5/2/11
The announcement of Osama bin Laden’s death late Sunday has everyone buzzing, and President Barack Obama said in a speech that night that “justice had been done,” specifically distinguishing the terrorist extremist groups from the religion of Islam. Celebrities and actors celebrated the news for the most part—former California governor Arnold Swarzenegger, actors Jim Carrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and talk-show personalities Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Maher and Piers Morgan all made victorious comments on Twitter. Newspaper headlines in New York City expressed absolute elation: The New York Post online headline said “Justice at Last,” and a print version front page simply said “Got ‘Em.” The New York Daily News print headline was “Rot in Hell.” Christian leaders remain less celebratory but still talkative; many quoted Bible verses like Proverbs 24:17, 2 Chronicles 20:27, Ezekiel 33:11, and Romans 13:4. Derek Webb reminded us celebrate justice, not death, and Ed Stetzer tweeted, “Now that bin Laden is gone, can we have our civil liberties back?” Pastor Mark Driscoll said the cheering crowds reminded him “that justice is glorious and ultimately comes through Jesus’ cross or hell. Justice wins…” Indeed, some Christian leaders wondered, referencing the current debate over Rob Bell’s new book Love Wins, where bin Laden’s ultimate destination is. Worship leader Carlos Whittaker wrote on his blog, “I’ll admit. I slapped a few high-fives to some cops in the arena tonight when I heard. Then while walking to the bus I wondered what my reaction should be. Maybe I’m right. Maybe not.”
What is the appropriate Christian response to the death of an enemy? Will your church respond officially to its members about the death of Osama bin Laden? If so, how will you do it?
