A Brethren Response to the shooting in Minneapolis
August 29, 2025•1,739 words
As of this writing, there are many who are left decimated for the loss of their children and others who are hurt as they watch their children in the hospital. The evil that was inflicted was just that, evil. The shooter, Robert, did the most heinous acts against a civilized nation and targeted the most innocent among us. There are three responses in which this post will address and it should address.
First, is the response from conservatives and Republicans. There are many who are not saying anything directly, for the desire, understandably, is to not turn this tragedy into a political statement. It is appreciated from all those who have offered their prayers to the families and situations, and President Trumps declaration of flying flags at half mast is commendable.
The egregious responses, however, come from the left and democrats. On this blog, there was, stated, first, that the case can be made that a Christian can not vote democrat. This has become obvious. From the mayor mocking those who are praying, to attacking those who criticize the transgender community, to calling for the gutting of the Constitution of the US. Other’s in the community, David Hogg, using his supposed “survivor” story, to try and influence the culture, using foul language to boot. News media immediately trying to whip up racial tensions and attacking a whole group of men because they are white, where does this end? For them, it does not.
They go so far as to being willing to put violence back on the street and protect the most evil of those among US citizens by declaring their states to be sanctuary states and pushing for the “rights” of those who have harmed and killed US citizens.
What is worse on this is they are blinded to the truth. They focus on the firearms but not realize the damage the transgender ideology has caused on people. Even Robert himself said he was tired of being Transgender, but felt he could not turn because it would admit he was wrong.
The calls for stricter laws was just proven false. The weapons used were purchased legally, even with the strict laws of MN. If strict laws were the answer, then why are politicians and all connected to them, protected by firearms? Why are their buildings protected with firearms? No, the issue is not the firearms other than to say that those who call for the banning and removing of guns, love guns. They just want to be the only ones owning them. It is such a point of hypocrisy.
Really, the right to self defense, whether the Brethren are of a peace position or not, is enshrined in the constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. We as Brethren might have a differing view, but even we recognize the law of the land in this regard, whether we practice that or not. This school should not have had to request help to defend. No state should have laws in place that restrict the rights and abilities to self defense, if that is the chosen position of the citizen of that state. This is exactly why the 2nd Amendment is here. But one more step, if the Second Amendment can be gutted because of something bad, what is to stop the First Amendment from being so? Third? Fourth? Fifth? Surly this would set an evil precedent where at this point, why have a constitution? If you look at what the Democrats and left are saying, this is exactly what they want to have happen. They want to switch from the Constitutional Republic that we are and go to a Oligarchy where they are at top. Socialism and democrocy are two vehicles to do this. The News media says that we have to defend democracy. Look at what the founding fathers of our nation said in the Federalist Papers. Socialism was tried in the US before, and now look at New York election that is happening? They are heading that way again.
So, what really is the problem? This is where a third response is needed. From the Brethren perspective, first is there needs to be forgiveness. Robert Westman did a very evil thing. He has since killed himself, and has stood before God for his final judgment. But the response here for those who are still alive should be forgiveness and to slow down on rhetoric.
Second, on this blog, there is a discussion about gender confusion. If you are reading this, and you find yourself “tired” as Robert himself said or feeling hopeless, there are two options for you. First is to do something evil like this shooting. But there is a stronger plea to consider the truth that there is hope for you. You are loved and there is a God in Heaven Who wants to forgive you and help you. To make you whole. The very God rebelled against when desiring to transition, is the same God who will offer to you life and wholeness. Does this remove the consequences of the decision? No.
There are many, many ministries and groups that help those who are in this stage. In all corners of the globe, their voices are silenced because of the ramification against the prevailing thought of, “you are born this way”. That is a lie. You were born how God created you. Sin is what caused the desire to change that. If you are born male or female, that is because God has a plan for you as you were born, not how you feel.
Some of the groups are:
Rainbow Redemption Project: https://www.rainbowredemptionproject.com/
Harvest USA: https://harvestusa.org/
Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/transgender-resources/
There are also support groups online that work with those who are detransitioning because they need the greatest support!
https://ncfamily.org/detransitioners-the-silenced-victims-of-the-transgender-movement/
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6229/
https://pafamily.org/2025/03/11/detrans-awareness-day-2025/
If you are struggling, there is hope and you are NOT alone! God loves you, and we who are Christians do pray for you. Unlike the empty support you will find from the world’s system that will only confirm and continue to encourage you to stay in a transitional state, the Christian community, and these groups mentioned above will, very lovingly, tell you the truth of how God created you and how you can be restored. You can find hope and peace. You can find a place that will walk with you and pray for you. No, you will not hear what you want to hear, but that is the point. It is refreshing to hear someone tell the truth in love. The world cannot offer this support and help.
The third response from the Brethren is to present a higher level of truth. One that will transcend the evil of this world. The reason for this senseless shooting is not because someone got hold of a gun (legally, again), but because inside the heart of every individual is sin. This sin is a rebellion against God and against His moral law and His very nature. Look at what Robert said and left in his notes: He blasphemed God. Sin is that act of rebellion. Yet this same God is the One Who died on the cross for you. You were loved so much by God that He sent His Son to die, in your place, on the cross. He took God’s wrath and judgment on Himself so you can, if you humble yourself and confess, take His righteousness on you. He offers this to you, freely.
You may be looking for something to make you feel part of, or have a higher and more important meaning to life. You may be wondering if this life is all there is. The answer is it is not. The only way to have a true and deep meaning to life is to find it in Jesus Christ Himself. To confess, or admit, your sins and what the Bible says about us as fallen creatures is true. Then repent, or turn away from, our sin.
This call is for EVERYONE. But God has also given a free will to everyone. You can chose to come to salvation or not. To accept Jesus Christ or not. It is in Him, and this was said, you WILL find meaning and purpose to life. But that goes back to being willing to admit that you are a sinner. That is hard. No one likes to admit they are wrong, nor like to be told they are wrong. But if you are in this place where there is no hope, continuing as you are with the support you are getting, is not fixing anything. Instead, it just keeps you trapped. Perhaps a better option is to step back, consider the truth that if what you are doing is not helping, then perhaps something else is needed.
Enter Jesus Christ.
Oh, there is going to be and necessity requires a change. But the peace and hope, the fulfillment and the comfort that comes from bringing our life into alignment with the Word of God, the Bible, and with God’s plan, is beyond all the world can offer.
Fifth, and probably one more note. Due to privacy, this blog will not direct an individual to any one particular church or denomination. Of course, it is narrowed down due to the very title, Brethren Apologist, but there are some EXCELLENT Brethren denominations and there are some that should be avoided. Find the ones that will and have taken a stand on God’s Word, even when culture pushes against it. A church or denomination that just parrots what the culture says, is not going to be where you should look. Find one that will stand on the truth. The truth of God’s Word. The truth that will set all mankind free.
Please do not take the road that Robert Westman took. Your life is of infinite value and is very precious. There is hope and peace waiting for you. That is found in Jesus Christ Himself.
If you are not trapped or feeling trapped by being transgender, but find yourself also struggling to find purpose and meaning, you too have a place you can go. Jesus Christ. Everything said above is just as true and real for you as it is for those who struggle with their gender identity. Read the book of John to see the Love Jesus has for all. Find in Him life, truth, peace, and hope.