Miroslav Volf reflects on the killing of Osama bin Laden

Miroslav Volf reflects on the fear and relief reactions of the killing of Osama bin Laden:

Fear and relief


In the Christian Century's "Century Blog" by Miroslav Volf

As I listened to President Obama's calmly triumphant announcement that Osama bin Laden had been killed and "justice has been served"--and to the reports of celebrations in American streets--I tried to sort out my own responses to the surprising news. Throughout the morning, my inbox filled with e-mails from friends near and far. These reactions, unlike those of the U.S. government and most Americans, were more ambivalent.

A friend at Yale reminded me of Proverbs 24:17, Ezekiel 33:11 and Matthew 5:44, adding this:

After 9/11 I found it very hard to bring myself to pray for Usama bin Laden. But by God's grace I did because Jesus said I must. And though I am tempted to rejoice today, I will not because Jesus said I must not.

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