We have all heard the details of the Aurora Movie Massacre. Like most other Americans, I was initially repulsed at the heinousness of the crime and angry at the murderer who had taken so many lives with calculated cruelty. I've wondered and speculated and philosophized on what could possibly possess someone to do what James Holmes did. At first I reasoned that this is simply a demonstration of the corruptness of our flesh and the natural end of an unredeemed life. However, as more details about James Holmes have emerged in the past couple of days, my family and I have developed a different theory.
The dramatic transformation in James Holmes over the past few months is becoming well-documented: from his dropping out of graduate school to his gradual withdrawal from society to his apparently sudden decision to plot the massacre at Aurora Theater. This evening, I was watching Fox News when the owner of a shooting range to which Mr. Holmes applied for membership was interviewed. The owner had attempted to contact Holmes after Holmes applied for membership at the shooting range. The owner only reached his voicemail recording. He described the message as all but impossible to interpret. He reported that Holmes spoke in a deep, guttural voice making incomprehensible sounds.
This morning, Holmes appeared in court for his initial hearing. This was his first public appearance since he stood in the theater parking lot. I was impressed by how frightened and exhausted he looked. He did not look like a crazed killer. The juxtaposition of his appearance this morning with his originally publicized picture revealed something essentially different about James Holmes.
I now genuinely believe that the answer to my question of "what could possibly possess someone to act as James Holmes did" is literally a question of what possessed him. The details that have emerged in the past two days align with Scripture's description of demoniacs.
I believe that James Holmes was demon-possessed when he shot seventy people in the Century 16 theater. I believed that the demon has now departed, having succeeded at destroying seventy-one lives.
My heart breaks for this soul - a soul who is clearly guilty of first-degree murder - but a soul who may have been completely under the control of the enemy.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)
Mr. Holmes's trial will focus solely on the question of whether he will face the death penalty. I don't believe that there will be sufficient evidence to prove that he is guilty by reason of insanity. How appropriate that the demon appears to have left him now, perhaps leaving him lucid and more sane than insane!
Why should we be surprised at the idea that James Holmes was driven by Satan to kill seventy people? Jesus said that the enemy has come to kill and steal and destroy.
Of course, this idea is foolishness to the world. But as my family considered this idea, we were impressed with the necessity for a pastor - rather, many pastors - to attempt to visit him and talk to him as soon as possible.
The focus of the media is on the victims of this tragedy, as is appropriate. But please, followers of Christ who have mercifully been rescued from the bondage of sin and the controlling power of Satan, pray for James Holmes. Pray that God will send men to Him who will preach truth and life and salvation. Pray that this soul will be redeemed and restored.
If Mr. Holmes is fortunate enough to only receive life in jail for his crime, it will be more important than ever that a concerted effort be made by pastors to preach the truth to this dying soul. He is in need of healing and compassion, as we all are apart from Jesus Christ.
“‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’” (John 10:10)
