Much of that discussion centers around how the terrorist’s death will impact the decisions U.S. leaders make regarding the country’s military. Some conversations are focusing on whether there will be some sort of retaliation attack(s) from bin Laden supporters.

Then people are talking about faith: What is the proper reaction to the death of the man who was the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks? How should people of faith react? Is is OK for Christians to rejoice at the news of bin Laden’s death?

Well, there is much commentary on the subject. I’ve gathered some of it here, with links for readers to see what others have to say on the issue:

Pamela Gerloff, The Huffington Post: “While the killing of Osama bin Laden is being enthusiastically celebrated throughout America and parts of the world, to say that such merriment is out of order will surely be considered heresy. Nonetheless, I’m saying it — because it needs to be said. What I am tempted to say is this: Get a grip, celebrators. Have you so little decency?” Read more: The Psychology of Revenge

USA Today’s Faith & Reason blog: “President Obama made an important point in Sunday night’s stunning announcement that U.S. operatives have killed Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden, he emphasized, was not a Muslim leader, he was a terrorist who killed “scores of Muslims” as well as masterminding the 9/11 attack. Obama also stressed, as did President George W. Bush before him, that the USA “is not, and never will be, at war with Islam.”  Read more: Bin Laden, who denied burial to many, buried with respect to Islam 

CNN Belief blog:  “Festive crowds gathered to cheer his assassination. One newspaper headline eulogy read, “Rot in Hell.” Televised chants echoed: “U.S.A.! U.S.A!” Americans spilled into the streets for spontaneous celebrations after news spread that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda leader behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, had been assassinated.” Read more: Is it morally right to celebrate bin Laden’s death?

(AP Photo)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor