Like everyone else I was glued to the news late Sunday night. I was shocked at the news that Bin Laden was finally dead. At first I felt such a great feeling of relief. I was so happy for the families who have lost loved ones from the terror he’s spread around the world. But the longer I thought about it the more confused I felt emotionally.
Don’t read into this post. I’m not writing this as a pastor trying to convince you how you should feel. In fact, honestly, I don’t know how you should feel. I don’t know how I feel.
I read verses like Proverbs 24:17 which says,
Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice
And I think to myself: “Pete, I know you’re glad justice has been served, but you shouldn’t be so inwardly excited about the fact that this man finally got what he deserves.”
Then I read verses like Proverbs 21:15 which says,
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
And I think: “Pete, you’re spot on. You should be happy. You should be elated this man no longer walks the face of this earth.”
I think the hardest thing for me is this… I wonder if I would have been as excited if the news had reported that Bin Laden had repented and accepted Christ as I was when I heard he had been killed?
Would we have jumped up and down over that?
I want you to know I’m proud of our troops, our former President, our current President and the host of people who have defended our country, our freedoms, and the American way. I can’t tell you how glad I am that a symbol of such long standing terrorism and the death of thousands no longer has power.
I’m just still torn about how I feel.
Anyone else struggling with this weird dichotomy?
Someone posted this on my facebook pageyesterday, not sure where it actually came from, but sums it up for me…”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”
Love this!!
That is a quote by Dr. MArtin Luther King Jr.
No it’s not.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/05/out-of-osamas-death-a-fake-quotation-is-born/238220/
I really like how you put this. So many people on FB are fighting about if you should be happy or not, quoting scripture and all. I like your clear case showing both sides and your openness to say “I don’t know” Thanks!
Yup, felt the same way. Thank you for putting a difficult state into words.
Here was my FB status at 12:12 am yesterday…Sounds like we have the same thought process. Complicated, isn’t it?
Conflicting emotions…Not sure what we are supposed to feel, but…
Joy that Bin Laden has been located and is no longer a threat. Sorrow for his lostness and the evil he represented. Admiration for those who sought out evil and made sacrifices to make that happen. Sadness over the lives that have been lost since 9/11.
I have purposefully remained quiet about this on all of the social networking sites as the first thought that came to mind when I heard the news of his death was; “What if he had repented and accepted Jesus exactly one minute beforehand and was forgiven by God?”
Therefore I will not rejoice or be sad over his death. I will however focus on and pray for the families that still require God’s grace to heal their hurts.
Good post Pete. I think Al Mohler had a good post on this also. There’s certainly a balance between celebrating the heroism of our soldiers and the cause of freedom and celebrating the death of an enemy. As you know, our church is full of soldiers and families and it puts us in a unique situation. I know many brave men and women who serve who would have equally rejoiced at the salvation of Bin Laden.
Good questions!
I wondered if you guys would do a whole service on it this week because of your unique situation.
I’ve shared some posts on my page and mentioned yesterday how I was confused on how to feel about all this. I try to disconnect from the “news” on weekends and disconnected I was. I did not know about this until I saw the front page of my Monday newspaper. I didn’t listen to any news until the noon news here in Virgnia Beach and then the evening news. Truthfully, I am still confused on how to feel and in the same breath I am extremely proud of all of our service members. We live in a great nation and we fought to have this great country. I just some times we didn’t sound so blood thirsty.
I’ve felt several things, but I think that the overriding emotion is just sadness. Sad that this kind of evil exists in the world. Sad to think that even though this evil man is gone there will always be a host of other ready to step into his place. Sad that his cruel actions and the results can not be undone. The thousands of men, women, and children who died on Sept. 11th and those who have died defending our country are still gone and their families will still have to contend with that gaping hole in their lives. I guess it all leads me to prayer. Prayer for the families of those who have lost so much, prayer for our country and leaders, prayer for those who sacrifice to defend my home, and prayer for myself to live out the hope that is within me.
Like you said though, I’m proud of our country and leaders, proud of our service men and women and proud to be an American.
I feel the same way. I heard the following on the radio yesterday and it made me think…when the bullets started flying at Bin Laden would we have jumped in front of him and tried to save his life? Nope. But Christ does THAT for each of us!! None of us is deserving of His grace. But He offers it freely to us anyway! SO GLAD this man has been stopped but a part of my heart still breaks for what all that it represents.
Yes.
Yes.
I am so emotionally confused. As a man who has only recently learned to feel emotion (through much pain, counseling, and tragedy) I do not know how to process this emotionally. When I was pastoring I would have approached this as a “celebration” of good over evil with a warning to be continually vigilant to the enemy of this world, but I don’t feel like celebrating. I feel bad for his victims. I feel bad for his family. I hurt for those who genuinely believed in his leadership as their way out of a world that is not what they desired – they are left feeling even more anger than they already held against a government that is too big and powerful to understand itself.
I too am trying to grasp what I should feel without being swayed by the media (or the powerful Christian leaders who tweet/blog their every thought). I know that this is a complex issue and should cover a range of emotion. Though I cannot process all my mixed feelings I can say that I do think the world is safer without him, but I wish we were rejoicing over his conversion instead of making our various political/quasi religious statements because of his death…
Thanks for sharing
~ Jeff
Jeff, thanks for sharing. Thanks for working through the mess of emotions!
It’s hard to do what you’re doing without feeling the sway. Sometimes, finding a cave to hide in for awhile to process sounds nice.
Keep up the fight, Brother. God will show you the way to go.
Thank you Jeff.
Definitely conflicted/mixed emotions. My thoughts: http://dadlife.net/2011/05/telling-our-kids-about-osama-bin-ladens-death/
Definitely feeling the mixed emotions. His passion was to kill those whom he called infidels, so stopping him was a good thing.
