On the Death of Our Enemy in the Easter Season

I am sure I am not the only American and Christian who in the last few days has felt different, even conflicting emotions.  Upon hearing the news of Osama bin Laden's death, I felt relief.  I hope his death signals the end of an organization that murdered the innocent and caused unspeakable pain for the United States.  I give thanks for the women and men of our armed forces, who apparently completed this latest mission with incredible expertise, thoughtfulness, and concern for the citizens of Pakistan where bin Laden was living. 

Nevertheless, I do not think the death of anyone - even our enemy - is the cause for celebration.  Bin Laden's death should inspire serious reflection.  Let us think about what it is like to live in a world where violence and cruelty appear 'natural' and a given.  Both the Just War tradition of Christianity and pacifism (or nonviolence) are important ethical responses to such a world. 

Let us give thanks that there are moments of peace in the world that seem to reveal other ways (beyond force) of dealing with conflict:  the way of committed love and forgiveness.  Commitment and forgiveness are seen in the good will of people of all religions and no religion, especially when people reach across boundaries - physical and emotional - that appear to be set in stone.  Examples of such commitment and forgiveness range from the seemingly simple act of forgiving a family member of some wrong to the even greater acts of the oppressed forgiving the oppressor.  Forgiveness does not erase the history of pain, but transforms it.  We are in the Easter season, and the resurrection in John's Gospel is a profound example of how Jesus' forgiveness is inseparable from the truth of what happened to him on the cross (see John 20:19-23).

Although I have not listened to everything our President has said about bin Laden's death, my impression from what I have heard and read is that his tone has been reflective and humble.  For example, I read in The New York Times that our nation will not release photos of this death.  "After intense discussions with his national security team, Mr. Obama decided that the photos were too graphic and could further enflame bin Laden’s followers, according to Mr. Carney, but would not change the minds of skeptics. Mr. Obama indicated in the interview that gloating by releasing the photos 'is not who we are,' Mr. Carney said" (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/us/politics/05binladen.html?hp).  I think that is a wise decision for so many reasons.  This small gesture says something about human dignity.  May it inspire more reflection and less gloating.