CHILDREN MUST LEARN VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE.

Byline: Roger Mahony 

AS all of us try to grasp the full meaning of the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., our hearts and minds race searching for answers to so many questions. How could such an episode so horrible take place on a seemingly ideal suburban high school campus in such a picturesque city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains?

As we keep adding to the long list of unanswerable questions, experts, professionals, parents, political leaders and high school students themselves are already beginning to suggest reasons why two male adolescents would or could carry off the worst school massacre in the nation's history.

We are unable to identify the reasons that truly explain the violent rampage on that high school campus. Neither psychology nor sociology offers the depth of understanding we all crave. If we expect our limited behavioral sciences to answer life's most serious issues and questions, why are we surprised that we don't have answers that truly make sense to us?

Even though we cannot grasp the reasons for the violence at Columbine, many are offering solutions to make certain that this horror is not repeated on another school campus. The proposed solutions include increased security, metal detectors at all schools, armed patrols, greater gun-control regulations, and conflict and anger management sessions for youths. As the list lengthens, I have yet to meet anyone who really thinks that these suggestions will create the necessary security for our young people. And why are we surprised at the inadequacy of such solutions?

I am concerned that few national and local commentators are willing to shine the light of truth upon the core problem we are seeing played out in our midst: the low esteem for human life, the serious undermining of the value of human life, especially over the past three decades. It is no coincidence that the rise in the number and severity of assaults upon human life is in direct proportion to the lessening of respect for human life.

With the exaggerated emphasis in our country on the individual and his or her rights, with the overemphasis upon the freedom of the individual, and with the rhetoric of choice drowning out genuine concern for the community and common good, why are we surprised when people truly believe that they are entitled to use any means, even force, to safeguard their individual rights and liberties?

As our holy father, Pope John Paul II, aptly describes it, a culture of death appears to be overwhelming the culture of life. If we as a people continue to denigrate the value of each and every human life, should we be surprised by incidents such as the Columbine tragedy?

A few examples of the low esteem for human life in this country may help us focus on the root of our problem:

As legislatures and courts condone and protect the right to kill the most vulnerable and innocent of human life through abortion, why are we surprised when our young people devalue unborn human life? With adults having abortions for the flimsiest of reasons, why are we surprised when a high school girl gives birth to a baby in a restroom during her prom, quickly kills the baby and then returns to the dance floor as if nothing were wrong?

As prejudice and hatred for people different from ourselves continue to foster insults and attacks upon various minorities, and groups of people such as immigrants are made scapegoats by society, why are we surprised when those whose lives are fueled by hatred for others burn down churches, drag people of different races to their deaths and adopt Nazi-like slogans and activities?

As so much popular music and so many video games and motion pictures glorify violence through the elimination of real or imaginary enemies and feature violent solutions to life's many problems and obstacles, why are we surprised when young people resort to violence in order to settle the score when someone seems to infringe upon their rights?

As we continue to romanticize the glory of guns and their false promise to protect us with the resulting availability of weapons of all sorts and sizes to virtually anyone, why are we surprised when schoolchildren and high school students begin to use guns to bolster their self-worth and right alleged wrongs?

As states continue to employ the death penalty as their preferred solution to crime in our country - lending legitimacy to a violent response to society's problems - why are we surprised when our youths see violence as a legitimate way to get back at those whom they dislike or feel slighted by?

As the necessary stress and strains of daily life fray people's nerves and lessen their patience, wearing away our appreciation of the importance of common courtesy, why are we surprised when ``road rage'' proliferates and people begin to use their automobiles as the weapon of choice to lash out at others?

How do we change?

As a people, where do we begin to change this downward spiral, this devaluation of human life? Several courses of action are possible. Each is a step that can be taken right now to get to the root of this problem:

Each of us needs to have a profound change of heart about the intrinsic value of each human person, acknowledging that each life is a precious gift from God. We need to open our eyes ever wider to recognize the face of God in each other, regardless of external features or appearances.

In our homes and with our family members, we need to discuss openly the importance of respect for human life. We must encourage ways to get to know people of different backgrounds, invite others in our neighborhoods to share their cultures and seek concrete ways to live in unity and harmony. Parents need to talk to their children honestly about the evils and dangers of prejudice and help foster understanding and tolerance.

Parents need to adopt an attitude of vigilance regarding their children's video games, toys, movies, videos, activities, as much as their playmates. Parents need to be ever alert to the interests and activities of their children and of their friends. They need to discuss openly with their children the dignity of human life and to foster its respect and protection.

Adults, families and young people need to adopt outreach projects that place them in service to others in the community, building up once again a renewed sense of the common good in which all contribute to the betterment of the whole community. When we turn away from total self-interest and focus upon the well-being of others, we foster a deep respect for the value of each human person.

Churches, schools and other community groups need to offer constructive programs and activities for children and young people that emphasize unity, harmony and the respect for others that is so lacking in our society. Positive, alternative programs for youths are essential if young people are to grow in their appreciation and respect for one another.

Civic leaders and legislators need to sponsor social policy and legislation that will bring an end to the ever-expanding culture of death, especially abortion and euthanasia, and to the horrendous proliferation of guns across our land. And they need to implement programs for prevention rather than retribution for youthful offenders.

If we fail to heed the warning signs that surround us at every turn, then we should not be surprised to see even more tragedies in our country. Let us choose life fully and vigorously, and let us do all we can to enhance our appreciation, indeed esteem, for each human life, a precious reflection of God's face and goodness in our midst.

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Photo: Black plastic drapes the memorial crosses of Dylan Klebold, right, and Eric Harris, left, on a hill above Columbine High School. Fifteen crosses were placed as a memorial to all who died.

Michael S. Green/Associated Press