Would I have rejoiced as much had I seen news of his repentance and salvation? I like to think so — but I would have been wary. Kinda like I am when I hear news like this regarding my ex-husband.
Maybe my joy has been tempered by having just gotten home from Cullman, Alabama when I heard the news of bin Laden. Their grief and loss is much bigger than this for me. Perspective, I guess.
I didn’t hear about it till the next day as I don’t have cable at all. So I haven’t had the chance to really digest it all that much. I am glad a terror such as Al Queida is possibly lessened without him. As for him, I don’t know. I am glad he is gone for the safety of us all.
I’m personally glad and rejoiced when I heard that Osama is dead. Though, I would have also rejoiced and been happy if I heard that he had turned from his wicked ways and had accepted Christ although that would not have avenged the deaths of thousands of people.
I can honestly say I did not feel joy at the news of his death, and was actually surprised at how many people did. The most positive feeling I felt was a sense of relief.
That being said, if he would have repented and accepted Christ, I don’t think I would have believed him. I definitely wouldn’t have jumped for joy.
I’m not saying what is wrong or right, but I only know how I felt. Mostly I felt sad about the whole situation.
Thanks for describing the conflict we should feel as christians. A deep sadness in a life that was useless to further God’s kingdom…although just perhaps, others will see the evil that Satan does in our world through a Bin Laden and be inspired to committing their life to changing others through love, forgiveness, and the witness of a risen Lord in christianity. I pray that we are not too happy at a death, but that God will use it to reclaim His kingdom.
I felt exactly the same way. As soon as the announcement was made I found myself battling. The conclusion I’ve come to is that I understand the relief but I’m unable to celebrate at the idea of the population of Hell growing. Even if it was only one more. Thank you for posting this blog. I believe we need leaders to speak on this issue. I saw one tweet that said…
“Christians, how you react tonight and tomorrow will influence our generation’s ideas about Jesus. Let’s maintain grace and love, please.”
My first thought when I heard that he was killed was relief. Then I remembered that Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. I tried to remember if I prayed for Bin Laden. I could not remember any prayer I said for him, only for his capture.
Glad to know that I’m not the only one who thinks this way.
I think what gets lost in the hoopla surround Osama’s death is the reason he was killed in the first place. 3,000 innocent people had to die in order for Osama to die. To me, it’s terribly sad.
Very true Robert.
Well stated Pete. I’ve had exactly the same inner conflict ever since this was reported. The verse from Proverbs convicted me as well.
Yep. I’m struggling. Like, death is death, and killing is killing… whether we murder the righteous or unrighteous.
Working in a church, the question our Pastors have gotten SO much this week is “how, as a Christian – should I be responding to this?” so I appreciate your biblical approach and your acknowledgement of the difference between “feelings” and “actions”. I was appalled at my fellow DC’ians when they stood outside the white house and cheered after BL’s death… ugh, and we wonder why the world hates Americans.
Not to be arguementative, but what would you say to Joshua and Moses? God told them to kill the unrighteous in the land. God gave them victory over evil by warfare and killing. In fact, if they didn’t fully obey and wipe out all the people God told them to, God was angry at their disobedience. Just sayin’
However, I do agree that people celebrating in the streets might be a bit much. If it was rejoicing that justice was done and evil taken out…well then I think they’re OK. But some have made it this personal, arrogant jubilation over one man’s death. And quite frankly, their comments have been offensive. I hope I’m making sense…to rejoice that justice is served…good. To make personal arrogant statements over one man’s death…bad idea.
While we’ll never know their hearts I’m not sure they were celebrating the death of a man as much as they were trying to get on TV.
Perry Noble linked a pastor talking about the same thing but it was regarding the death of another of Bin Laden’s operatives but he applied it to this situation. He used the exact same verse you did
I guess I should say that I thank God (for it is God who gives us victory over our enemies) that justice has been done. But I don’t have this malignant, personal, and honestly arrogant attitude that says I’m happy that this person got what they deserved. Because of Christ, I don’t get what I deserve so I can’t gloat over another human being in the same way. However, I do give all the glory to God (not to men) that justice has been done. God showed me that just like our soldiers were relentless in their pursuit to take down evil, so is our God. He will pursue the enemy in our lives until He gives us victory over the strongholds that the enemy has over us.
I am not confused. I rejoice that this monster is burning in hell along with other vile former human beings.
Is God rejoicing that OBL is not with Him in heaven? I don’t think so…
Pete, thank you so much for this post. I struggled with this all day yesterday. So many of my Christian brothers and sisters posted on facebook how excited they were, and that revenge is sweet, etc, and it broke my heart. I found myself saddened and grieved for the soul of this man…he is no different than me – his actions, yes, but his soul….I am torn.
Thank you for putting it out there. For being courageous to speak about the confusion and let us know it is okay to be torn.
I’m comforted to see that others feel the same way I do. I was really conflicted when I started seeing Fb and twitter posts on Sunday nIght and most of those were very celebratory. it’s great that this evil is gone but is there more that this will instigate? It’s interesting to hear reactions from others but it is all vey confusing.
I love the point that you made Helen. Jesus did say to pray for our enemies. I don’t believe many of us did that. I also have to remember that we do not wage war against people in this world. Our war is not against nations or powers of this world. Our war is a spiritual war in the spiritual realms influencing this world. While bin Laden did wage jhid against America in the most evil way, and jhid was most certainly waged against Christians, I think we have to realize that had he received Christ, his testimony would resemble that of Paul. Bin Laden was just as much decieved as Paul. Yet both were not the ultimate enemy.
