Osama bin Laden.
What do we know of the man named Osama bin Laden? What do we know of the human being named, "Osama bin Laden?"
Can you tell me, who were bin Laden's parents? How old was Osama bin Laden? How many years older or younger than you was Osama bin Laden? Did Osama bin Laden have siblings? If so, how many?
Osama bin Laden was born in 1957--three years before I was born. Bin Laden was the seventh son of 50 sons, and daughters born to a Syrian mother, and a father from Saudi Arabia. His father was a strict disciplinarian. He died when Osama was only 13 years old?
Did you know that Osama bin Laden graduated from college in 1981 with a degree in public administration?
These questions simply scratch the surface of understanding the man named Osama bin Laden, who lived for 57 years. I offer these questions for your reflection.
Bin Laden's early life did not justify the actions he took during his life. That is true of each of us. Our early life may not be a justification for our adult lives. Yet, our early life does inform our adult actions.
How do we view individuals, who are labeled as "terrorists." Do we go beyond scary pictures, frightening recordings, and haunting threats? Are we held captive not by terrorists, but, by our own fears, and broad generalities regarding a group of individuals who act in the same way?
My intent is not to place judgment, or minimize the effects of Osama bin Laden's actions. My intent is straightforward. Do we view terrorists as individuals? How would our relationship to the threats made be if we viewed terrorists as human beings, not as evil enemies? Is it possible to render peace, if we have labeled people as "terrorists," before we know them to be human beings?
We have much to reflect upon. Satisfaction, and jubilation are not within the feelings in my heart tonight.
How may we be instruments of peace?
No comments:
Post a Comment