The Thinklings

"Membership in the family of God is neither inconsequential or something to be casually ignored. The church is God's agenda for the world. Jesus said, "I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it." The church is indestructable and will exist for eternity. It will outlive this universe, and so will your role in it."

- Rick Warren

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

On Bin Laden's Death

Posted by Bird @ 7:28 am CDT
Filed under: Current Events, War

I'm glad bin Laden is dead. I'll be the first to admit that.

However, I can't seem to get worked up about justice being served, et cetera, and it's difficult (if not impossible) for me to rejoice in his death in the same way I'd rejoice in his repentance (which obviously never happened).

My wife, Brandi, and I often talk about the comments posted on a local news website in relation to guys (or gals) who have been charged with crimes. They usually go something like this, "Put a bullet in his head and save the tax payers some money!"

When speaking of the general mood on those comment threads, Brandi said, "It's like everyone deserves the death penalty for everything."

Humans specialize in ungrace, but do we rejoice in repentance? Do we pray for it? Hope for it? Believe for it?

I hope so.

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Comments on "On Bin Laden's Death":

1. damien - 05/03/2011 8:07 am CDT

i've started reading peter hitchens' blog. he's the british gentleman (brother of christopher) who wrote the rage against god, a response to his brother's book, god is not great.
go here to read his thoughts on bin laden's death.

2. Quaid - 05/03/2011 10:12 am CDT

"It's like everyone deserves the death penalty for everything."

Don't we? This is why God's grace is so amazing.

But I get your point: Justice for everyone else. Grace for me.

3. Richard - 05/03/2011 11:43 am CDT

God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, not willing that any should perish but that all would come to know his grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.

4. nhe - 05/03/2011 1:55 pm CDT

Justice is righting what is wrong.....fixing what is broken....redeeming what is enslaved, etc.....I don't think we can see executing someone for crimes (no matter how severe) as justice. It is "just penalty" but not "justice". I think there's a difference.

The justice in this is that a wrong (ongoing terrorism) is made (at least more) right by eliminating the biggest threat......the threat doesn't have to be killed to be eliminated.

5. Tony - 05/03/2011 2:23 pm CDT

Yes, God takes no pleasure and I can imagine Jesus reacting in a somber manner, however the human side demands justice. God has "allowed" it: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. Did I just misquote or take this verse out of context? I'm sure the thinklings will set me straight ;)

6. Raindream - 05/03/2011 8:43 pm CDT

NHE, I don't see the difference b/w a just penalty and justice. Isn't acting justly, doing what is just, the same as justice in action?

7. nhe - 05/04/2011 9:12 am CDT

I'm thinking more biblical justice Raindream. Biblical justice goes far beyond punishment fitting the crime......that's just punishment, but not true biblical justice IMO.

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