I think it’s important for Christians not to rejoice in this man’s death. When we do, we look an aweful lot like those Muslims who danced and praised Allah on 9/11 when they killed “the enemy.” We fight with Truth, not weapons of this world. Let us never forget who the real enemy is. It’s so easy to do.
I don’t think I prayed for the man once now that I think about it.
Pete,
I am still struggling – but I am finding a peace with this struggle.
I sincerely believe that in this moment, this struggle is God’s way of calling out to all of us to heal in certain areas of our lives so as to be able to better stewards on this earth for His Kingdom. That what we each will learn from this moment, and heal and grow from, will have positive, eternal effects on the lives of others around us that we know and have yet to meet – and that His grace, love, mercy and compassion will be revealed to others so that they have a better opportunity to truly embrace Him into their lives.
This moment is ripe with opportunity to glorify Him…and that brings my heart great peace.
I definitely feel the dichotomy you’re talking about. I think hate comes far too easily for me – it’s just so natural (for me) to respond with hate and celebration in these situations. But I feel a deep sense of mourning as well. Ultimately, I think that God is wise enough to use humans to award justice and vengeance to people, but loving enough not to celebrate it.
Thanks so much Pete! I too have had a hard time with this, and not about Osama’s death, as much as the joy people have had with it… I think there is an appropriate level… but to see people, a lot of whom I love, gloating… and even casting Osama down to Hell… I feel sick.
I try to explain this to some people and then I become un – American… I still remember 9/11… and I find myself praying more and more for the violence in the world… justice is important and I am glad an evil man has left this place…
I think one of the biggest things that saddens my heart (and I think this is tied with your question) is that everyone rejoices over our government trying to put a band-aid on a much larger problem… and that is the absense of Christ’s love in the world.
I am excited to see our swords turned to plows one day… thanks for asking the question Pete!
Love this: everyone rejoices over our government trying to put a band-aid on a much larger problem… and that is the absense of Christ’s love in the world.
Great point.
Not really. His eternity is a done deal now. Had he declared Jesus is Lord I would have rejoiced. I’m not after vengeance. I’m after justice. To me, there’s a difference.
With that said, no doubt about it that God loves Muslims and we should continue to (or begin to) pray for their salvation.
Great thoughts! I can not rejoice in the death of anyone. But would I have rejoiced in his salvation?
YES! Thank you Pete once again for your transparency and honesty. I keep going back to Ezekiel 18:23. There was a comment on Twitter yesterday that said “Only one death brought peace to the world and we celebrated that a week ago” For me – that was enough said.
Great post Pete!
Great quote.
I’m so glad you wrote about this. I thought I was the only one feeling that way.
Yes and I am even more struggling with the reactions of ‘so called Christ followers’ who are so filled with hate and awful words. The enemy ‘was killed’ but I see it as the queen/king bee was stomped upon but that does not mean other bees cannot come sting us. We must be wise and hyper vigilent. These days are shakey for many of us.
Thank you for giving words to some of my feelings. I was disturbed by some of the fb posts from fellow believers. Thanks again
I think that the best way to react to these events are to struggle with the tension. There are those who want to make others feel guilty for celebrating and those who want to make people feel guilty for not celebrating
I think living in the tension is good. Not enjoyable per say, but healthy. I think it could be much more damaging to try and force a response one way or the other rather than just to own our mixed feelings. Living in the tension allows us to ask questions, seek wisdom and find comfort in a God who so loved the world.
I agree. The tension is good.
Adam, I think you are on to something. The fact that people are struggling with this is actually a good thing. It probably means that what we are seeing outside of ourselves doesn’t match what is inside– a good indication that God is whispering something to us.
Thanks Pete, I too, like you and many, many others was very confused about the mixture of emotions that I had. My son was wounded in Iraq and I know what he went through, and I know the joy he feels today that his service wasn’t in vain, so a part of me wants to rejoice with him, or at least not disrespect his feelings and the horrors he not only saw, but in some ways contributed to. I remember how I felt when I watched the horrors of Sept. 11, and if Bin Laden’s death had of happened then or over 2 years ago I would be dancing in the streets with no guilt over how I was feeling. But in the last two years I’ve learned so much about God’s love and grace FOR EVERYONE. It’s the same for all! And I also have come to realize that to God all sin is the same. Only we as human individuals put degrees on sin. For us murder is worse than adultry, which is worse than gossip, which is worse than gluttony, but to God all sin is BAD, and the same. When I look at all sin being the same and the fact that God’s love and grace is for all, then I can’t see Bin Laden’s sins as any worse than my own, and I know God love me and forgives me, casting my sin as far as the East is from the West, never to remember again. One of my favorite songs by Joseph Habedank is “Grace Doesn’t Remember”. A line from it is Grace doesn’t remember what Jesus forgave. Now I don’t know the state of Bin Laden’s heart when he died. All I know is God loved him as much as He loves any of us. And we can rejoice in that fact knowing that no matter what we are loved!
Thanks pete…I have been conflicted also. 5 of us are studying your book “Plan B” and you have given us much to think about.
Thanks Wilma. Hope you enjoy the study.
Pete:
I think anyone who loves God and loves people have to feel this same tug of joyous sadness. Justice was done, but in this case it included the death of a man who is surely in hell. How can a true Christ follower rejoice in that? However, he was an enemy to anyone who didn’t adhere to his rabid theology, even other Muslims. People will probably die because of his death, but not at his orders.
When I heard the news, I didn’t really know what to think, in some ways I still don’t.
I saw this on another blog and thought I would share.
“The shooting of Bin Laden was not justice. That was the end of Bin Laden’s life on earth. There is no argument here. If it was not in God’s time for Bin Laden to die, HE WOULD NOT HAVE DIED. Are you gonna argue with God about this one?
