As a nation, our cues come more from the Old Testement law than from the New Testament principles for the individual. Israel was commanded to engage in brutal conflict with its enemies-- to the point of slaying women and children. As the old saying goes, "All's fair in war." Or, more recently, "There can be no such thing as war atrocities. War itself is an atrocity."
So, as a nation, we have a collective responsibility to take vengence upon the people responsible for this dastardly act. We must strike back with a fury so great that the next would-be terrorist will realize his cause will be set back for the next hundred years if he attempts an attack on America. We cannot count on changing the minds of these individuals. Basically, we have to kill them before they kill more of us. Wars don't get more just than that.
On the other hand, as individual Christians, we are to love our enemies. If the opportunity arises to present the gospel to Osama Bin Laden himself, we should immediately do so. (Already that name is being associated with Adolf Hitler, and rightly so!) It would not do for us sinners, saved by grace and by no merit of our own, to say, "No, not him, Lord!!"
And lets see if we can keep this thread from degenerating to the level of that flame war last night. If that happens too much more, JimRob will probably ban all religious threads, and who could blame him?
This is the time to present the gospel,in a clear and understandable way
I dont know if you have seen this piece just posted...we need to pray for wisdom in our Nations response and in the resolve of our people.
I believe the distinction is clear, the blood of Christ was shed for the sin of the individual person. This grace was not extended to countries, nationalities, or corporations that is why as individuals we are called to love our enemies. Nations are not under the dispensation of grace and are subject to Old Testament laws.