A Response to Responses to Bin Laden’s Death
By Jonathan Dodson | May 2nd, 2011 | Category: Gospel and Culture | 13 comments
As expected, the assassination of Osama bin Laden has sparked a range of responses. People poured out into the streets of Washington, some celebrating with American flags while others morosely brought flowers. Christians are no exception to the polarized responses.
Within minutes Christians were preaching at one another on Facebook and Twitter in support of their nanosecond-formed viewpoints on the death of Bin Laden. Opposing Proverbs were cited in support of opposing views, while the non-Christian press focused on reporting events accurately and sympathizing with 9/11 survivors. As I write, news media are plastered with images and announcements regarding the death of Osama bin Laden. Blogs, articles, books, sermons, and movies are sure to follow. How should Christians respond to this significant event in contemporary history? Here are two initial suggestions:
Restrain your desire to be heard with a greater desire to be discerning. Within seconds viewpoints were spouted on social media. These unbaked responses betrayed very little reflection, which is why I appreciated the occasional comic relief via Twitter. Can anyone really sort through the cultural, ethical, and theological issues surrounding Bin Laden’s death within minutes?
Allow me to throw another proverb on the heap: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Adapting James’ wisdom for the 21st century, we might say, in some instances, we should be quick to reflect, slow to tweet, slow to rant. To be sure, the controversy over opposing viewpoints regarding Bin Laden’s death would be present without social media. The difference, however, is that the controversy could be much more profitable, sharpening, and reflective if we were slow to respond publicly. Time has a way of balancing our perspective.
Be quick to reflect, slow to tweet, slow to rant.
Don’t let social media manage you; manage your social media. There’s something compelling about the ability to broadcast my opinions to an instant audience. Is it the dopamine rush of rapid response or something more? Perhaps our instant response betrays our not so instant community, our isolated lives imprisoned by social perspectives of a rather thoughtless Christianity? Let’s be honest. How many people are going to pull out their Bibles in community and have a vigorous, open, winsome discussion about this face-to-face? Not enough.
Or maybe we just let social media do our thinking for us. We are so hooked on instant communication, that we’d rather air opinions and let the chips fall where they may. Could it be that our minds have become content with rapid, regular bits of information–sending or receiving–that we have lost the value of personal, theological reflection? Closer to home, are we content for our minds to be managed by social media because we care more about what others think than what God thinks? Have we become so preoccupied with social media that we fail to be occupied with theological meaning?
The way forward is being slow to speak, quick to listen, and intent to draw near to God. After all, no one cares more about evil and justice than God himself.
Good thoughts!
[...] to hear the gospel from others. One great post on being reserved and not quick to pontificate by Jonathan Dodson is worth a read. And below is a note from Ben Brophy, a close friend and partner in ministry. This post is an [...]
Perhaps the author is a little quick to pull the pin here, “Within minutes Christians were preaching at one another on Facebook and Twitter in support of their ‘nanosecond-formed viewpoints’ on the death of Bin Laden.” I think it a rush to judgment to dismiss or marginalize another viewpoint as “nanosecond-formed”; especially since most Americans considered the proposition of Bin Laden’s death a long, slow decade ago?
It is fine too be relieved when an enemy is defeated, especially a serious one. It is also important to remember that the bigger enemy is still active and prowling like a lion. Be prayerful!
And that enemy prowling like a lion is really satisfied when he can divide us and get our minds on something other then knowing Christ fully.
great stuff.
Great post. But I do agree with the earlier commenter that many of us began thinking about the capture and killing of terrorists long ago, so our responses were well-rehearsed when this big one came. Also, I agree that it would be nice if all Christians took time to reflect, but the fact of the matter is that if Christians with Biblical worldview take days to respond then the discourse will be hijacked by nominal Christians and non-believers and any opportunity for thoughtful comments may be long-gone.
@Curtis & Trent
To clarify, I’m not suggesting a universal rule. Simply a principle of slow, deliberate, and awareness about our media.
Although I am sure some people considered how they might respond should Osama bin Laden be killed, I doubt very few thought it through considerably. Moreover, it would have been impossible to consider the present complexity given the absence of details, i.e. type of burial, no pictures of body, unarmed shooting, Islamic burial practice, political climate and so on. However, its good to know men like you are giving these things considerable thought, even when they are just possibilities.
I’m not sure I see a problem with anything I’ve seen posted by a genuine believer. The different responses are simply indications of different progressions of loss. We all know there are different stages to loss and grief and nobody hits those stages at the same pace, order or intensity. I suggest we let people express their feelings without judging or “presenting the other side” of issues. If someone desires to be heard, listen without judgment or correction.
Ps. I would have counted it a privilege to pull the trigger on any one of the terrorist.
I really appreciated this post. Lots of wisdom to be taken. Thank you!
Live for today. Bin Laden was yesterday.
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