His death, however, does lead to justice. Not earthly justice handed down by a judicial system who sentences to a death or prison sentence, rather, an ETERNAL justice handed down by the Creator of the universe.”
I would have rejoiced in his TRUE salvation and repentance. I surely would have. I agree that vengeance is the Lord’s. I agree we should pray for our enemies. However, in war, you are opposing an enemy. No one goes up to their enemy on the battlefield and asks if they can pray with them. In war, it is self-defense. He was a present threat and refused to acknowledge God or repent and turn from his wicked ways. If an evil intruder came to my home and pulled a gun on my family to kill us, I would have no trouble firing back. That is what he did and WAS DOING. There are plans, right now, masterminded by him to kill us. This was self-defense.
And for another perspective here is a link to an article a friend of mine wrote…..
https://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/eric-reeder/osama-bin-ladens-death-in-light-of-romans-12-13/10150244698545730
I will pray for the people he has brain washed, enslaved and recruited that they might find the Truth of Jesus Christ. I will pray for peace and all the families affected and being led down the wrong path in the muslim world.
I totally understand the questions you are asking. But what about the oppressors that were killed by the Israelites? They celebrated the downfall of their enemies. But they gave God the glory for their enemies defeat, not man. Therefore, I think it took the joy out of those people’s death and focused it more on God’s deliverance from their enemies. The truth is there is evil and that evil uses people for it’s own ends. And sometimes God calls us to wipe out that evil in a spiritual and physical sense (take a look at the Old Testament and Joshua). And may I humbly add, that there is a difference between seeing justice from a false god than justice from the God who rules and reigns on His throne. The one true God.
Sorry…I posted this in the wrong space…ugh…agree with your comments and just ignore this one
Yes, mixed feelings. I want to know God’s perspective. He does not rejoice in the death of evil doers but would rather they would choose life as it says in Ezekiel 33. I am also glad he no longer has any position of evil power. I posted the Ez. verse on my status but yes, God is also a God of justice. I just don’t know what He looks like in all of this. One thing I know if it descends to an argument between Christians, the enemy is still winning this one.
Pete, you and I are tracking. I agree with everything you said.
I know OBL’s deeds were evil. It appears he was unrepentant. I know I should be rejoicing that someone who did such horrific harm to so many people and their families has now met his end. It’s just that there is part of me that mourns all the sadness and death of this world. I’m glad he’s dead. I’m just not dancing.
When I read through the Gospels, I see Jesus focused on loving those you’d consider to be your enemies. Jesus didn’t say it’d be easy – He just said love your neighbor as yourself. Pray for your enemies. That is how He told us to be with other people. Jesus wants us to love but He never tolerated evil. Evil was confronted. Evil is to be defeated and taken seriously because the devil will unleash an attack on us on any given day and he doesn’t play fair. The defeat of evil is not a personal thing – as if to say “I hate Bin Laden” – but rather a fight against the spiritual forces that Paul warned us about. God will use men and women who are willing to submit to His power and authority. We applaud that. But what about the person who chooses to not bow their knee to God? He/She is being used, but by the enemy – not God. This is a spiritual battle – not one of flesh and bone.
I feel the exact same way. Almost ashamed that I am not as elated as everyone else bc my heart is saddened that he most likely didn’t find Christ. But at the same time I do feel a sense of relief and joy for the families that lost loved ones on that horrendous day. I do however look at it this way, God saw it all before it happened and knew the exact outcome ad now my prayer is that the families can truly find peace.
I think it is dangerous for Christians to hide behind “Justice” in order to feel better about celebrating someone’s death. Bin Laden himself could have used Proverbs 21:15 as an inductive argument to support the “justice” of his murderous religious fanaticism. The definition of “justice” is easily skewed by individual perspective. When planes flew into the World Trade Center buildings, the perpetrators probably felt that they were serving up Justice on the evil and in true service to God. That successful attack brought some people joy and others terror– is that proof that Justice was served?
As a Christian, I don’t think death can ever be celebrated in a holy way. Death is the product of sin, so why should we ever find any comfort or joy in it? I think the story of David and Absolom still has much to teach us about how to deal with our enemies and how we can feel when they are killed. Was justice served by Absolom’s death? Was Israel a better place after he was gone? What did God’s anointed do in response to that death? Was Joab wrong for thinking that Absolom’s death was something to be celebrated?
Is the world a better place without Osama bin Laden in it? Yes. Is his death something to celebrate? Probably not. Is there one single way that we all should feel about this? No.
Not confused here. Would I have rejoiced had he repented? Sure. Just like I would if Charles Manson repented. But that repentance would not change the earthly consequences of his earthly sin.
I will look down on the Ground Zero site on Thursday, and in its rebirth, I will feel calm in the fact that the perpetrator of that great loss, has his justice. Not vengence, justice.
Thanks for your honesty Woody.
Pete,
My initial response was happiness because I think he deserved to be hunted down. I also realize God controls all so I have to accept that it was done with His permission. The more I thought on it the more I felt bad because I realize we have lost another soul to hell’s gate. Your question regarding OBL’s conversion took me a little because my initial thought was disappointment. I would have been disappointed by his conversion…..I realize that is wrong as that thought should cause jubilation in my heart but it didn’t. I suppose I need to flesh out why I choose to be judge in this case… Thanks for the thought provocation.
Yes! I’ve caught some flak from people I know because I’m not sure I should be rejoicing in bin Laden’s fate. In one sense, I think it is a good thing, but in another, should I really rejoice over anyone who’s eternal fate is Hell? It is good to know that I’m not alone in this weird dichotomy (as you put it so well). Thanks for this post!
