd9edLimvaGeTdKFediQNHrkb5CaxjpcYWjHg8G0S4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYYemKh9JuJGy2XbRZagNkOyWGLqvwbnPc2AuvVZ3PqNk6Q412ssMboj-2B-2F076ar93dQGRls-2BXgkKBkXMBzi9UM8HMmjfFNe1jCb0yqOnduffEXXOh1uvMSf6XJBLRIPA3eOWhclbC-2F-2B12YjWQeymSPcH-2F4WcCacv61dMeznYX3mojO3mJ75vnMCwY-2Bfq5MsBxIE2y0qFFDc0zJvikA38U4qY-3D">The Washington Post</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAhYkU3qpDDdhU3-2Fb5KUlnJwxjQSshEshR3TrLAnktvhkVXzzRZbhcpGeQ113GWX-2FJAHIE68LQwuWcLBZmrt23uptDfyFQEfpj9ddh45Hf-2BW3DmLQlG-2Fe1qeOtQjqwWdPg-3D-3DF21Q\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYbV3WD9n1165siV-2BOEvmarh4xq39WplEWztfQAy8lL0d-2FZTjJx7SV2zBY5FuKsKQLP16BU-2BNCSoWUt1Hs1TbDwC29OVkKm5OYpPQ78ncXmbD-2FYx6Svr2gECrYR0I2oeHtfa0yui21z3ZWY8-2F5-2BFYNwDpMZxkqR0oGosTFlgnQmeCSb245FMrKT6xS9pr3-2FL0POTKCtBoUyY4jrEjMC7vDfY-3D">Trump Has a Warning for Spencer Cox. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPAhYkU3qpDDdhU3-2Fb5KUlnJwxjQSshEshR3TrLAnktvhkVXzzRZbhcpGeQ113GWX-2FJAHIE68LQwuWcLBZmrt23uptDfyFQEfpj9ddh45Hf-2BW3DmLQlG-2Fe1qeOtQjqwWdPg-3D-3DpcR6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYcXZX7yy50-2BQI9rgJmfmRK9XQ-2FdmC00SNdQnmB5ozU-2BxtSiGSJ0nwgR2pTgfwrKxy1fLBHRqexCy0m2ZiD6aajYqdSg9Gz7djrS7Sok-2BQn2Pl5JWpm8RxXlNJSoJGjdIpkf7dR1s7KTTC6YgYY6tlxbpNC2Yevd3ChDw6iyDHrqyFNcfVp4APNEWxKi0HsUhPx40UqAROCdo81IOolB0oPU-3D">The Atlantic</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhag6-3i\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYTufuHuTSO8BVqK-2FRl-2BtIKXkSWI32k631FEFenBvYqS5DdmBH-2Baq-2FeyWY6IVsixvEI-2BjhMxTLc4K2C-2B4TApFdHpS6pnV8Lcjlpf3DMb3FVGFzMS4g8nF0CMf-2FYMRbSot-2B8UL95il1qRQI14G5iVhavpNgbpT-2BA6PPpHsEaCSg6Nol0Eag7Q2SAb0b-2Bf4OMdcKRueDJQcEe-2FAgw9hNwrH0bM-3D">Following Kirk's Assassination, Lawmakers React to Lethal Political Climate: 'Violent Words Precede Violent Actions.' </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhag83\_P\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYfK6Zn4whukbRQAulQcUW290CTCq9iOcbMvn-2BgqInPLCI2DuCVOfenmtl3OgAAAUOxjZR06nA28KprsCUJ-2BoDLRYsG7ZnY15LwIonElOr2VT2LKqcUCcgOKi4vTLA-2BeIIpu-2FPrOj92zYN4Dvm-2F1PCdyh6ZQDw5fv6FbTaZTz9wKdx0ll3IY8IcEi7NnMkcFlQoyrW8ZXAD0UjjKcMEqTYxg-3D">Fox News</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLNPlWQTzCnTcAIvLRKJXdvxKwohMGZ3sbJ5O3nLg2ISYLv5N-2B-2F-2BaTj0gSpWePSiwKWJRtGLiFkOT4u-2FKkZrjZKeTPT-2BR0krneJH7UoIE-2Bjy03TOv1WUBjpuVfF9hNu3hBpbn4s-2BVmdYYyJCmL8o7e4-3DC1O6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYXnGfO5orLFu3l55r2jJMGT9-2BfpXpRaqLTcrAfnpCJaujAcyRz0DUAeItnc22-2BH1RxmZy-2BF3mczIfqOlEh-2FGQVw1uDk67Mjl-2BRx9vO80-2B89i9huQQA96FNltpZvkvB-2FEEbjEKx00lInnShNQYQTPfH7-2Bhe3a2D622aEz272wn2ca2goOWh8OFtoddZDbJs7kRQm3sumJYytS9xWicOu0GCg-3D">Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man Accused of Killing Melissa Hortman. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLNPlWQTzCnTcAIvLRKJXdvxKwohMGZ3sbJ5O3nLg2ISYLv5N-2B-2F-2BaTj0gSpWePSiwKWJRtGLiFkOT4u-2FKkZrjZKeTPT-2BR0krneJH7UoIE-2Bjy03TOv1WUBjpuVfF9hNu3hBpbn4s-2BVmdYYyJCmL8o7e4-3DfDBK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYY5yjthtp4hbrWrBtbPJ8Py1bJnol4tYa-2FLzS208fO0qMi9pHM9dEndKfgpJHTqwpVvHzuGn02yEaNi7uozfk-2BKOnvGPoS4OAxEN7rx5O2Wqzfxw3wyXP6DU2Auj6XLB3hFfYVoreToCqxEHiw78j4c-2Fhh2g62S-2FnxQHr4b8yoJx-2BzsCGUKpBypuY9p-2Fu30qQFzR6-2BV8ND5MrD0zwTR-2Bh6g-3D">Northern News Now</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE58pvJC-2FhOFalI4p4itcfcrzj7LAfPbgl2wzZ5NQVj-2F1pducOzslTgZgtdXcaohdJfv5RmOWayAeG9IHV4bQxQ-3Dp5zw\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYVhEAu6xQ9rtAAbVRnTsNc-2FV2YSw4EFRKVnZHEZpn5A50GTsnBA-2FKJP0AhjD3oW1iRiN-2FmLUEmn4E6kk0RCUORG6BCtD823HrgX5eRSE69NUBKTkTP2vCpuWoC0XHZWubOd5vChooIAYGwYTqdvarOdJ8Rx-2FSv42bJ4-2FEbjug9ELRTFeNkHE2c5VHSf85EDgzwwYztTd8tM4tnUFTWhwMEo-3D">Left's