In defense of 'thoughts and prayers'

In the wake of tragedy, we all reserve the right to take a moment to grieve and reflect

A candle light vigil in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Sergio Flores)

When a tragedy occurs — particularly one that involves gun violence, like Sunday's mass shooting in Texas — two things are quite predictable in the aftermath: First, lots of people, including politicians, will offer their "thoughts and prayers." And second, an increasingly large cadre of critics will react to these offerings of "thoughts and prayers" with outrage.

Why? It seems people think "thoughts and prayers" are a lazy substitute for embarking on some real political action that might help prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Critics believe those who offer up thoughts and prayers — particularly Republican officeholders who get donations from the National Rifle Association — are trying to deflect from their own inaction, or that they are complicit with the status quo.

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Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry

Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry is a writer and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. His writing has appeared at Forbes, The Atlantic, First Things, Commentary Magazine, The Daily Beast, The Federalist, Quartz, and other places. He lives in Paris with his beloved wife and daughter.