I am in the same boat Pete..I haven’t said a word about what happened because I honestly can’t wrap my thoughts and emotions around the “magnitude” of what this situation holds..I was frustrated at watching the thousands of college kids rejoicing in the streets but I was happy and proud of our military..I’m honestly at a loss of words..thanks for putting it in words that I haven’t been able to use
I hadn’t thought about it at all until I read your blog. I believe that if he had repented and accepted Christ, the victory would have been greater and the future of terrorism would have been crippled. Interesting thoughts to ponder..
Please forgive the length of this comment. I was a U.S. Marine on the front lines of the invasion in Iraq. Since 2001, I have lost countless friends, here from PTSD related issues, and abroad fighting. Yet, Sunday night I was extremely sad, I even wept (yes, Marines cry too). All I could think about was all of the money and lives spent to find this one evil man. Was it really worth it? I am not a Vet, turned anti-war hippie. In fact, most that know me would say the contrary, but a lot has happened in my life since 2003, including sobriety. I guess it goes back to what Pete often says, “expectations kill can anything.” Paul quoted the Old Testament in Romans 12:19, writing, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.” All of these Americans are rejoicing revenge and their expectations are probably for a safer world. Is that really going to happen? Was one man really the problem? Thank you for letting me cyber-vent. Semper Fidelis, Mixed emotions too!
Jody, I think I know a little of what you are experiencing. I fought on the front lines in the Desert Storm and witnessed first hand the death and destruction of war. I didn’t experience what many of today’s veterans have– the loss of close friends, but I was profoundly effected by my experiences and needed the help of professionals to deal with the guilt and depression that followed. Durring that time, I had a profound hatred for Saddam Hussein.
Years later, after the invasion of Iraq, I celebrated when Saddam was pulled from his tiny hiding place, secure in the fact that Justice was coming. However, the end was quite anticlimactic. I found and watched the secret video of his hanging, hoping that in it I would find solace, but what I experienced was a deep emptiness and sadness. I thought to myself, “was it all worth it?” I felt exactly the same way when I read about bin Laden. While I don’t think this is truly a “hollow victory” it is tough to imagine that it was worth the cost. Semper Fi, brother.
Thanks Jody. I’ve tried to be very respectful with my opinions on this matter as I’ll always be grateful for the men and women who have sacrificed a lot to protect our country. I never want them to think for a second I don’t appreciate all they have done and will do.
When the crowds first started gathering and cheering, for a moment I could feel the excitement and pride of being an American, kind of like we needed to come together in unity again but with feelings of victory rather than the sheer tragedy we were all feeling on that horrible day.
But as it went on and on, it started to feel a lot like the images we’ve seen of those in the Middle East gathering in the streets to celebrate after acts of terrorism had claimed innocent lives. And it just didn’t feel right.
I think the clincher for me was the next morning when my 8-year-old son saw some of these images. As I tried to explain what had happened without going into any great detail, I watched him appear confused, trying to process if it was now okay to be happy about someone being killed. In his little boy world of Star Wars and other such movies and games, we’ve had to really explain to him in the past that we would never wish for someone to die, not even a “bad guy.” I told him that it’s not that we want someone to die, but that this man was truly on Satan’s side and was continuing to try and kill innocent people, and that this was the only way to stop him from doing that. Since then I have tried to keep the TV off and keep us away from the celebratory images.
One thing that comes to my mind, the Word says that there is no one good. That means me. That means OBL. I have not killed thousands, but I have sinned. Christ died for all the sins of the world. Thankfully, He spoke to my heart and imparted faith to me so that I am now of His Kingdom. I hurt for those, including OBL, to whom faith has not come. But my own righteousnesses are not better than his, filthy rags. Thank God for the perfect Jesus who said NO to every temptation so He could stand in my place, paying for all the times I say yes, so I am accepted IN HIM before a Holy Father God. I am glad OBL can hurt no more. God is the only one able to “handle” that judging responsibility. I do want to make the best of opportunities I am given to stand for truth and speak out against the false teachings that many are captured by, calling it their faith in God. Father, please save this country, that was founded on Godly wisdom, from false religions and from our own evil desires. Jennifer
I understand the mixed emotions. When I heard I fist pumped and cried. I understand everyones emotion. The emotions of a ten year war to find a man who leads a group that has killed so many people. The emotions of remembering my friend Paul Ambrose who was on the plane that hit the Pentagon. My sister worked for George W. Bush. The emotion of getting to call her, wake her up to tell her and hearing her emotional reaction. The stories she can tell about the fight to keep this country safe from the threats. And the families I know who lost loved ones fighting this war, and how they must feel. And how the soldiers serving must have felt when they heard the news. Mixed emotions for sure!
Pete, once again….you have spoken what so many of us, as Christians feel…..
I too am torn….I sat and looked at his picture here on the internet and could not help but think that most likely this man is in hell today. In reality, that is what we all deserve….but Christ paid the price so we would not have to. Think of the saying….”But for the grace of God, there go I.” It’s a sad thing when Satan can so control a human being that God created and that one person can be responsible for so much human destruction. It’s a bittersweet day for those who want peace, freedom, and justice and yet don’t wish for anyone to miss Heaven.
You never cease to amaze me with your wisdom…..so proud to call you my pastor….and friend.
Thanks for your post. Finally, someone will ride the fence with me. I don’t think it too bad even theologically, since we can see God’s word saying both things.
What’s bothered me more than the celebrating over Bin Laden’s death is that this seems to be a moment when many Christians have seized the “I’m better than you because I don’t celebrate”. In other words, a serious “Jesus Juke”. It only bothers me because I never saw a single status or blog post before Saturday that said “I’m praying for Osama to change his life” or even “I’m praying for my enemy, Osama Bin Laden”.
