Winner of The Week.

I recently finished reading "The Coral Island" and I wanted to share some thoughts that I had concerning the book.

In the latter half of the book, Ralph Rover (the main character) has witnessed several instances of bloodshed and violence done by the savages. Ralph is thinking what an awful thing it is that it is possible for men to come to such hardness of heart and callousness towards scenes of bloodshed and violence. Ralph then thought how constant exposure to scenes of violence was having a slight effect upon him and he realized that he too was becoming callous.

Reading this caused me to think how true this was and how Christians must be careful and constantly on our guard that we do not become desensitized to things of this world. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Becoming conformed to this world is so easy to do if we are not careful to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Savannah

Thank you, Savannah, for this important insight. There is godly violence and then there is ungodly violence. The man of God must be ready to act, even using force if necessary, in defense of women and children. But even where force is necessary, we should never develop a thirst for bloodshed. This has been a trait of pagan societies. Your application of Ballantyne's point is spot on. We are to set an example to the world and show ourselves faithful to Christ---this means that we keep a balanced perspective on this issue. .