Al-Zarqawi
Al-Zarqawi was killed last night. Part of me wants to say, “Good.” He was an Al-Qaida honcho, was involved in the deaths of numbers of people, and seemed like a generally violent man. But I feel like I shouldn’t celebrate his death.
Why?
First of all, this is probably going to set off backlash from other terrorists. How many other people will die at the hands of angry people who want revenge?
But more importantly, as much as I don’t like Al-Zarqawi, I don’t feel that celebrating his death would help fulfill God’s dream for His creation. A week or so ago, I probably would have been more eager to take joy in the fact that an evil man had died. But celebrating the death of a wicked man does not do anything to reconcile broken relationships. And that is what the Kingdom of God is about–reconciling broken relationships: relationships with God, relationships with people, relationships with creation, relationships with every part of life–food, art, trade, etc.
How are you reacting to this latest news?
On a different but perhaps similar note, I have some new favorite pictures. Remember Tiananmen Square in 1989? I love the pictures that show that one unarmed man stopping the movement of tanks. Did he ultimately stop the tanks from going where they were headed? No. But for a time, his peaceful, unarmed act of defiance affected the movement of tanks. Tanks. I want to be like that man.
Faith - FR responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2006 at 7:42 am →
when i heard the news, i felt a bit sad, thinking of his soul…(and not that i’m the Judge) but from all we know, he did not know the saving grace of Jesus Christ, which means he is forever separated from Him. perhaps the death of this evil man will prevent more from being killed by his hand or command, perhaps there will be retaliation killings, perhaps we don’t really even see what’s going on…God’s ways are higher and death is a part of the curse. Heaven and earth groan for our redemption…Al-Zarqawi’s death adds to that groaning…both because he has ruthlessly killed and he himself was killed…and this is what we long for: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away…” (Rev 21)
kYLE responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2006 at 2:35 pm →
Yeah, I agree…I was watching “The View” LOL and they were discussing Al’s death - the Conservative Elizabeth (who is really hot, but a bit anti-left) raised her hand and exclaimed “This is why we’re there” (in Iraq) I found that kind of pride to be nieve and disgusting. It won’t change a thing, other than giving a bunch of Southern Bush Lovers a big “YEEHAW!” They’ve taken out many so called “leaders” over there - where’s the evidence that their capture or deaths have improved the progress towards peace? I hope Al is in Hell trying to send helium balloons with a mercy notes attached up to heaven, but 77 beheaded virgins keep popping them.
Playtah responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2006 at 3:05 pm →
I MISS YOU KYLE!
Playtah responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2006 at 3:05 pm →
(I miss you, too FR!)
kYLE responds:
Posted: June 12th, 2006 at 1:30 pm →
You better start showing how bad you miss me! A call, a letter, bi-plane sky writing…cherokee smoke signals…a late night info-mercial dedicated to me. Whatever you believe expresses your Missness, I look forward to.