Russell Moore on Osama bin Laden & Narcissism

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Vanity. Ego. Self-absorption. Conceit. Pride. Haughtiness. These are all terms associated with narcissism and each one of us is in danger of falling victim to this destructive personality trait. Narcissus was a figure from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection and we, too, can become so consumed with ourselves that great harm can come to others if our ego is not kept in check.

Dr. Russell Moore offers a compelling argument on how narcissism drove Osama bin Laden to become a despot responsible for the murder of thousands. Dr. Moore comments:

"Osama Bin Laden was wicked. Osama Bin Laden was feared. He was also, it turns out, kind of pathetic. Among the items American forces pulled out of the terrorist leader’s compound last week are videos of Bin Laden, wrapped in a blanket, watching himself on television. As ABCNews reports, the warlord is seen to be "a vain pathetic old man." When I read this in the New York Times, I immediately thought of 1990s song "Mr. Jones" by the band Counting Crows: "When I look at the television, I want to see me staring right back at me."

And what the old fox wanted to see was not just himself, but a younger version. American forces confirm that Bin Laden was dying his beard, to manage his image in order to appear more vibrant to his supporters around the world.

We shouldn’t really be surprised. The nature of evil, ultimately, is narcissism. And the end result of our narcissism is always evil. Sometimes that evil shows up in preening and boasting. Other times it shows up in the ease with which one takes offense. Sometimes that offense even morphs into a crusade or a jihad, around the world or in your office cubicle or church foyer."

The same pride that ultimately drove bin Laden to his grave is the same pride that Lucifer displayed ages ago in his rebellion against God. Perhaps more scary is that it is also the same pride that lurks in my heart and yours. There is no greater antidote to our self-absorption than the gospel of Christ that tells us that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

You can read Russell Moore's complete post here.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Photo Credit: Bisayan lady

Today is the Mexican holiday known as Cinco de Mayo (which translated from Spanish to English means "the fifth of May). Although most Americans are likely familiar with this holiday or have at least heard the phrase, few probably are aware of its origins. Here are some tidbits of information on Cinco de Mayo:

* Cinco de Mayo is not an "official" holiday and is mostly recognized in the Mexican state of Puebla.  It is more widely celebrated within the United States than in Mexico.

* It commemorates the Mexican Army's defeat of French military forces in the state of Puebla in 1862.

* It is a Mexican holiday and does not necessarily represent the other Latino cultures represented in the United States (e.g. Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Colombians, etc.). However, those that are not of Mexican heritage may choose to celebrate the holiday much in the same way that others celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Black History Month or the Chinese New Year.

* It is not Mexico's independence day.  That day is September 16th.

* The holiday is typically celebrated with music, food, dancing and other items of Mexican culture.

To learn more about Cinco de Mayo, click here.

The Death Of Osama Bin Laden & One Christian's Response

Photo Credit: QuinnDombrowski

Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, has written a thoughtful response upon reflection of the death of Osama bin Laden. You can read it here. Here is a highlight:

"Pumping our fists in victory or celebrating in the streets is probably not the best Christian response to anyone’s death, even the death of a dangerous and violent enemy. The world can be relieved that a leader as evil as Bin Laden can no longer plot the death of innocents. We can be grateful that his cynical manipulation and distortion of Islam into a message of division and hate is finally ended. Even if we sharply dissented from the moral logic or wisdom of the failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan of the last decade, we can be glad that a mass murderer has been stopped and brought to justice. And we can be hopeful that the face of the Arab world might now become the young nonviolent activists for democracy rather than a self-righteous smirk of a self-promoting video character who tells us he is going to kill our children if we don’t submit to his hateful agenda.

But the book of Proverbs clearly warns us to "not rejoice when your enemies fall" [Proverbs 24:17,18]. And, in the hardest words of the gospel, Jesus tells us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" [Matthew 5:44]. Neither of those texts have been very popular pulpit texts during the years since 9/11. So as people of faith, we don’t celebrate the death of other human beings, regardless of how twisted or evil they have become."

As the picture accompanying this post illustrates, our American patriotism should always be overshadowed by our Christian faith. For those of us that are followers of Christ, it is not our political leanings or even the country that we claim citizenship that it is of utmost importance. It is our faith in Christ that supersedes everything else. Let's not forget that.