Dehumanization of MAGA Behind Rising Support for Violence</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE58pvJC-2FhOFalI4p4itcfcrzj7LAfPbgl2wzZ5NQVj-2F1pducOzslTgZgtdXcaohdJfv5RmOWayAeG9IHV4bQxQ-3Ds\_rC\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYWdetz1fP-2BmdeZkhJ0dNvOd6qk3lhVsh9933JHmZ29TcqmEAAEMnk8Yz-2FM4-2F4hISquYfS4UM7wzvharOu08Vmxg4-2Fgqwa2NSS9sJuWb1nU-2FI-2BGHGLYZcsRkbM-2FdCOnXwUNt08x3IFR0Vqh1NGufCSEk9iJru0LC1DXkqFxUEseZURYNyaRUwD9QneWJa25YPPcbqamtg4wD8k6w7Pa-2FeLeQ-3D">. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPE58pvJC-2FhOFalI4p4itcfcrzj7LAfPbgl2wzZ5NQVj-2F1pducOzslTgZgtdXcaohdJfv5RmOWayAeG9IHV4bQxQ-3DC\_9O\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYW81u6Axf9GHj9eKEyfk1Cd8AJvl8OMpDgKNvZxyOIZA9T7UIOSe09m6hFJuXCykHCRDtBhs-2FPXW-2FzUDAH4MvYieXFosdu8CI0bRUw0cpK-2BBe124plpKfn7NVnqRSAcqFrL4dngcSYAGTibxJ9xiphGMuF9Zlarx6uKZxG2ha1gRhSjzYNz1KCgURa92YUJFDyaxV9qTzNml-2F-2BRAvc5L-2FK4-3D">Public News</a> Applying the News Story "I would hope that all people would take a moment, reflect, and bring down this political rhetoric," said <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhagdTUy\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYbtQHHWwf0KgudCr-2Fcq4R2QsrecnOxmOmoV87v-2FDoW9ZkQdX9mQkU7zFee-2Bi2-2B-2FTyacr7IXnNu6HuZ1cHI3kRxtUvzyuqE-2FTxY6FYc6opevseGsyiC-2Bc37EaBmgTeHyL-2BMseePo2kt39Um3w-2B-2FtCqc5J-2BFd7Q47YSPRBTH4OCfEx0RAqwxrexRFTbiUnQeS2cwnOEcyiqGDR-2BdwpKa4CRhs-3D">Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), to </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHn9X5b9s-2FSWsYbhOVDjUvBLoB7pzq9IOvRk5mYJCtL2zqSSaqRvhmM33wseqU4-2FHIc3f6-2FsPSFdQwMuogxyw6efYNNzgkqaJcfAJDMGVrrk-2BqD7BXdjzV92rJCSlhpy4YA4aTKSQJ31JZ7GC7yNhageH4G\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYQc9Pp3J-2BGGFBJObrBDTE88QNsGbMzeBDxfB5SlAu1DGW2ZMTe-2FSmH8E9W68PVZm0pY-2BejwIMG9HgQutrqZwuvHAST8AEpjbOaRX0u4UKfXixobG-2B9EzVn3Z7W-2BZLvegfgv5EixGnz73ZSTHB-2F3kz2IxXLjjxL5LepBDkDDufqRXOF3jQDzWKw4WFlgUTkyLRp3CpeLzGg6RlO7AbUIH1WQ-3D">Fox News Digital</a>. "Violent words precede violent actions." Use the murder of Charlie Kirk as an opportunity to discuss anger and violence, caring for neighbors and finding ways to disagree gracefully. The Big Questions 1. Within your family, your neighborhood and your church, what has been the reaction to Charlie Kirk's murder? What was your personal response? Be specific. 2. How is Charlie Kirk's killing "an assault on America," in the words of Gov. Cox? How is it an assault on the Christian church, if at all? Or, how is it neither of these things? In a sentence, how would you describe the significance of this murder? 3. Where do you see evidence of rising anger and violence around you? What can you do, if anything, to reduce anger and violence in your community? What actions would you like your church to take, if any? 4. "I'm dumbfounded," said a Utah resident named Jessie Riley, after the Kirk killing, "maybe I should pay more attention to my neighbors." What do you think he meant? How can we pay more attention to our neighbors, and what good would it do? 5. <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIKH0aP8wGEF4ljhXMWd-2BfLHMST5BeZDwOHdv4uOy4pVrWe0nStgU2Zm2-2BBYmKiuL2kSmEGISVgs952J7JalqUOx6jnMNJ-2BI2F-2Bv0T5Cps8zA8dh5EEXLJdb0nFPSmbeA5hIaquKoqLfirf5yXJtt2A-3D8w6E\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYb-2BIeUfR4By2E3z-2BNhMpErAKVtG7VAr-2FE81pHBSReem1l-2FWCKkD14vQGkPK4jw96887HNJFxAFCItnawrl5IK0i8aOie7g1GOlcO5iRp6jBpWXeR6aoPPFlPwJQZD2hsdWnjIGNnVRo8xHb6Hc8p6PD07RTWt6AqZioRv4YVmLcxJvEQCpGfWDAnW8Vyv6DmDEB-2BjfkG5YaBGtar35B8T0o-3D">Historian Jon Meacham recently said</a>, "We do not want to be in a place where because you disagree with someone, you pick up a gun." How can you do a better job of disagreeing gracefully, as an individual and a member of the church? