The Mystery of Violence

“It seems as if in our psyche there is a strange fascination with violence. It horrifies, yet at the same time it allures.” (Seeds of Peace: Contemplation and Non-Violence by Rev. William H. Shannon, The Crossroad Publishing Company, New York, pp 93-94). I can understand and confirm this in my experience.

I am thrilled by action movies. I cheer with a big WOW when my favorite actors Bruce Willis and Liam Neeson ‎expertly kill their criminal opponents. But I keep quiet and aghast and seemingly unconcerned by the miserable sight of the victims. I know many friends who can say the same thing but cannot explain why. Fr. Shannon has an explanation. He writes.

“It is worth pointing ‎out that what I have just said about violence is exactly what Rudolf Otto has said about God: God is mysterium tremendum et fascinosum, a mystery that causes us to tremble, that frightens us, yet at the same time draws us, attracts us.” (Idem, p 94). Rudolf Otto (1869-1937) was a German philosopher and theologian who in his book The Idea of the Holy (1917) he inquired on the non-rational factors in the idea of the divine.

Fr. Shannon lists past and present incidents of violence, celebrated and condemned, and says, “in these and many other cases we see the fascination that violence engenders. We are drawn to it almost irresistibly at the same time that we are repelled by it.” Then he adds two more effects which we should take seriously and reflect prayerfully. This is on the same page 94 of his book mentioned above.

“Mixed in with feelings of being allured by violence and being repulsed by it is also the experience of compassion and concern for victims of violence…” which produce “a deep well of compassion” in many people around the world. Finally, a problem we must address now. He says:

“To fascination and compassion must be added‎ confusion and bewilderment: not knowing how to deal with terrorism in the Middle East, genocide in Yugoslavia and Rwanda, so much bloody slaughter in Haiti and in so many other places in the world.” and the Philippines too?