Should We Celebrate the Death of Osama bin Laden?

People everywhere are celebrating upon hearing the news of the death of Osama bin Laden. But many born-again Christians are confused about celebrating a person’s death. God says: “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die?” says the Sovereign Lord; “of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live” (Ezekiel 18:23).

No one will ever forget “911” when Osama bin Laden’s band of radical Muslim terrorists—al Qaeda—flew into the World Towers and the Pentagon. President Bush called them “evildoers.” Did that create an impression that they were less than human? Since then the evildoers have become more ‘real’ to us—more human, as their pictures have been displayed in the papers—they do not look evil. They look like your next door neighbor, or the person standing in line at Walgreen’s.

What was Jesus’ attitude toward evil doers? “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). Forgiveness is the hardest of all Christian acts. It has no limit. No boundaries. The question is whether the Christian can forgive a murderer, a mass murderer, even — as in the case of Osama bin Laden. Although his death was seen as a victory in the war against terrorism, Christians should remember that Osama was a sinner, being held captive by Satan to do his will. And the loss of even one life to Satan is nothing to rejoice about. These are just my thoughts on the matter. I welcome your response.