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Genesis 4:8-10 Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" And the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen, your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!" (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNcF5hEvrXXJXna03SY9jgAIgmQFFVHv5CtScvZsDGV-2BG08S4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYVdjD49ddUGzqf1LgyA-2FyO3TDV9Ur-2Bo8zSBDwR73J8GZFOKnKPKHmmauc8JBX-2BWgnKtgTvOgWAvQCe-2BLimOa3-2FERaaqjyFCmuO4OqhN69AIa2NnYuFz-2BpV-2BJI5r2bAplYXGl4EKaF0K9RGpjLHQk36EtRgS8im98l1TFtG4p7M61RFA97AFh1bDPr0HjUXcA2EhfOp2kSYwExW7FIagczNE-3D">Genesis 4:1-16</a>.) In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve have two sons: Cain and Abel. Abel is "a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground" (v. 2). The Lord has regard for Abel's offerings from his flock, but not for Cain's offerings from the ground, which makes Cain angry. In frustration, Cain invites Abel into the field, and there "Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him." The hostility being felt by Cain results in the very first murder in the Bible. When God asks Cain about the location of his brother, Cain says, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" God senses his guilt and says that Abel's "blood is crying out to me from the ground!" God condemns Cain to be "a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth" (v. 12). TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus observes, "Violence fueled by anger and related causes goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden." <blockquote> Questions: Where do you see a link between anger and violence, in the Kirk murder and in situations around you? What can you do to diminish anger before it erupts in violence, as an individual and a community of faith? What does it mean to you to care for your neighbors and be your "brother's keeper"? </blockquote> Judges 3:20-22 Ehud came to him, while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber, and said, "I have a message from God for you." So he rose from his seat. Then Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into Eglon's belly; the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the sword out of his belly, and the dirt came out. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxu8W1XQrd0Yf4zZDlONPXRG5zUY1L9X1pJ5sdCQO3kKcZATny0RN0Otk-2F7QWdwm1tNe4\_\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYUM6oiNjxijvqGjtFlqhWpSQGPEhdNh-2FD92g5aJDUXLA0g5SMpBTmeBCELJSOUrQkUJ3XuYoWY2p-2FKz-2FX363OzWdBSA-2FFPUuLyUZ6GKQJvHiTnJg-2F3VhLD3MeEJRkb4M2uA8KXKSIQb8gH1ZFKV0IAA9MQBHec2IWCnn3-2FZP31OO2IVlQdpSDmMLJ1Z7tElV4CvipTe40DZ7Gc9NPyLD4Kc-3D">Judges 3:15-25</a>.) The book of Judges is named after the main characters of this Old Testament book. But unlike our judges today, their work was not primarily legal. Instead, they were leaders of the tribes of Israel, and they often led the military in heroic ways. Their leadership offered stability to the tribes of Israel before the monarchy was established, during a time in which a particular pattern repeated itself: The people of Israel were