News stories about the horrible killings in Norway this past week now refer to the accused killer as a “right wing extremist” rather than the earlier “Christian extremist.” What a shame, that any designation related to Christ’s name would be associated, even briefly, with one guilty of such wanton taking of life.

Surely this man should never be connected with the Jesus who rebuked a disciple for taking up a sword in his defense. (Bible, book of Matthew, chapter 26.) The disciple, Peter, had the wrong idea, as certainly as did the killer in Norway or those who cause grief by protesting at funerals of dead soldiers.

We Christians continue to bear the burden of living lives of reconciliation so that all may see the difference between us and ones who, while calling themselves Christians, sow chaos and hatred.

News stories on the same day as this tragedy spoke of others: ten wounded at a Northwest car show in a shooting rampage; teenage girls sexually exploited by pimps; a British singer known for songs focusing on drugs, drinking, and infidelity found dead at the age of twenty-seven. We are a world in search of a reason for living.

Mourners in Norway gathered outside the Oslo Cathedral. Apparently, hope remains that the Christian faith brings comfort, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let us not disappoint.