I read the news this morning that Osama bin Laden was killed yesterday. Am I supposed to be happy? Am I supposed to be thrilled or relieved? As a Christian, how should I feel? Killing is prohibited in the 10 Commandments, and it is something Jesus wasn't a big fan of. Should we have crucified bin Laden instead so that he would feel our pain? Yes, his death might lead to a better chance at world peace, but what would Jesus do? What does Jesus think about this?
I believe it is in times like these that we are asked, what does it really mean to be Christian? Should we retaliate against our enemies as we have? Is that part of the New Testament teachings? This is Easter; this is the time to reflect on our Baptismal vows. I just renewed mine a little over a week ago. So now what? The biggest enemy of the U.S. since Hitler is dead, but the blood is on our hands. How should I feel as a Christian? What should I do next? How do I love my enemies?
I know some people won't have even questioned it, but it is weighing on my heart. I would love to celebrate, but do we celebrate when we put people to death via capital punishment here? As Christians, do we celebrate murder? Just think about it, and maybe we can take a suggestion from the One whose body and blood we take each week.
Robert McKeon
Ph.D. Alumni, 2010
Ambrige, PA
May 3
