Explaining the Virginia Tech Massacre to Your Homeschoolers
By Mimi Rothschild
Your homeschoolers may ask, “Why would God let a tragedy like this happen?” This is a tough question to answer, and one that even the greatest theologians disagree about.
I believe the best way to approach this issue is to explain to your children the ramifications of sin. Ever since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, humanity has suffered the consequences of their sin. We toil under the sun for our sustenance, we suffer diseases and death, and we experience grief and anguish.
God gives us free will. As a result, we must deal with the consequences of other people’s sin. Tragedies like the Virginia Tech Massacre are an extreme result of sin.
Remember to explain to your homeschoolers that God has a perfect plan for this world. Even though it may be hard to see it, it’s imperative that we trust him. If we truly believe that “He’s got the whole world in His hands”, then we must recognize that God knows what’s best for humanity as a whole. Let’s try to focus on that bigger picture.
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” - Philippians 4:6-8
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I enjoyed your article. This incident disturbed my oldest daughter, 11. She has been planning all along to go to college, but after the massacre, she said, “Well, maybe I won”t go.” I had to take th time to talk to her and tell her that if she is walking in God”s will, serving the Lord to the best of her ability, that she will not be removed from this earth one moment before it is her time. She needs to follow Him and trust Him. What is the worst that will happen to her? That she will die and be with Jesus? Is that really so awful? Yes, it would be terrible for us here, but not for her. My dd”s fears were calmed and she continues to look forward to college.
Comment by Momofkings — April 21, 2007 @ 9:59 am