The Earth, The Sky and Everything In Between

For my part, I feel a lot of compassion and grief for those directly affected in this case. Each seem, from the available quotes, broken up over the matter and caught up in an unwanted storm of political opportunism. We can say with certainty that Mr. Zimmerman will be charged and will defend himself in court. That those charges have not yet been filed underscores the complicated nature of the case and the need for restraint. If those with the authority to accuse are having such a hard time developing a prosecutable accusation, on what more-informed ground do rallies across the nation levy their accusation?

To be very clear, I don't know if George Zimmerman is innocent or guilty. I have no idea what happened. Even if I did, I would have a hard time drawing the line between when pulling the trigger in self-defense is and isn't warranted. The standard of reasonable doubt exists because our criminal judicial system is based on an aversion to condemning the innocent. It's not perfect, but we generally make our best effort to meet that very Christian and compassionate standard of judgment. I'm thankful that the matter will be settled in court, because outside its walls, a different standard of judgment is at work. There, all I hear is an instigated crowd chanting in unison for a charge not proven concerning a matter they cannot possibly understand. But that shouldn't strike us as out of place, right? The madness of crowds at the prodding of opportunists is nothing new. Christians, of all people, should understand that pattern, especially this week.