How ought Christians to respond to the killing of someone so monstrous that their death seems to be a net gain for the world, a victory for the goods of justice, order, and peace? Is celebration appropriate? Thanksgiving? Lamentation?
The question featured among the minor storylines of the recent killing of Qasem Soleimani. Providence editor Mark Tooley took on one kind of response representative in content—if more intellectually egregious in character—of many who argue Christians ought never to rejoice in, sanction, or approve of the death of anyone. With this pacifistic view, people of goodwill have disagreed throughout history. To continue with the example of Soleimani, you can bet the mothers of those killed by his Revolutionary Guard during anti-government protests in 1999, 2017, or 2019 are plenty happy with his demise. Likewise, more than a few Syrians are equally pleased. The list of those who think the only problem with his death is that it did not come soon enough is long. Waiting for justice is impatient work.
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