It’s not a contradiction to feel satisfaction — not joy — when justice is carried out. “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed.” (Genesis 9:6) This passage states that it’s for the very reason that human beings are made in the image of God — the sanctity of human life — that capital punishment is proper. It is not a denial of the sanctity of human life, but the ultimate defense of it.
Rendering justice is the proper role of government, not individuals. It’s never to be carried out gleefully, but soberly, with fear. “It is appointed to a man once to die, and afterwards face judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) Death isn’t the worst fate; falling into the hands of God is.
I would also add that our satisfaction should contain a note of sadness, too, because bin Laden's death does not bring back those we lost. There's a sense of finality, but it's always tempered by reality.
The pro-life garment is seamless, but not in the way that some propose. Capital punishment is not a violation of the biblical sanctity of human life ethic but its profoundest expression. Being pro-life does not mitigate against all killing; being a pro-life Christian means we view death as an end but not THE end.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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