Reading through the reports of his death and the responses that have followed has left me unsure of how I should feel. My immediate reaction was of suspicion that he was in fact dead and then sadness at the party some were having because of his death. I have been challenged however, in reading through the comments of Christian leaders to not just accept what their interpretation of the bible says but to seek truth for myself and do so without my feelings as a bias.
In two articles published by Christian Today, within a week of Osama's death, we see different viewpoints from Christians expressed. "American Christians give their verdict on bin Laden's death" by Nathan Black, discusses the various internet blogs some Christian leaders in America gave after they heard the news. This ranged from pastors who shared their delight in the death, to another pastor who felt uncomfortable about the celebrations and reflected on the sadness of the cycle of violence.
An article published a few days later by Lillian Kwon, "Does the Bible justify the killing of Osama bin Laden?" gives further opinions from a Christian pastor in America. This pastor proposes that sins are judged differently and that God has given humans authority to execute justice when needed.
Biblical evidence can be used to justify each side of the debate about whether Osama Bin Laden should have been killed and how we are to respond to his death.
Romans 13: 4 says "For he (governing leaders) is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This verse seems to support the killing of Osama because he was blamed for many terrorist attacks in the world, including those on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.
Contrasting this verse however, Luke 6:27- 28 says "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you." This passage suggests we should have responded to Bin Laden with love, blessing and prayer.
In the face of these various scriptures I am challenged to not just accept one scripture as truth but look at the big picture of the bible and research opinions from a variety of sources. The news of Bin Laden's death will fade away from the spotlight but I have learned a valuable lesson to apply to the rest of my life.
This lesson can be applied as I listen to a sermon from my pastor, read Christian literature or discuss theology with friends. I know it will challenge my current beliefs and alter my responses in situations. This will also mean letting go of my personal thoughts and feelings on a certain issue and be open to the biblical perspective I discover.