"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
Debate is raging all over facebook, twitter and the blogosphere on the significance and righteousness of the United State's assasination of Osama Bin Laden yesterday in Pakistan. The response in the western world has ranged from spontaneous celebration and jubilation in Washington and New York to reserved elation that this dagerous fugitive is no longer at large. What is largely missing from mainstream opinions and media sources is what I believe is a Biblical perspective on the matter.
I cannot say with theological certainty that what the USA did was patently wrong - I'm not a theological hard line pascifist - I believe there is a such thing as a just war and that there are times to take up arms in defense of the defenseless and to stop a great evil. There are those in my family who have served and are planning to serve in the armed forces and I both respect and admire what they do to protect us as a nation - it is a high calling to put one's life on the line in defense of others - but I also recognise that there is an aspect of the Kingdom of God that calls for a end to war, and killing, and for the people of God to conquer the darkness in the hearts of men not with might but with forgiveness (Luke 6:27-36); to conquer fear with love (1 John 4:18); to trust that God is just and that his promises in scripture are true and he will be our vengeance (Romans 12:19).
I am also then of mixed feelings about Sunday's events. I can understand why many feel a sense of relief that Bin Laden is dead - I would be less than honest if I said that I didn't share that feeling - but I am troubled by the passionate enthusiasm that many have at this news and the overwhelming sentiment that the USA was beyond justification in what they did. I am concerned that more people do not react with the sentiment that our Prime Minister shared this morning when he commented on the events - "sober satisfaction". As kingdom people - as those who purport to follow Christ and take seriously his NEW way of viewing and interracting with the world we need to check our spirits when things like this happen. We should never take for granted that we are the arm of God's righteous judgement on his enemies - or even that our enemies are his enemies. Remember that Jesus died on the cross to give Osama Bin Laden an opportunity to be reconcilled to God as well. And if Jesus loved him that much, perhaps we should be a little more sober in our celebrations that he's now dead.
Probably not the most popular point of view today but one that I feel convicted of.
Blessings on your day and remember to vote!
Chris
Well put! Keep talking Chris. We need to hear you.
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