On Killing a Terrorist

Greetings Dear Reader,

“…any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind…” John Donne

With the announcement last Sunday evening of the death of Osama Ben Laden our nation erupted in spontaneous celebration and cheering. I am saddened both by his death and by the response of my fellow Americans. I agree that this individual dealt in death and terror and perhaps his crimes are worthy of death.

None of that eclipses the need to also see him as a human in need of the love and healing of the Father. I know that I could have prayed for him more than I did. I could have encouraged others to do the same. Jesus made his position on enemies very clear.

Mat 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. In this way you show that you are children of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun rise on people whether they are good or evil. He lets rain fall on them whether they are just or unjust. If you love those who love you, do you deserve a reward? Even the tax collectors do that! Are you doing anything remarkable if you welcome only your friends? Everyone does that! That is why you must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

You cannot love an enemy and hunger for his death at the same time. It is vital that those who take up the name of Christ as their standard live by that standard. We need to collect few enemies and the ones we do must be the constant object of our love and compassion.

If we play the game of who is better in the eyes of God it is too easy to see men who do great evil as somehow less than ourselves. The very act of comparison is an exercise in foolishness. We cannot afford to see the stains on another’s soul and not be moved to compassion for his reclamation. That need for reclamation is at the very heart of the gospel. Notice that Ezekiel’s warning is directed at Israel

Ezekiel 33:11‎ "Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?"

It is never easy to see the acts committed on September 11, 2001 and not feel the anger and hatred rise up like bile in my throat. The only thing that quells that bitterness is when I remember to pray for those who believe that violence is the way to solve our problems. As Christ followers, if we rejoice in the belief that anyone is eternally condemned, we are truly missing the point.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."