Hearts are hardened

I wanted to thank a couple of contributors to the Voices page on Wednesday and Thursday concerning both the concealed-carry law and the execution proceedings endorsed by Gov. Asa Hutchison. I think it would be appropriate for the governor and the legislators who pushed these executions to attend at least one of them. Does the execution of a man for the murder of another discourage other killings?

I was more surprised by the success of the concealed-carry law. I genuinely hope it doesn’t come back to haunt Rep. Charlie Collins, a man whom I think has the best of intentions. Every week this newspaper is filled with murders. Angry lovers, impatient drivers, and disgruntled neighbors. The very idea of allowing concealed weapons on college campuses and in church sanctuaries is despicable.

Whether you believe mankind has existed for 2,000 years or 500,000, you can’t say we’ve come very far. When you look at these two pieces of legislation, do you really see remedies?

I’ve seen plenty of Bible quotes lately that seem to be endorsing killing and revenge. I wonder how Jesus would really respond to this. Christ’s death and resurrection established God’s new covenant with his people that placed before us two all-encompassing commandments—to love and honor him and love his other children. This sounds so simple but is almost impossible for the human condition.

When I hear people say this nation was established on Christian principles, I wonder, where does this covenant fall? This has been the greatest nation for a reason. We’ve made plenty of mistakes, but our compassion, empathy and genuine concern for those less fortunate makes us who we are.

I’m afraid we’re losing our capacity for these virtues, and many Christian hearts have hardened from anger and fear. Christians who genuinely trust God should have no fear. The grace of Jesus is not to be dictated as much by man’s law as by his people’s ability to carry out his grace. WADE GREEN

Camden