My first allegiance is not to a flag, a country or a man
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
It's to a King and a Kingdom
(Derek Webb, "A King and a Kingdom")
If you haven't been comatose for the last two days, you already know that America's Public Enemy No. 1, 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, was killed Sunday night in a firefight by U.S. Navy SEALS. This news was met across the nation with exuberance -- chants and cheers and high-fives and the waving of flags.
If you had a sense of deja vu reading that, it's probably because that was essentially the way much of the Arab world reacted to the news of the 9/11 attacks.
Perhaps the most bizarre story from all of this (to me, anyway) was yesterday's report that David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network criticized President Obama. Sadly, Christians criticizing the leader of our country is nothing new. What was strange, though, was the nature of Brody's complaint: That the president wasn't joyful enough when announcing the news of bin Laden's death. You can read a more complete account here, but here it is in a nutshell: Brody wrote, "How about a word or two saying something about how this is no doubt a happy or joyous occasion for Americans? We got nothing like that at all. ... He was being careful of how the 'Arab Street' would interpret his remarks. ... [Sarcastically] How dare we Americans look like we're celebrating his death!"
Not to put too fine a point on it, but it sounds as if Mr. Brody has decided to be an American first, and a follower of Christ second. Try replacing the word "Americans" with "Christians" in the final sentence of Mr. Brody's words above and see if it doesn't feel weird.
In terms of approval or disapproval, I truly don't know how to feel about the death of bin Laden. My philosophy on war lies somewhere on the pacifist side of the spectrum, but I can't say that I believe violence is never justified. There's no denying that bin Laden was a horrible, hateful man, and there's no denying that his hate made him dangerous. Perhaps killing him was the only way; perhaps not. That debate has little to do with what's rattling around in my brain tonight.
What I can say with certainty is that we, as followers of the Prince of Peace, should not celebrate the killing of bin Laden, or anyone else.
Let's be frank: Jesus did not celebrate violence or death. Ever. When Jesus was arrested, one of his followers grabbed a sword and cut off the ear of one of the men who came to participate in the arrest. Even though the man was there to arrest him -- even though the man was going to play a role in Jesus' agonizing death -- Jesus took time to heal the man's ear.
Jesus said, "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword." In another passage, he said, "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. ... No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously." Now, obviously, Jesus isn't addressing political or military policy here; he wasn't that kind of king. Nevertheless, I think it's clear how Jesus feels about killing and violence.
If we choose to celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden, we are not following the way of Jesus in this matter. It's that simple.If it brings us joy to think that bin Laden is paying for his sins, then we have pledged our allegiance to the wrong king and the wrong kingdom.
There's a quote I've read several times today by Martin Luther King; a number of my friends have posted it on Facebook, and I think it's incredibly poignant right about now. Dr. King -- a man who had reason to be bitter and vengeful if anybody does -- said, "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."
Hear, hear.
Yes--I've been struggling with this as well. I'm not sure killing him was really the best thing to do, but I'm having trouble coming up with a better response. (After all, he IS kind of a mass murderer.)
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right friend! Unfortunately, it is unlikely that Bin-laden had much if anything to do with the "attack" on 9/11. Once you begin to examine what happened (something few actually take the time to do) it becomes pretty clear that the events of 9/11 were staged and not by foreign terrorists! The thing that really makes me sad is the long line of people who continue to line up to eat this tripe (and celebrate as they do it!)
ReplyDeleteThe only thing worse is the way that those of us who call ourselves by His name continue to allow His message to be twisted to send our children off to war. Christ taught PEACE! There is no ambiguity about it; His message was clear in His words and his deeds, and yet we blindly send our children off to war in His name (or at least with the illusion of having his blessing).
The Way is not an easy one, but His grace covers us!
1Peter 2:21-25
To this you were called,
because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.