unfaithful to God, they were oppressed by a foreign people, they cried out to God, and God sent judges to lead them. In the third chapter, the Israelites cry out to God and are given a judge named "Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man" (v. 15). He visits King Eglon of Moab, a very fat man. After giving the king a gift, Ehud says, "I have a message from God for you" (the Hebrew word for "message" is dabar, which can mean "a word" or "a thing"). Then Ehud draws a short sword that he had fastened to his right thigh under his clothes, and he thrusts it into Eglon's belly, so far that "the fat [closes] over the blade" (v. 22), killing him. <blockquote> Questions: What is the message of the story of Ehud and Eglon to us today? When, if ever, has God's will been advanced by violence? How does the life, death and resurrection of Jesus affect your understanding of God's will in political and national affairs? </blockquote> John 3:14-15 [Jesus said] And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxXB0oN-2BI8vrXauoJo6NOmSEJZBQJ92GeOSUxm5JhbCMH8xl8A2o0XwSTbXoXux8JjiDCB\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYR9GwaH0lcmyiM6wOxXk9ppKfT2pNQzfZ85DVSdaB5sK9U4tbsL7aeFQbcerhu88orKp8QHTqWc-2BG4rTHj3zceZbTrCbFIOVTk1fuzsDv-2BfzoeigR6YAfPdo1TmoWvBVd8Sf0WYV5AWjStEG9alkosWZjB4phJkl3kZ-2FZX4k7mKDfVGW-2FTuxVRv3YQCyDLfRb3eZ9RuwgBh9mkI5eRxLH3A-3D">John 3:11-16</a>.) In the gospel of John, Jesus invokes the serpent of bronze in <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxipKmMB4V5Lv9UivoVYw8Zs8B-2FsxlWQl-2FHrivvxFeipyygFB5IkMI-2BcWqV-2B8Dwyw63zwl\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYfmmEIpXmIRzVtp4N-2Fp-2BrkT4hML8Jkvvoh72s389WjQZp4JmGQLuP9whF5QRwDBPSuGzJUgaifCXgEopkCtJxB6x4FdPJUx5W1fDL2C0MDHJWA8qKWpYtE57H5SB9RqM-2BWS55s4i0tamZJkRO6HPRHUPBClPaN-2FJ-2F49-2BpkAlDZ016eSSydIY-2F-2BsEiccoNwv-2Ftnz-2Fw4QHbFEhGfw53RP9FZs-3D">Numbers 21:6-9</a> in describing his own mission to Nicodemus, saying, "just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so much the Son of Man be lifted up" on the cross. "To put it mildly, this ought to be confusing," <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBr1VcT-2BydTkNTsQcRmhmM9URi3zthgq29MYttNDsDIEicgP81ACrK2nLMmds-2Fb1s78k6OAe67QqCG092fCH-2FMJtlqNKBr-2BFdh45WNpblniC3As1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYTldfTAzfG3A1zgZ10viIyaNSjs2r4WMQDT3-2BEmQqenaEQB5YijkCfr5-2Fg86FvEMUpb41nHGlYBUc68DzW-2FHOS0iXIIEcYES04UMFkA1dwdDF0AP0SjLkVRONxBFaYbQ50hHcS1hs-2BtUu4WSyQnk-2Bjcoo36f3hwrTLDlBTa0RWeReyxiobrcWPIfLVbHpIUHHaKWNF8DhZxC84cRcvNybZw-3D">writes Sam Sawyer in </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBr1VcT-2BydTkNTsQcRmhmM9URi3zthgq29MYttNDsDIEicgP81ACrK2nLMmds-2Fb1s78k6OAe67QqCG092fCH-2FMJtlqNKBr-2BFdh45WNpblniCjxmE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYYOY46f1DmLPBlvna9eU3zprgycZkAefaPSaBR6LIqZYLaJ-2FDaOk1o41vfhTshoCWk-2Fpv6X6kc6szVG4iCZMvT32ikbg70TfrIn6r8Q6mQDw9yrMJr0tXegdeUBtPs3cgZ6K8YYm0tth9cFtxow6xM4i2Yh-2BOIOO5FnmFT3Kg8iReXfCRvKjl8b-2FnZh18SSKWk8iJ3Z8xzHW9SlRqcuxDpQ-3D">America</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBr1VcT-2BydTkNTsQcRmhmM9URi3zthgq29MYttNDsDIEicgP81ACrK2nLMmds-2Fb1s78k6OAe67QqCG092fCH-2FMJtlqNKBr-2BFdh45WNpblniCFqy2\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYeJEwuMuHzbfTKQ-2B6nF7Kir-2B9M0lqiA6BcFxkKZ2xbNQcRJI08SB67-2FToQep0xWhE7xOgdXfXe-2BHsxuTtPWhHEo-2FO98bMVyUGBwwYpd9dMMWiAPejkdQDGGAFxnmroiRzINXSy0YJatQ2Vk5WpVfOq4Hj15y3-2BfpQDfp7esQRlxDwOocM3oW8Dwk50-2BHLK5ARTi4oC-2BsGS9C5FY2TSAYn58-3D"> magazine</a>. "Why is an image of the source of the poison a means