I stayed up late Sunday night to hear President Obama’s announcement that Osama bin Laden had been killed. Following the story that evening on multiple news outlets was a riveting and emotional experience for me.
I have continued to follow the barrage of information surrounding the death of bin Laden and the never-ending stream of pictures and videos of American celebrations. I totally understand people’s excitement over his death and share in the admiration for the men and women who acted so bravely during the course of the operation that resulted in bin Laden’s death.
I realize that while this doesn’t end terrorism, it does bring a measure of resolution to the tens of thousands of families around the world who have suffered because of bin Laden’s acts of terror. And I realize, too, that this has brought a sense of unity to many in our country and fueled hope for a different, better future.
However, I have seen a very dangerous side of the celebration. Patriotism, which is good, can quickly turn to un-Christ-like attitudes and actions.
Some people are “celebrating” because they believe that Osama Bin Laden is now in hell. One newspaper headline I saw even read, “Rot in Hell.” Others are celebrating because they believe it shows the superiority of America or at least that America is “the winner.” Several hand-made signs in New York City and around the country have simply read “WIN” or “America Wins.”
This has led me to a series of questions that I think every thoughtful person ought to ponder. I do not attempt to answer these questions, but do hope that we will each prayerfully reflect on them.
- Should we ever hope for the damnation of anyone?
- Should killing someone ever be a cause for celebration or joy?
- How does our response to Bin Laden’s death fit in to Jesus’ command to love and forgive our enemies?
- How are Christians representing Christ in their response to bin Laden’s death?
- If we display such an intense hatred for our enemies that we are overjoyed at the news of their death or suffering, how will the world ever know the radical love and forgiveness of Jesus?
- When, if ever, is it healthy to celebrate the death of anybody?
- Does violence, even a “justified” act of violence, have the capacity to heal the wounds inflicted by violence, or to end the cycle of violence?
- We, as a nation, are rightly repulsed and angered when we see others dancing and celebrating over the death of Americans. Do you think our response to bin Laden’s death might engender similar reaction among others?
- How can we “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “mourn with those who mourn” and “bless those who persecute us” (Romans 12).
- How can we celebrate and express gratitude for what’s good while respecting those who may not share our joy?
These are some tough questions that don’t have simple answers. But I think they are important questions for any Christ-follower to think through. So as we recognize the significance of bin Laden’s death, the heroism of the American soldiers and the healing that continues to take place for the thousands of victims of terror around the world, let us also seek to be ambassadors for our Savior in the process (2 Corinthians 5:20).
