I lost subscribers today, presumably because of this post. Some lessons are difficult to hear, I suppose. But please tell me if I've written anything that you find to be contrary to scripture. Perhaps I've made some mistake in my interpretation of scripture?
I am still here. I suspect some people read to hear their own thoughts confirmed. That is common. One of my purposes in reading and in writing is to interact. Real discussion, especially among people who don't have pre-existing conformity, can be enriching. I feel a limitation from trying to keep articles short that complex issues get oversimplified. You bravely take on topics that already have a history. Thanks for doing it.
Thank you, Jerry. I appreciate your support and your perspective.
When I started I had to decide whether I would shy away from complicated issues and how in depth I could really go with it. I didn't compromise on the lessons I am willing to explore, but if I wrote everything I'd like no one would have time to read it (it's long now!). So, obviously I compromised on that aspect. I'm always just a little bit worried that I haven't said enough or explained it well enough.
I'm always open to hearing differing opinions. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about people who might be offended if they aren't willing to have a discussion.
It would be great to sit down together and talk through these lessons together. I have rarely had friends close enough ( geographically and philosophically) to enjoy that privilege.
This must have been a difficult meditation to write, but I believe you framed the issues clearly, fairly, and spiritually. Our daughter was studying in NYC on 9/11. She took the subway to school, which stopped at the World Trade Center just before her destination which was the next stop. She awoke unusually early that morning and as a consequence went into school early. She had a first-hand view of the event and the loss of life. We are grateful that she survived, but it changed the trajectory of her career plans. Even as a survivor, she was a victim of bin Laden's evil.
Whether - as Christians - we should approve or celebrate the death of bin Laden, the leaders of our country were not acting out of (divine) retribution as much as they were acting in accord with their mandate to protect the citizens of our country from further nefarious events. The anniversary of this event is a very appropriate time to reflect on how we live in our complicated world.
It's viscerally painful for me to consider God's love for bin Laden. But you are right that love and mercy are God's nature. Much as I am tempted to think like Jonah, who felt the the people of Nineveh deserved no mercy, I strive to be obedient to the mind of Christ.
Thank you for your remarks. I can't imagine what you and your family must have gone through that day. Most of us didn't have family directly in harm's way but none of us who witnessed it will ever forget what it felt like.
I do not pretend to be holier or better than anyone else. I shed no tears the day bin Laden was killed. I believe, like you said, that those who ordered and carried out the mission were doing their duty. However, part of what we do here is use history to learn Biblical lessons. This was a tough one for me as well. I'm often tempted to play Jonah. This lesson is as much for me as it was anyone else.
Yes this is one of the challenges of faith. I've spent the last year diving into Biblical teachings and once I've become aware of Jesus's teachings I see the wisdom of his ways. Humanity has a long way to go, which is why you and I are writing!
Very important article and truths shared about how we are to view the death of even the wicked. Sadly when Osama Bin Laden's death was announced many in America even shamefully those who say they love live for and honour Jesus Christ and Almighty God took to the streets rejoicing over his murder. We are meant to have the mind of Christ Jesus and to reflect the character heart and nature of Him, not that of our carnal fleshly soulish inclinations or that of the lost world. Our Heavenly father states
"Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways"...Ezekiel 33:11
"For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth", saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live.
Ezekiel 18:32 (ASV)
..who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise vas some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
I lost subscribers today, presumably because of this post. Some lessons are difficult to hear, I suppose. But please tell me if I've written anything that you find to be contrary to scripture. Perhaps I've made some mistake in my interpretation of scripture?
I am still here. I suspect some people read to hear their own thoughts confirmed. That is common. One of my purposes in reading and in writing is to interact. Real discussion, especially among people who don't have pre-existing conformity, can be enriching. I feel a limitation from trying to keep articles short that complex issues get oversimplified. You bravely take on topics that already have a history. Thanks for doing it.
Thank you, Jerry. I appreciate your support and your perspective.
When I started I had to decide whether I would shy away from complicated issues and how in depth I could really go with it. I didn't compromise on the lessons I am willing to explore, but if I wrote everything I'd like no one would have time to read it (it's long now!). So, obviously I compromised on that aspect. I'm always just a little bit worried that I haven't said enough or explained it well enough.
I'm always open to hearing differing opinions. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about people who might be offended if they aren't willing to have a discussion.
It would be great to sit down together and talk through these lessons together. I have rarely had friends close enough ( geographically and philosophically) to enjoy that privilege.
I agree.
This must have been a difficult meditation to write, but I believe you framed the issues clearly, fairly, and spiritually. Our daughter was studying in NYC on 9/11. She took the subway to school, which stopped at the World Trade Center just before her destination which was the next stop. She awoke unusually early that morning and as a consequence went into school early. She had a first-hand view of the event and the loss of life. We are grateful that she survived, but it changed the trajectory of her career plans. Even as a survivor, she was a victim of bin Laden's evil.
Whether - as Christians - we should approve or celebrate the death of bin Laden, the leaders of our country were not acting out of (divine) retribution as much as they were acting in accord with their mandate to protect the citizens of our country from further nefarious events. The anniversary of this event is a very appropriate time to reflect on how we live in our complicated world.
It's viscerally painful for me to consider God's love for bin Laden. But you are right that love and mercy are God's nature. Much as I am tempted to think like Jonah, who felt the the people of Nineveh deserved no mercy, I strive to be obedient to the mind of Christ.
Thank you for your remarks. I can't imagine what you and your family must have gone through that day. Most of us didn't have family directly in harm's way but none of us who witnessed it will ever forget what it felt like.
I do not pretend to be holier or better than anyone else. I shed no tears the day bin Laden was killed. I believe, like you said, that those who ordered and carried out the mission were doing their duty. However, part of what we do here is use history to learn Biblical lessons. This was a tough one for me as well. I'm often tempted to play Jonah. This lesson is as much for me as it was anyone else.
Yes this is one of the challenges of faith. I've spent the last year diving into Biblical teachings and once I've become aware of Jesus's teachings I see the wisdom of his ways. Humanity has a long way to go, which is why you and I are writing!
Very important article and truths shared about how we are to view the death of even the wicked. Sadly when Osama Bin Laden's death was announced many in America even shamefully those who say they love live for and honour Jesus Christ and Almighty God took to the streets rejoicing over his murder. We are meant to have the mind of Christ Jesus and to reflect the character heart and nature of Him, not that of our carnal fleshly soulish inclinations or that of the lost world. Our Heavenly father states
"Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways"...Ezekiel 33:11
"For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth", saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live.
Ezekiel 18:32 (ASV)
..who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise vas some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,