for healing? And what does it mean for Jesus to treat the lifting up of the serpent as prefiguring his own being lifted up on the cross? Yes, the bronze serpent becomes a source of God's mercy and healing -- but first the living serpents were the means of God’s punishment." Sawyer perceives that "God does not summarily conquer violence, sin and death by announcing that they are overthrown or by dominating them through force. Instead, violence, sin and death are engaged, suffered and transformed. The source of the poison becomes the source of the healing; the means of execution becomes the means of salvation; the body of the one upon whom our sins are laid becomes the bread of life. Violence is overcome by mercy, not by greater violence." <blockquote> Questions: What does it mean to you that God does not use force to conquer violence, sin and death? When, if ever, does God allow humans to intervene forcefully to oppose oppression? When have you seen violence overcome by mercy, not by greater force? How could such an approach reduce political violence today? What would it mean for you to show mercy and compassion to a neighbor suffering from pain or isolation? </blockquote> James 1:19-20 You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for human anger does not produce God's righteousness. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxNIqZG-2B-2B-2BvBBz5qy3Z-2Fu62-2FeiWcQQNuCOPLRJu0Yt-2FcXiYFQjrLOWOKdydth2VT46HKNf\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYXFbeGKdMyCRy7rafUm6EEEfvKudLkmwqCSlETDEJqU6sNd4niye8pbT365Qz-2F4k2AQK0MmO-2FOVC4-2BNKHNeJfUKWFimOwGazO07l03wckGHIQs7Eb1zv2XA-2Br89erGrZb-2BBSspIh5iPRA4C1wxu5OeOh7TmTGG4iBvvqdvm0jcj30EKhfcz5d5lxqFp63QB0okZ8XfhZSydxqVnxqk7WJ8Q-3D">James 1:19-27</a>.) Like Hebrews, the letter of James was written to followers of Christ who had grown up Jewish, and his focus was the proper relationship between faith and action. His section on faithful conduct, careful communication and self-control begins with the guidance: "let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." In times of tension, James knows that such practices are essential if members of the community are going to disagree gracefully and remain at peace. Knowing how destructive anger can be, he says that "human anger does not produce God's righteousness." James goes on to encourage the followers of Christ to "be doers of the word and not merely hearers," maintaining integrity between deeds and words (v. 22). True religion requires that people "bridle their tongues" (v. 26), "care for orphans and widows in their distress" and keep themselves "unstained by the world" (v. 27). <blockquote> Questions: Where do you see value in being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger? Why is human anger not consistent with God's righteousness? How could harmony in the Christian community be advanced by people learning to "bridle their tongues"? What does James say to you about disagreeing gracefully and caring for neighbors? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. TWW Team Member John Coulson describes Charlie Kirk as "a champion of openly debating today's topics, and he was open in his Christian faith. His loss will be felt by many and hopefully it can be used as an opportunity to promote more, not less, conversation about the topics of the day." How can the tragedy of a murder be turned into an opportunity to promote more conversation about important topics? What could your church do? What can you do as an individual? 