OK, Which is it? Are the Dead Already There or Are They Going Tomorrow at 6 p.m.?

Harold Camping, the aged, self-styled preacher in California, has meticulously calculated the end of the world to be tomorrow at 6 p.m. An earthquake is to begin in New Zealand and travel through Asia and Europe and around the world. At that time, the dead will be raised, and, along with the living, taken to Heaven. Of course the only ones taken will be true believers, whoever they are. The rest of us will be left to make the best of things.

There is one thing that I have never understood about the "rapture" and the end of the world, when the dead will be raised and the living taken to Heaven. At every funeral that I have ever attended, and after the death of a loved one, everyone, including the preachers, always talks about how the deceased is already "sitting at the right hand of God." A week later the same preacher will be asking whether you will be ready, when the rapture comes and the dead arise to go to Heaven.

I have always heard the expression, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Which is it?

Dr. King's Message Still Resonates

A friend posted this quote on Facebook tonight from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

So appropriate for the events of the last 24 hours. As I watched the coverage last night of people celebrating in front of the White House, I couldn't help but think about the day after the September 11 attacks. Extremists were celebrating in the streets in the Middle East. How sad that we Americans have no more class than that. Osama Bin Laden was a monster, but why do we celebrate his death? He doesn't deserve to be acknowledged in any way, even in death.

The fact remains that there are still many of his ilk waiting for their chance to avenge his death on our soil. There is nothing to celebrate, and those who celebrate only stir the blood or our enemies. "Hate cannot drive out hate..."

No Silly Grin, No "Mission Accomplished"

Osama Bin Laden was killed in an apparent fire fight in Pakistan. He has been sought for twenty years for his masterminding of terror throughout the world. I just read that he was buried within 24 hours according to Islamic tradition. The President made the announcement last night about 11:30 p.m. with no silly grin and a "we got him." There was no gloating "Mission Accomplished" photo op on an aircraft carrier. A simple, short professional statement was all that was required.

There will be criticism of the President from his Republican opponents. He didn't show emotion. He didn't spout nationalistic rhetoric. Islamic tradition was followed, instead of mocked. There will be conspiracy theories. No body, no Bin Laden. No long form death certificate. It was a publicity stunt, and he is still alive and prepared to kill. The list goes on and on.

This "war" on terrorism isn't over by a long shot. There will be others to take his place. In fact there are already others in place. More than likely there will be reprisals. It may take a while for them to put a plan in place to do great harm to this country, but they will try it. We can only hope that our country's counter terrorism people stay alert and ready.

The United States is wise to tone down the official rhetoric. The celebrations in the street are unfortunate. I think back to similar celebrations that have taken place in the Middle East and how they have infuriated extremist Americans. The same will be true for the supporters of Bin Laden. The President was wise to demonstrate professionalism and strong leadership with his demeanor last night. He was also wise to ensure that Islamic traditions were followed in the disposal of Bin Laden's body. Respect for a world religion that has many American followers and many U.S. supporters around the globe is wise. Nothing turns a religious people off, like showing disrespect for their religious traditions.