Sobriety or Celebration?

As you are no doubt aware, this past week Osama bin Laden was killed by American forces in Pakistan. There has been a mix of reactions from different portions of our society. Some members of the media could hardly contain their glee, spontaneous street parties have broken out, and even sporting events have taken time to celebrate.

CNN's Belief Blog chronicled several responses by faith leaders. While nobody decried the justice of what was done, all were a bit taken aback by party-like atmosphere that celebrated a man being killed.

Our very own Drew Filkins chimed in on the subject also. You can read his whole take here. He advocates mourning as a better response:

I am mourning Osama bin Laden because he was not able to experience the restoring, renewing, redeeming work of the resurrected Christ. As a Christian, I feel that we ought to mourn when anyone dies without having the restoring work of the resurrected Christ in their life, whether that be a close friend, family member or a terrorist. The power of the resurrected Christ could have moved Osama's life of violence and destruction to one of compassion and love, just as that power is doing in my life and maybe in yours.

What do you think? from your spiritual/ethical perspective, is Osama bin Laden's death a reason to celebrate or mourn or what?

Bring your thoughts this Thursday to Short's Brewing Company in downtown Bellaire at 7pm.