2. With regard to online engagement that seems to fuel extreme political positions, TWW Team Member Mary Sells observes, "There is some evidence that social media plays a role by monetizing eyeballs, aka engagement, because more eyeballs follow anger and hate than follow love and kindness. That means they can sell more ads and we are the hapless recipients." How can we protect ourselves from online activity that fuels extremism? What can we do to shield our children? How can the church be a positive force in the world of the internet? "Where is God in all of this," asks Mary, and "what Jesus would say to us?" 3. Within the TWW Team, there have been expressions of appreciation for Kirk and criticism of him. David Hall said, "Be sure to find and watch or listen to Charlie Kirk before making up your minds about who and what he was. He allowed anyone to come to his microphone and responded in ways that reflected our Christian faith. Don't rely on what you have only heard." Ako Cromwell said, "I knew of him before his death, because of the lack of empathy that he claimed for most oppressed groups; I knew of his vitriol." How can followers of Christ find common ground as they discuss the death of Kirk? When is it preferable to remain in tension, without common ground? What are you doing to promote dialogue in your church, even when disputes cannot be resolved? 4. "The ugly political fighting that follows moments like Charlie Kirk's assassination can feel all too familiar -- and even unavoidable," <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4FMKecptPx22RXLrRN-2FQZuvmKKt5DzRO-2FqqXgYqpP8LXWiJ9Y6mTi3Q2DGO2YTV16KATd3GJdJUDhLEtaBXwN0owDJA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYQcvZyCyLXdi4n9fW5e8Q-2FMZtMdRSM1csPBIkHnD-2FeVsX4VcSNWFrLP50q7-2FFUhWpn2XWPRaZx6qexHuWAG-2BAnpU0RwIoSV9s-2BaDBqSG-2BdqEiLAw-2BJYVVG3b0JAbm3TsH8qbnfE165L6h-2B5AycB3lm-2Fbg4lYbaKLjz5luaOWYQh6S5vq6VK3UIgxDNjz5tuB5fPZvhci5zE5VmtNAxb-2Bp5M-3D">writes Aaron Blake on </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4FMKecptPx22RXLrRN-2FQZuvmKKt5DzRO-2FqqXgYqpP8LXWiJ9Y6mTi3Q2DGO2YTV16KATd3GJdJUDhLEtaBXwN0o0Wzv\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmefWbCx4vR-2Br8Zg3mLmKZ-2F9-2Bj-2FDLv8yWa99zdQT84uaHeNBLnOsU42RQHcpRwcKcYexJkQuyDNoLG3QydC7ehAUXaSle3XZB4N0tLze3EFPISKfc1g2feUg6fUMIR0-2FkcMZphjtr80KlpPXmQtO6tWuJ16r24p0PoQvTakJYWc8ZYCuiHtsv1nqYKhUjAlNaTD2g9f4wFQdk5jUmJXZADGg4FFBZDsrmEQsKa-2BNFzI1hXnATpERc30I5qbzTcl4Qs5eRLZ32SQINUJ9RH9XBOLY-3D">CNN</a>. "But it wasn't always like this, even relatively recently. The 24th anniversary of 9/11 on Thursday is a reminder that America didn't use to respond to tragedies in this manner. People didn't leap so eagerly and quickly to speculate about and politicize them, despite having next to no information. There was much less of a focus on capitalizing and more of a focus on our better angels." What has changed since 9/11? How have we allowed or even encouraged these changes? What can you do to shift your focus to your "better angels"? Responding to the News In a world of political disagreements, try to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Focus more on being a compassionate neighbor than on being a winner in political debates. See people with opposing political positions as fellow children of God, not as enemies. Prayer Gracious God, you sent your Son Jesus to conquer the world not through force, but through love. Help us to reduce the anger that is in us and around us, and to be instruments of Christ's mercy and peace in all we say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen. 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