The death of the most wanted terrorist in the world brings me mixed feelings. On one hand I am glad that he can no longer provide leadership to al-Qaeda. I take comfort in knowing that no American soldiers were hurt in the mission that lead to bin Laden’s death. I am glad that many of the people who’s lives were turned upside down by the attacks that were carried out under his directions now have closure. On the other hand, I am saddened that another human being is now in eternal separation from God. The fact that another person is in Hell does not bring me joy. Knowing that there will most likely be some kind of retaliatory response by al-Qaeda members/supporters seeking revenge for bin Laden’s death brings me distress.
Seeing so many people finding joy in the death of someone saddens me. If bin Laden’s death meant that there would finally be peace, there might be something there to celebrate. The problem is that this mission was one battle in a war that is bigger than Osama bin Laden.
As I looked through Facebook, Twitter, and various news outlets, I was struck by a few people making comments in line with what I’ve felt since I heard the news on my way home last night.
Grieving over how quickly we forget those in need around us to rejoice over the death of someone evil. #stilllovedbyGod #tornadovictims
– @HeartRedeemed (Twitter)“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls…” (Proverbs 24:17) and “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” (Ezekiel 33:11)
– E. F. LaMarca (Facebook)I will not rejoice in the death of any human whose salvation is not assured. Lord, keep our troops, our country and our families safe and in Your hands.
– J. Nance (Facebook)[I wonder] if there is a connection between people celebrating violence and the cycle of violence continuing.
– R. Warren (Facebook)There is a point of punishing for injustice. Yes it was right for Osama to be executed (not killed) by a trial according to God’s law. We are not called to just let things go because there may be more violence. However, I do agree that by going in and trying to eradicate evil is a hopeless task.
We should praise God that he can no longer help plan and fund the murdering of thousands. However, we can not be happy or relish in the face of execution. We should take the time to look and see how evil sin is and how much we need God’s mercy in our own lives.
Tricky subject…
– B. Schneider (Facebook Comment)
Let me add to those quotes with this. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 NIV ©2011). I don’t mind that people are happy that about a military victory, but the way the nation seems to be glorifying revenge worries me. Even some news papers are going a little far with their headlines:
GOT HIM! Vengeance at last! US nails the bastard
– New York PostROT IN HELL!
– Daily News
I am glad that there was a small victory in the war against terror, but I am somewhat disgusted by some of the other responses I’ve read. The headlines above and many of the things being said through social media outlets are no better than al-Qaeda and other Islamic extremists celebrating nearly ten years ago on September 11. It’s almost as if we are asking for retaliation from bin Laden’s followers.
I pray for the safety of our troops and our nation.
Well said. Exactly how I’m feeling. Thank you for putting words to it.
Yeah… It’s one thing to be happy that a threat has been removed. It’s an entirely different thing to be overjoyed like so many Americans are about someone’s death.
Your a huge idiot, really.
Interesting that you decided not to go through the automated approval process for your comment. If you do happen back to this page, I’d like to know why you think I’m such an idiot. I respect your opinion, but a simple response saying that I’m an idiot holds no weight without some reasons why.
As I was driving this morning I got this over-whelming feeling that God was crying over the death of OBL. He loved him and wanted to save him with His whole heart. Did God like what OBL did and was doing? No! But He still wanted him to come to repentance and salvation. OBL is the reason God sent Jesus to die for our sins. God gives us chance after chance to receive His salvation, until our time is up. We must pray for our brothers and sisters, who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, to receive Him and have everlasting life with God.
I think it’s hard for many people to understand that it is still possible and ok to mourn the death of someone who deserved their punishment. I am not mourning that bin Laden was killed, but that he is in hell. Thanks for your response.
Well said. I too am bothered by the very insensitive things people have said — seemingly forgetting that we, too, are sinners and cause pain.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
“…our response as Christians must be marked by knowledge of our own depravity.” – Gideon Strauss from his response found here: http://su.pr/191jbJ
EXACTLY how I feel about all of this…
Often times the knee-jerk response is joy and celebration when an enemy is defeated. Victory in battle is a reason to celebrate. The eternal punishment for the souls of the lost is something to be mourned. Thanks for your response Matt.
Who is to say that this was not “God’s Wrath”? And why is it bad to celebrate justice? You know Jesus was violent too…
I agree that God’s wrath can and is carried out by government at times, and there is nothing wrong with celebrating justice. The problem I’ve been seeing is people celebrating bin Laden’s death and being glad that he is in hell. Check out this response from Gideon Strauss. He shares my sentiment in as much more articulate way. http://su.pr/191jbJ
Also, when was Jesus violent? I can’t seem to find that in my Bible. Sure, He overturned tables once, but don’t consider that to be violent.
vi·o·lence- –noun
1. swift and intense force: the violence of a storm.
2. rough or injurious physical force, action, or treatment: to die by violence.
Ok. By definition, Jesus was violent. I don’t think I said violence in unnecessary. I just get frustrated hearing people brag and joke about the eternal damnation of bin Laden’s soul.
do you believe that the “devil” can take over someone’s soul/body?
I honestly don’t know. I’ll have to get back to you on that one. Where are you going with this?
Do I think the Devil can take over someone’s soul/body?
– The short answer is yes. If he can’t, there will be no antichrist.
Do I think he took over bin Laden’s soul/body?
– Not necessarily. I think bin Laden made his own choices. He may have been influenced by the Devil, but I believe his actions were his own.