‘Gotcha’ reactions to Baldwin’s plight reveal our cultural rot

OPINION:

Details about the horrific shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec Baldwin’s film “Rust” are still coming out — but the lack of definitive facts around the matter hasn’t stopped critics from weighing in with harsh rhetoric, presumptions and vicious attacks.

Mr. Baldwin — who was reportedly unaware of the fact that there were live rounds in an on-set prop gun — deployed the firearm, accidentally killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

The media and internet have been alight with a plethora of news updates, perspectives and hot takes, and a fair bit of the ire has been pointed at Mr. Baldwin.

In the midst of the chaos and curiosity, the actor openly expressed “shock and sadness” and said he is heartbroken over what unfolded. Still, angry and nasty responses continued to flow.

Considering Mr. Baldwin’s controversial past, these knee-jerk reactions aren’t entirely surprising. The crux of the jeering seems to center on past tweets and comments the actor made about Republicans, Donald Trump, guns and a litany of other contentious issues.

Here’s the thing, though: Regardless of personal perspectives on the actor, his political views or unfortunate past behavior, everyone should consider pausing and reflecting more deeply before hurling boisterous and venomous insults.

Hutchins’ family, friends, the cast, crew and others immediately affected unequivocally deserve prayer and heartfelt consideration, but why are so many choosing to ignore the painful weight Mr. Baldwin is also experiencing in the wake of this horror?

The impact of this tragedy will most certainly rest upon his heart and mind for the foreseeable future — and that gut-wrenching pain shouldn’t be dismissed simply because of his past unsavory behavior or political commentary.

Too often moments like these expose the cultural rot that has infected far too many of us. There’s no doubt a deep and profound confusion in our culture when it comes to compassion, kindness and prayer — much of it perpetuated by our politics.

Many presuppose that only those whom they love, like or tolerate deserve invocations, kindness and good will in the wake of pain or tragedy. This belief sadly manifests itself in a toxic and diabolical lie that can often lead people to see the world through a distorted, coarse and inhumane lens.

Much of this derives from our political culture, which demands a ceaseless and ever-percolating contempt for those with whom we disagree. Sadly, the angry and mean-spirited glee with which some have responded to Mr. Baldwin and this calamity proves how cultural sickness has so permeated almost every facet of our society.

Declining to pray for Mr. Baldwin based on his past and refusing to grant kindness to any so-called “enemy” says far more about the refuser than it ever could the opposing individual.

One of the most pertinent messages addressing this cultural conundrum comes from Jesus Christ’s most intensely expressed words in the famed Sermon on the Mount. Rather than encouraging wronged people to seek an “eye for an eye” or to kick an opponent who was down, Jesus said the following in Matthew 5:43-46:

“You have heard that it was said, ’Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”

This is the very message our culture needs to hear again today. In an increasingly graceless society, it’s often easy to forget the power that comes from compassion and kindness. It’s also appealing to focus on emotions over all else.

In Mr. Baldwin’s case, the right thing to do is to stop, reflect and extend grace to a man who is most assuredly enduring one of the most unimaginable realities.

• Billy Hallowell is a journalist, commentator and digital TV host who has covered thousands of faith and culture stories. He is the director of content and communications at Pure Flix, and previously served as the senior editor at Faithwire and the former faith and culture editor at TheBlaze.