Scott D. Winnail

Of all the values society holds dear today, freedom must top the list. As we look around our nations and communities, what freedoms do we value? We value freedom of speech, freedom of travel, and freedom to act as individuals. We cherish freedom of choice—in marriage, family, religion, and myriad other aspects of our lives. Many even seem to value freedom from marriage, freedom from children, or freedom from religion, and the list of other “obstacles” to freedom goes on seemingly endlessly.

“Happy Hunger Games!” is the greeting from Suzanne Collin’s blockbuster sensation Hunger Games. Interestingly, fans of the movie series almost wish each other the same greeting via texts, tweets and social media messages, as they make the pilgrimage to theaters for the second movie in the trilogy, Catching Fire. But, is this movie series, which has now developed a cult following, something Christians should really be “happy” about?

Recent news headlines are both shocking and disturbing. An insane gunman mowing down children at a summer camp in Norway. A deranged father keeping two mentally incompetent daughters as sex slaves. A psychotic father decapitating his handicapped seven-year-old son. Thousands of rioters destroying cars and buildings and stealing as they rampage. A rapist assaulting an 85-year-old woman for the “thrill of the moment.” And the gory list continues. What is happening? Has the whole world gone mad? Will the carnage ever cease?