Thoughts on the death of Osama bin Laden

Over the past couple of days I have been reflecting on the news item which managed to knock Will and Kate off the media centre stage, namely the death of Osama bin Laden. There are a number of aspects which make me feel rather uneasy.

Firstly, President Obama's confident assertion that bin Laden's death has “made the world a safer place”. Has it really? Some experts suggest that it will only make radical Islamists even more determined to die for their cause. Does the death of bin Laden even begin to get to the root of the terrorist problem?

Another aspect which gives me unease is the admission that information on bin Laden's whereabouts was obtained by the use of what are euphemistically called “enhanced interrogation techniques”. Some would say that the word “torture” is a more realistic term. By using and approving of such techniques, are we not in danger acting in a way which we would roundly condemn in others?

When news first filtered through of bin Laden's death, there were some scenes of wild jubilation and rejoicing in the USA. Again, I must admit to feeling very uneasy at the sight of celebrating Americans. Of course, I can quite understand the fact that many Americans (and others) felt a sense of relief when a man who was apparently responsible for such terrible carnage and death could no longer instigate such acts. At the same time, I was moved to read the words of another famous American, Martin Luther King Jnr. (himself the victim of violence), "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate.... Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

I am reminded, also, of the words of St Paul in his letter to Roman Christians (themselves suffering violent persecution), 'Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.'

Perhaps I am raising more questions than answers, but then this is a very complex issue. One thing is certain, and that is that bin Laden will have to stand under the judgement of God, as will we all.

Final thought, and that is about bin Laden the human being. Probably when he was born his parents loved and cherished him, and did their best to nurture him. What was it in his life that led him to his way of violence and hatred? And how can we reach out in some way to those who are determined to follow in his footsteps?

God, how we need you.