Osama bin Laden And The Sixth Commandment

The complete story of the killing of Osama bin Laden is not yet fully known by the general public, and it is likely that all of the pertinent details will never be divulged. Meanwhile, there are questions that will remain in the minds of many.

Was bin Laden defenseless when he was shot? Was the intent of the mission to kill, and not to capture? Was the action taken the right thing to do? I believe that the answers are yes, yes, and yes.

We are told that bin Laden was unarmed, but that he was still a threat; and that it was thought he was going to resist capture. That vague account of the confrontation would seem to make "defenseless" the appropriate word.

I believe that the intent of the mission was to kill--not capture--Osama bin Laden. That's because capture and prosecution was not a viable option; which brings us to the most important question--"Was killing Osama bin Laden the right thing to do?" And yes, it was.

There are those who would remind me that the Sixth Commandment says, "Thou shalt not kill". And those ages-old words from God speak of a rule we all want to follow.
What resonable person would ever want to take another human life?

But there are exceptions to all rules--including one as solemn as The Sixth Commandment, and even many Biblical scholars offer passages that make allowance for exceptions.

And there is much surrounding the bin Laden situation that makes killing him a justifiable exception. First and foremost, it can be argued that his death will save countless lives.

If the man, who was behind 9/11, and who inspires terrorists worldwide, was in custody today, and was prosecuted "tomorrow", he would have a platform to speak out against America, and be living encouragement for future attacks. We would feel no safer than when bin Laden's whereabouts was unknown.

It is not beyond the realm of possibility for a scenario to develop whereby people--perhaps on a bus, or in a building--are taken hostage as a bargaining chip to free bin Laden, or prevent the death penalty.

It is important to remember that in the case of Osama bin Laden, there is no question of guilt. Those videos he made, and released to taunt America, are indisputable evidence. There is no tribunal or jury which would reach any verdict other than guilty.

By removing Osama bin Laden as they did, America's leaders saved millions of dollars, and perhaps many thousands of lives; while providing some closure and peace of mind.