What I've Done - Linkin Park http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ
JOY: I'm glad the people that needed resolution will find peace, and perhaps some joy in pain's stead tonight, but celebrating the murder of another human being is not what we are called to.
Judging by proxy: Between politics and collective selfishness, all of this has been far more than 10 years in the making, is not the only consequence and won't be the last such 'issue.' One figurehead of evil motives no longer exists- this is a relief. But celebrating the death of another human being claims that we have the right to decide, and that we are owed the glory of being the judge. When we assume to hold ourselves as more worthy of life and celebrate the death of another, we lower our own humanity.
Historically speaking: Violence begets violence. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."— Martin Luther King Jr.
Do we really think this will create safety, or do we long for revenge? Biblically, God did call his people to war- but differently. People did not celebrate the death of individuals. The victory as a whole brought relief and joy, but individual bodies were given reverent burials, respected as human beings and even mourned. Here's where I part with old-school Friends: I think there is a time for war. BUT (parting ways with many evangelicals,) I hold to mercy, love and grace for my fellow man and will not be celebrating following the death of another.
Glory: Yes, ending evil is good, but as my friend Lisby said: "Death is not something to celebrate unless the person has gone to be with the Father, I'll let God figure this one out."
The pride and glory are not ours to claim...
JOY: I'm glad the people that needed resolution will find peace, and perhaps some joy in pain's stead tonight, but celebrating the murder of another human being is not what we are called to.
Judging by proxy: Between politics and collective selfishness, all of this has been far more than 10 years in the making, is not the only consequence and won't be the last such 'issue.' One figurehead of evil motives no longer exists- this is a relief. But celebrating the death of another human being claims that we have the right to decide, and that we are owed the glory of being the judge. When we assume to hold ourselves as more worthy of life and celebrate the death of another, we lower our own humanity.
Historically speaking: Violence begets violence. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."— Martin Luther King Jr.
Do we really think this will create safety, or do we long for revenge? Biblically, God did call his people to war- but differently. People did not celebrate the death of individuals. The victory as a whole brought relief and joy, but individual bodies were given reverent burials, respected as human beings and even mourned. Here's where I part with old-school Friends: I think there is a time for war. BUT (parting ways with many evangelicals,) I hold to mercy, love and grace for my fellow man and will not be celebrating following the death of another.
Glory: Yes, ending evil is good, but as my friend Lisby said: "Death is not something to celebrate unless the person has gone to be with the Father, I'll let God figure this one out."
The pride and glory are not ours to claim...
2 comments:
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctpolitics/2011/05/how_should_chri.html
I am far from a perfect Christian.
I find myself in this situation largely unable to mourn his death, or even to feel pity for him, even if he is in...a not-good place. And I'm not sure if anger is the right word for my reaction to the partying. I agree that the celebration is inappropriate, on an intellectual level. I suppose you could say that theology, if nothing else, leaves me conflicted about whether it's something to be in any sense "happy" about. I read a Christian blogger (link) who made the suggestion that if bin Laden went where many people probably wanted him to, then the demons are celebrating; if nothing else, that thought ought to give the celebrators some pause. In the meantime I will do my Christian duty and pray for the repose of his soul, and do my best not to despair of his salvation; perhaps that will have some positive effect on my own attitudes, which feel if anything almost too apathetic.
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