Values, Virtues and Violence

El Salvador is a country that has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Last year we averaged 13 murders a day with a population of 7 million. That is a rate that is about 15 times higher than what is experienced in the metropolitan Portland, Oregon area. Can you imagine the outrage among politicians and the media if Portland experienced that level of violence? Well, there is outrage here and the government has decided to take drastic steps. Yes, they have stepped up the number of police and increased jail sentences. But, more importantly, they have decided to allow the Christian Churches to have access into the public schools to teach values form the Bible. I have been asked to take part in this process. We will be teaching topics such as self-control, gratitude, respect, civility, integrity, empathy, friendship, discipline, diligence and responsibility. The basis for these virtues will be from the Bible so that we have a solid, unchanging foundation to define what these look like in life. I am excited by this prospect because genuine, long-lasting change will not come from external laws but from an internal change of heart . A life transformation that is initiated by the creator. A transformed life that positively impacts other lives. A life that will be a light that shines in the darkness.