At least 12 killed in California nightclub

A gunman opened fire at a nightclub in Thousand Oaks, California, late last night. Authorities are reporting that at least twelve people were killed. A deputy was among the victims. The shooter also died. Up to twelve other people were injured.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, this is the 307th mass shooting in America this year. Such violence has occurred so often that we risk becoming inured to its horrors.

I love America. Every time I travel overseas, I return with a renewed appreciation for my country.

But part of loving our nation is doing all we can to help our people become all we can be. The epidemic of violence in America is tragic beyond words. We could list a spate of other challenges, from opioid addiction to endemic poverty.

One fundamental issue is foundational to the crises we face.

Our greatest challenge

Yesterday, I identified America’s belief that “all men are created equal” as our founding creed and a significant reason for our continuity as a nation. No matter how divisive our elections become, we share the fundamental conviction that every vote counts and every American matters.

However, this passionate commitment to the rights and liberties of individuals is not only our most cohesive strength–it is also our greatest challenge.

Our founders articulated their commitment to the equality of mankind on the foundation of the Judeo-Christian worldview. For example, John Adams was adamant: “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.”

In recent years, however, our culture has moved further and further from this biblical worldview. Absent a set of consensual moral standards, we have embraced tolerance of all standards.

For example, the right to life of a preborn baby now depends on the subjective decision of his or her mother. More and more states are embracing euthanasia and its denial of the sanctity of life until natural death.

We have redefined…