Ha! I was working hard to avoid the “Jesus Juke”.
I am thrilled and overjoyed that this man is dead.
May he rot in hell.
Lisa , i am with you. I am watching friends and family who live in this country and suffered with me through September 11th and the rough times that followed. I watched as we waited for word on Flight 93 .. and all i can think is .. Have you forgotten ??? Do you not think that the Israelites rejoiced after crossing the Red Sea and being removed from the cruelty of Egypt?? Not only that but i am grateful for a steadfast God who … as most of these would say .. is a God of grace, mercy and forgiveness.. but we cannot corner him to that .. Justice and Righteousness are there too. Even David suffered and had to pay for his sins to the 4th generation of his family and he only killed 1 man Uzziah.. so its not ok to be rejoicing in the fact that our God prevailed and justice was served ??? Hitler , Mussolini, Stalin, Nebechanezzer, Darius the Great, and on and on.. God has rid this world of evil.. I am not conflicted in my feeling.. I am probably stronger now in my faith that God will prevail.. Evil will be destroyed and my King Jesus will reign !!!
Dana,
If, as followers of Christ, we are to align our hearts with His, if we truly hope God will break our hearts for what breaks His, how can we possibly rejoice over the death of any of His children? Jesus came to earth and bore the sins of EVERY man and woman. He paid the ultimate price so the ENTIRE would could receive God’s infinite grace and love. Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who persecuted him even as He hung on the cross. The heart of God is clearly displayed in Ezekiel, when He repeatedly says that he takes “no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” (33:11). If this is the heart of God, why should ours be any different?
The other reality outside of God’s heart is that we are no all broken people. You and I are absolutely no better than Osama bin Laden. A situation such as this should humble our hearts and remind us how thankful we are for His grace rather than fill us with pride and spite. We all need His infinite grace on a daily basis.
I feel weird about this too. Tried to convey my thoughts in a blog post today. Trying to realize the implications of loving enemies, overcoming hate with love, and extending grace where hostility once ruled.
I really wanted to hate this post but I couldn’t. The post is completely transparent in its nature which is what I love about it. The bible can be conflicted which makes us conflicted. I’m glad Osama is gone but I don’t rejoice over hell (even though I’d really like to). There just aren’t any easy answers here.
Pete Wilson, I wish I could quit you.
Hilarious Don. Glad you haven’t given up on me yet.
It’s a paradox for me, I keep thinking about Stephen in Acts 7 , a mob had pulled him out and as the rocks were raining down on him, he kneels down and prays loud enough for everyone to hear” Master don’t blame them for this sin”-last words. Then he died. Saul was right there, congratulating the killers. I don’t know how I feel, but something good can come out of this, good from evil….
Thanks for your honesty. We can be torn…and in many cases we should be.
I really like the honesty here and the scriptures to show both sides of the conflicting heart.
For me, I don’t feel someone’s death, anyone, is something to be celebrated, especially if their fate is not ultimately Heaven. I recently lost my father (5 months ago) and with death fresh on my mind I just feel sympathy. I feel that even though I was in the Marine Corps and em “expected” to be excited, I’m just simply not. Its strange to say but I really do feel saddened just at the fact that a life is lost and so many are every day. I know it sounds strange, but its true!
I think that ultimately peace is something to be celebrated. I think freedom for persecuted Christians in the area would be a great thing to celebrate. But as I feel in my heart today, death is not joyful for a lost man.
Thanks for such a transparent post. I have lot of respect for you and your honesty!
Absolutely struggling. I was happy at first, and I watched the news and reactions on Twitter/Facebook. Then I read something on someone’s Facebook that really struck something in my heart:
”I cannot glory in the death of evil men when I am grieved that their hearts could not be changed by love.”
So while it’s good that this man can no longer cause harm and death and pain to innocent people, I am heartbroken that he lived such a life and never knew the love of Christ.
Sorry in advance for the length of this post.
Hey there, Pete. I can honestly say this is the first blog of yours that I’ve read and I’m not quite a Christian (my friends say that I’m standing in the house of God and have yet find a place to sit). That aside, I know how the mixed feelings are. While I can completely understand the strong desire to put a man as vile as bin Laden to death, I cannot condone actively celebrating his being killed. What drove it home for me is realizing that these terrorists go out of their way to kill innocents and call it justice before laughing about it. In this instant, we may have killed a poor excuse of a human being, but we still labeled his death as justice and many are now rejoicing over this. I’m not saying that we’re anything like them, but I find this parallel interesting and a bit depressing. On top of that, I have extreme difficulties grasping the fact that anyone can truly be happy over the fact that this world is so tweaked that the only solution for dealing with this man was for him to be killed. Yes, he needed to be stopped and all that he had done is a sterling example of evil in this world. The fact that the only option at this point was yet another corpse added on top of all the others that this war has created, I cannot feel joy at his death. Relief to be sure, but I know that his death will not be the last and it does not fix everything he caused. Those that he put to death will still be dead tomorrow and those wounds felt by everyone left in the wake of his terror are still there, healing or now scars.
Thanks for leaving a comment Tyler. Hope you’ll come back and visit soon. We love having new voices around here.
feeling much of the same way… thanks for posting this.
I have been catching a TON of flack because I do not approve of this killing. My flesh at first was excited but my spirit grieves that another soul has died without Christ.
I’m right there with you. This site helped me to put it into words: http://hookembookem.blogspot.com/2011/05/thank-god-he-is-dead-but.html, as does yours. Sobering because he didn’t know the Lord, yet knowing we couldn’t let him continue his murdering rampage. Thanks for sharing your heart.
