By Bob Ballance
Since the news first broke about Osama bin Laden’s death, Americans have been weighing in with their thoughts. Nearly without exception all we are hearing, at least by way of American mainstream media, is celebration and praise. As individual Americans are polled about their feelings concerning this action by the U.S. government, there is fairly universal exuberance.
What, though, is the Christian response to this news? How are we to feel and respond? Should our response be any different?
As we hear this death being discussed over coffee, at work and at mealtime, what might we add to the conversation as Christians? Do we join in the celebration? Do we keep silent? Or do we dare bring up the radical teachings of Jesus on such matters? You know, teachings such as: “You have heard it said, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,’ but I say … if your enemy strikes you on one cheek, then let him strike the other as well.”
And what about, “If your enemy takes your coat, then give him your shirt as well?” And what about, “If you’re enemy demands you walk one mile, then walk two?” And what about, “Pray for your enemy?” And what about the prophet’s assertion: “’Vengeance is mine,’ thus said the Lord?”
I find myself wrestling with these teachings in times like these. While raising such questions, I suppose I do understand the need for celebration. After all, bin Laden was the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks a decade ago. Nearly 3,000 people died — all innocent civilians.
Because of these deaths and the massive destruction of that day — let alone the cost of military operations in this war on terrorism since then, both in lives lost and in money spent — the death of bin Laden is an emotional issue for us all. It is an even more emotional issue for those who lost a loved one on 9/11 or for the families of those who have died in combat since then.
Despite that, I still wonder if the resurrected Christ — an innocent messenger put to death by those he threatened — would be celebrating with us. Remember his words from his cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?”
Where is the humility of Christ in our responses to this recent news? Where is the grief for all humanity — grief that it had to come to this?
With due respect to my pacifist friends, I’m not one. The Bible verses quoted above notwithstanding, I do believe that there are times that when action is not taken to defend ourselves, we leave ourselves open to additional harm. There are times when we have to protect ourselves.
But even so, does there have to be joy that we had to do so? Besides, our celebration will likely fuel the anger of those in agreement with bin Laden, giving them renewed energy for their angry cause.