I guess I just don't see one iota of difference between a church and a movie theatre. None whatsoever.
Jimmy: Fair point. The murder of innocent people is murder, regardless where it takes place. However, most civilized people (and I know you are one) know that a church, synagogue, mosque, etc, is a unique place in one important way; they are recognized as sanctuaries; and sacred sanctuaries to most. I think those are the differentiators.
sanctuary
noun
1.a place of refuge or safety.
"people automatically sought a sanctuary in time of trouble"
synonyms:
refuge,
haven,
harbor, port in a storm,
oasis,
shelter,
sacred
adjective
1. connected with God (or the gods) or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.
"sacred rites"
synonyms:
holy, hallowed,
blessed, consecrated, sanctified, venerated, revered
I know you've stated here fairly recently that you're not a "religious" man. I respect that, although I believe there's a big difference between being a religious person and a person who lives a life of faith. I also know you can appreciate that others have different viewpoints than your, i.e. fellow Boneyarders. Some like me have a very strong belief in God, specifically in , and try to live our daily lives accordingly. Many like me would say that a church is the very epitome of a sacred sanctuary.
So, what makes the murder of nine innocent people at Emanuel AME church in Charleston (or any other house of worship) different to people of faith, is that it was perpetrated in a sacred sanctuary by a sociopath with no regard for what that means to the vast majority of civilized people living in this great country. And it personally worries me that it's yet another example of the breakdown of our society, especially along moral lines.
Back to your point, it doesn't change the nature of the crime. Murder is murder. However, as a citizen of a supposed civilized society, if we can't feel safe in a house of worship, where can we feel safe?
