I continue to read an almost constant stream of e-mails following yesterday's column on the massacre at Virginia Tech, including several that offer as a reason for the killer's rampage -- and the violence in our culture generally -- the lack of religious faith among Americans. After reading the following letter, I found myself almost agreeing with Bill Maher that more people should give up religion and start taking drugs:

Your column was quite telling.  Regrettably, I find myself "not shocked" but saddened.  The news did not even make me pause for more than a few minutes.  Yes, it is horrible, but sadly, too common.
What makes me even sadder is to read some opinion that just washes away all Biblical precept and proudly procalims that all victims of crime like this are now resting in peace with God.  Well, the Bible does not say that at all.  While I can and will not be judge and jury of any soul, it is very possible that some or many of those killed were not following Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  The Bible is clear as to what we need to do to share eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fact that some of those suddenly taken from us may not have been followers of Him is the real and most horribly sad part.