The death of international terrorist Osama bin Laden has evoked a breadth of emotions among Americans.  The architect of the 9/11 tragedy inspired a legacy of fear that continues to affect every one of our lives.  Friends or friends of friends died in the Twin Towers, countless soldiers and innocents have been killed in his pursuit these last ten years, and I can't go through airport security without blaming him for the hassle.  We have all been affected by him - his twisted theology and the ruthless violence he has committed or inspired.

Today we find ourselves at a unique time in history where our brothers and sisters in many Arab countries are seeing the deep hunger for freedom, and the rejection of those who would take advantage of others, fuel a renewed vision for the triumph of good over evil.  We are realizing anew our mutual convictions.  We are rediscovering that our shared preference for liberty, peace, and progress are not necessarily mediated by those whose means include terror and hatred.  We also share grief over the death of any human being - that there is no rejoicing in heaven over bin Laden's death, where all life is precious.  We are awakening anew to the universality of humanity.

It is amidst the flag waving and cheering of the 'ding dong the wicked witch is dead!' variety (see photo) that we must then take pause and realize that this 'victory' is a shallow one.  A terrorist has died, but terrorism and evil continue.

So maybe this event can remind us that one of the most productive ways we can honor the dead is to continue our labor for peaceful resolutions to conflict.  As we sort through the array of emotions we're feeling may Christians and all persons of good will commit to working anew for an end to terrorism and the furtherance of peace, justice, and charity among all people.