Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, released a brief written statement reacting to the news.
“Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions to this end,” Father Lombardi said.
“In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred,” the spokesman said.
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.” Proverbs 24:17,18
“Do you think I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord Instead, it is my pleasure that they turn around from their wicked ways and live.” Ezekiel 18:23
I do think rejoicing is forbidden by Scripture, but I am “very relieved,” which is generally thought of as a positive emotion also I think is “in bounds” in terms of Scripture. But Christians do need to watch their hearts, from gloating and also from self-righteousness of a “superior reaction” to the news [NOT in reference to comment #1, rather my Facebook “news feed” all day yesterday]. Following Christ and emulating Him can be VERY difficult.
I think this is the best statement any of the churches have put out.
We should not be rejoicing (though it is right to be relieved) but rather reflecting on the evil done by this man (and his consequent fate) and the responsibility we all have before God.
Am I happy about murder or the loss of human life? No. Am I happy about justice for 9/11 families or anyone else related to people killed by Bin Laden? Yes. Will I sleep better at night knowing that Bin Laden is swimming with the fishes? Yes. Do I think it’s right to be dancing in the streets? No. Do I believe there will eventually be retaliation for this? Yes. Do I also basically believe in eternal vigilance? Yes. And am I proud of our military, the SEALs, and intelligence community? Yes. ‘Nuff said.
This was intended for this thread…-ed.
CBH wrote:
I was a bit uncomfortable yesterday when the networks decided to play over and over the youthful exuberant celebrations because of the similarity to those we have observed in other countries under different circumstances; however, in the future when I see those I will remind myself that (spontaneous or not) those foreign demonstrations have a very limited meaning and do not often represent the main stream thoughts and sensitivities. And those who observed our demonstrations yesterday had to have known the same thing. The world is grateful for courage as well as fiercely empathic to those who have greatly suffered. Reason understands. Charity dictates. I am so proud and grateful to be an American and I approve of Bin Laden having been given a burial at sea. That is the American ethic in full view. He and we are in God’s hands.