Last night, as we sat with several other folks from our church around a campfire at a friend's house, we received the news that Robin Williams had died, likely at his own hand.  Like the news of so many other famous deaths: Princess Di, Elvis, Michael Jackson, it was a shock.  I was in high school when Williams burst on the scene as Mork from Ork.  I remember one Christmas midnight mass at which I was serving as an altar boy.  During the greeting of peace, I greeted my friend, Brian, with "nanu, nanu."  Yeah, I was hysterical.  Just this spring, I rewarded my middle school students by letting them watch Jumanji one afternoon.  Robin Williams was a part of everyone's life.

So it made me sad reading the 'comments' section of the first news article I read about him.  There was nothing about his accomplishments, his family or the tragedy of depression and suicide.  Instead, people were debating whether he was influenced by Satan, whether or not Satan exists, if Williams was in Purgatory, whether or not Purgatory exists, whether or not Mormons believe in Purgatory (they don't); and pages more of judgments, bad theology, and argument.  Even the occasional good theology seemed out of place. The man's body was still warm; his family was still in denial.  No one needs these self appointed prophets.  We are sad; don't make it worse.

This does not mean I have no desire to wrestle with the big questions of life.  I actually get a bit of an adrenaline rush discussing God, eternity, and the spiritual realm.  Not only that, I sincerely believe I've caught a glimpse of the Truth in the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.  But knowing that Jesus is the Truth is a lot different from claiming to understand all truth.  The more I know Jesus, the more I know that there's a lot I don't know.  Like the blind man in John chapter 9, who when asked if he believed Jesus was the Messiah said, "I was blind, now I see", I too can say, "I was a womanizer, now I've been married faithfully to the same woman for 28 years."  The blind man didn't have to know everything the prophets declared about Jesus or how their words were being fulfilled; he knew what Jesus did for him, and sometimes that's enough.  Let's stop pretending we know how every news item, from the tragic death of a comic legend to the attacks in Palestine, fit into our biblical paradigm. 

 And let's stop pretending we understand why he took his life.  I know many sincere Christians who struggle with depression - including my beautiful 20 year old daughter, Naomi.  Patrick, a young man who did camp ministry with me for several summers took his life a few years ago. Many experts say Martin Luther also dealt with chronic depression.  Let's not simplify this by saying they were all under the influence of Satan. 

 Also, let's stop pretending we know where Williams will spend eternity.  I happen to know that Robin Williams visited a Reformed Church in Toronto frequently during the early 2000's.  I know someone who was part of that church.  Did he encounter the resurrection power of Jesus during this time or at some other point in his life?  I don't know, and I doubt the 'commenters' to the news articles do either.  Let's get out of the way so Williams' family, friends and fans can grieve.  Then, if so inspired, let's use this tragedy to inspire us to do what we can for others who suffer from addiction and depression. 

We're not as smart as we think we are.