Multiple research studies now show that those who regularly attend church services are healthier and live longer. A 2016 JAMA Internal Medicine study reported that “women who went to any kind of religious service more than once a week had a 33% lower chance than their secular peers of dying during the 16-year study-follow-up period” (Time, February 15, 2018).

The increasing rhetoric and military actions in Syria have “intensified fears that the Middle East is heading for all-out war”—although few think all-out war will become a reality (The Guardian, February 17, 2018).

Another mass murder took place, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14. Expelled student Nikolas Cruz entered the building, killing at least 17 and injuring many others. The question everyone always wants to know is “Why?”

The Parkland community is no doubt stunned and bewildered, as is the rest of the nation watching the sickening news reports. Decades ago, I would have used the word “shocking,” but sadly it isn’t shocking anymore, because it has been happening all too frequently.