I got to thinking about your message on Sunday when I heard this news. It’s not too far of a stretch to say that Paul and Bin Laden had a lot in common…before Paul’s conversion, that is.
Like you said on Sunday, Christ probably wouldn’t be going around hitting bible studies if He showed up now. If it was anything like before He’d be hanging with the most hated sinners.
It makes me wonder if He might have even stopped by one fortified compound in Pakistan for a bite to eat and some conversation.
Not even going to pretend that I had mixed feelings and that is not me trying to be a contrarian to all of the well thought out and heartfelt responses. When I saw the rumblings on twitter I got excited. When it became official the only thing that kept me from screaming and jumping up and down like Duke won the national title was my daughter being asleep. His death will never bring back the thousands he has been responsible for killing nor will it stop terrorism against the United States. But for one night it felt really good, knowing that he was dead. Seeing the crowds outside the White House and at Ground Zero celebrating was awesome.
49 I raised my glass that night I said a prayer for all the families that were torn apart by his acts of terrorism, my fellow veterans who have fought for this country, those who continue to serve, our President and of course the SEALS who took him down. Sunday night was as close we are going to get to celebrating a VE or VJ day. Like I said there is still work to be done but for one night it was great to celebrate his demise.
Thanks Luke. Appreciate your thoughts bro. And as always, thanks for your service.
Yes, I have felt a similar confusion as well. I think the difference for me is how we need to look at this. I do feel a sense of relief that the situation is over, families can have a bit more closure now. But past the initial moment of closure, relief, or peace, I don’t think we should be necessarily rejoicing that he is dead. Justice is good and what we want, but revenge is not. Justice allows us to move on after the situation happened, vengeance will never satisfy us.
Pete, I feel the same way. Wrote a blog post about it as well that, as it turned out, resonated with a lot of non-Christian friends of mine after I had posted it on Facebook.
http://milefromthebeach.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/justice/
Pastor Pete once again I am thankful for ur honesty and ur willingness to share ur thoughts with the cyberworld.
I am Canadian and when I heard the news on Sunday night that Osama was dead my first thought was one of ‘oh no what will the retaliation be??’ While he make have been the ‘master mind’ there are many left to carry out his plans.
I do not rejoice in his death because he was a lost sinful man who never knew the love of Jesus. He will now face judgement before God. The very same God that will judge us all. Sin is sin… no matter how many we commit or what they are… We are all equal at the foot of the Cross.
Wow! You have given me something to really process. As someone who was estatic about the death of Bin Laden!! I must ask myself how would Christ responded?
Absolutely what I was trying to convey! I posted the quote: “I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.” –Martin Luther King, Jr and a lot of people took that the wrong way. I just feel in my heart that if we celebrate it should be in that justice was served, God is just. We shouldn’t celebrate that the life of a man created by God in his own image was wasted (as in he never knew or accepted the love of Jesus Christ as his Savior.) I feel very mixed emotions as well. Thank you for blogging this. =)
Pete,
I am a big fan of your blog although I rarely leave comments. This particular post struck a chord with me. My husband is a soldier, and a Christian. He has told me he struggles at times with how to be both. I think probably many soldiers face this struggle.
I have heard several people say we shouldn’t rejoice in any death, even that of our enemy. I guess I struggle with this too. However, I have to believe that God understands. He understands the feelings of happiness, relief, and accomplishment we feel in our hearts for knowing there is one less evil person on the earth, and possibly even He rejoices too.
Thanks Leila. And thanks for the way your family serves our country. It’s much appreciated.
OH I would have, because I prayed that – I prayed for him to repent and become a Christian even so that he would turn all those other followers – or at least some right? To Jesus! But, God is a god of justice, and justice has been delt, though the problem is not solved. He was not a root, just a shoot. Thank you though for sharing those verses, because I knew the first one, that we should not rejoice when our enemy falls, but I didn’t know the second. As a country we can rejoice in our country’s justice, for those among us who were victims. But as a friend said, we should now pray for the rest of his family to be saved so that Hell is robbed of a family, and heaven reaps it!
I have definitely felt a range of emotions. I blogged about my thoughts here on Sunday night: http://bit.ly/jeicLi. I’m trying to concentrate on the wide, deep, vast love of Jesus.
Pete, you’re going through what ALOT of people are going through. Although I’m not God (not even close), I try to look at it from His point of view. He made this man, watched this man destroy lives, he loved this man regardless of what he did. I’m sure he offered Osama many opportunities to come to Jesus (and I was probably one of the few who prayed Osama would find Jesus. In fact, if he had accepted Jesus, I would’ve gone out in the streets and celebrated that). Christ died for ALL of us, and there will be many who deny Him. I am saddened for a child of God that didn’t know Jesus, but at the same time I’m thankful that his cruelty has come to an end. Remember, our thoughts are not God’s thoughts. Isaiah 55:8
YES!! THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU for being so honest about this! I am very torn! Yesterday was just one whipsaw moment after another…feeling guilty that I think I’m glad he’s dead and at the same not sure if that’s the right hting to feel and then wondering how those feelings fit into the big picture ten years after the fact, because in some respects it was a bit anti-climatic. Very confusing day for me and I’m glad I’m not the only one!
I am also conflicted. I was glad that justice was served and that this man, with so much evil in him, is no longer a threat. I was also proud of our military and our current/former Presidents. However, my first thought when I saw he was killed was of sadness for one more person dying and going to hell without knowing Jesus Christ. That thought saddens me no matter who the person and no matter what their crime.
I understand. On the one hand…I was gleefully singing inside “ding dong bin laden’s dead…” Then,… faster then I could imagine, I was grieved over the lost human that he was. Happy that terror has been reduced, sad that Bin Laden ran out of chances to know who God is… back and forth my emotions have gone… like a pendulum. So thank you for sharing your heart, letting us know we aren’t alone in our confusion. I understand those scriptures you quoted to say that both sides of this emotional swing are correct. I wish that made it easier.
I’m not sorry he’s dead. Maybe I should be, but I’m not. I know all sin is sin in the eyes of God, but I also believe that there is great evil in the world. Bin Laden embraced that evil, encouraged young men to die as martyrs for his god and wanted to kill anyone who did not share his sick, twisted version of Islam. I’ll admit the celebrations made me uneasy, but I’m not going to judge whether they were celebrating his death or celebrating a successful military strike. In the end, it seems to me the only life bin Laden considered precious was his own, and he lived as he died, as a coward.
Hi Pete, we met at the Uprising in Lexington, Ky.
I am a relatively new Christian (Sept. 25, 2010) and I am really struggling with this. Part of me is overjoyed at having one less terroristic leader to worry about, part of me wonders if his death is a hoax, and part of me just wants to cry at the wasted life all the way around. My understanding is that we are to forgive as Jesus forgives, otherwise we put ourselves above Him. Then I think about OBL, other terrorists, and even Satan himself. It’s hard enough to forgive those who slight me personally, how do I forgive such massive destruction?
This question has come up before: Are we supposed to forgive Satan?
I agree with the comment that victory would have been sweeter had OBL come to Christ. Imagine the difference in the world had such an influential man known Jesus! The difference if all leaders knew Jesus. Wow!
So, Pete, you aren’t alone. I’m torn about how I feel as well.
I think you can be happy that justice has been served while at the same time mourning a soul lost to hell forever.
I’ve most certainly been struggling with this. I keep being reminded about a statement that David Platt made during the Secret Church simulcast on Good Friday. He was discussing the impossible relationship between God and sin and the thing that stuck in my mind (or maybe my heart) was this:
Does God hate the sinner? Yes. Look at the cross.
Does God love the sinner? Yes. Look at the cross.
He had multiple scripture references that I won’t include here (it is after all just a comment).
My point is the Christian life is full of these tensions. It’s part of the mystery of God, I think.
Anyway, yes…I still don’t know how I feel. I just know something inside of me will not allow all out rejoicing.
I am so glad you said that out loud. I had a conversation with a friend about this as we were watching the news. It is a really confusing emotion, and I’m not sure I have the moxy like you to open that up like this. It is good to know that others share in the weird emotion. I think for me, it just feels like hate to celebrate. Very conflicting. In a broader sense, it seems the natural and common human emotion to celebrate when someone gets what they deserve, when justice is served, don’t you think?
“I wonder if I would have been as excited if the news had reported that Bin Laden had repented and accepted Christ as I was when I heard he had been killed?”
Yes! That’s what I’ve wondered, as well. And I think it’s okay to feel relief that his specific reign of terror has ended…so long as we can truly say in our hearts that we wish he’d come to know Jesus Christ and his love before death…that we would have rejoiced and accepted him into the family openly and lovingly. And, based on many of the reactions I’ve seen over the past 48 hours, I don’t think many of us could say that.
I wrestled with finding the good in sharing this.
I would guess most of your young congregation has seen or heard of this.
Go to youtube and search Fabled Enemies. Use your own discernment.
I don’t know what to think, except: Romans 8:28!!!
May God Bless the good people of the military and there families.
I’ve been kind of stuck. Sure, I am proud of our troops. Yes, I am glad he can no longer mastermind anymore. But, find myself wondering if he did have time to ask for forgiveness.
Sometimes, we’re forced to choose the lesser of two evils and (on Sunday) that’s exactly what happened. A man had to die to save the lives of potentially thousands of others. But, the lesser of two evils is still evil, and I do not rejoice in that at all. I simply choose to be thankful that the greater of two evils did not prevail.
I can help you all with the dichotomy most feel,especially while quoting scripture..Here it is…wait for it…wait for it..
“Live by the sword die by the sword”…Thanks,I’m glad i cleared all this mess up…You don’t have to be sad anymore about bin laden’s afterlife..I’m sure we all have nieghbors who might “need” the Lord….
very real
Hi Pete, love to read about you…. I had never write before but I always try to read you and stay updated, the fact make me write today is that my real name should be DICHOTOMY… I don’t know why but all the time am judging myself if what am I feeling is ok to feel?, if what I done was the correct thing to do?, all the time and any situation always wondering if is correct right what is expected for me to do and am tired of these
Emotions really are funny things aren’t they?
Pete,
I love your transparency and willingness to admit that you are struggling with this. I also understand the temptation to want to celebrate, but if we honestly step back and look at the Bible, I don’t think it leaves the room for us to even hesitate on this issue. God clearly states that He loves ALL of us, died for ALL of us, and we are ALL in the same boat as broken, ugly, depraved people. Our sins put us on the very same level as bin Laden (not mention the hypocrisy of our rejoicing in his death when his joy over American deaths made so many people irate), but God offered infinite grace to all who would receive it. His death should be a somber, humbling event that reminds of what we have been saved from and how grateful we should be for the gift of salvation that we did nothing to deserve.
Furthermore, if, as followers of Christ, we are to align our hearts with His, if we truly hope God will break our hearts for what breaks His, how can we possibly rejoice over the death of any of His children? Jesus came to earth and bore the sins of every man and woman, paid the ultimate price so the entire world could receive God’s infinite grace and love, asked the Father to forgive those who persecuted him even as He hung on the cross. His love for us clearly has no bounds. The heart of God is also clearly displayed in Ezekiel, when He repeatedly says that he takes “no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” (33:11). If this is the heart of God, why should ours be any different?