I’m not quick to jump on national dramatics, but this instance struck a chord with me in such a way that I had to talk about it. Please feel free to push back and voice your feelings on the matter. I don’t have a definitive response, but here’s what I’m processing:
A recap of the Lockerbie Bombing of ‘88 from Yahoo! news:
“in 1988, The explosion of a bomb hidden in the cargo hold of Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie killed all 259 people on the plane — most of them American — and 11 people on the ground. Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi, a former Libyan intelligence agent, is the only person convicted of the bombing.”
Two decades later, Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill announced last week that Scotland was releasing Al-Megrahi on grounds of compassion due to Al-Megrahi’s prostate cancer that doctors say leave him about 3 months left to live. From MacAskill:
MacAskill said his decision “was not based on political, economic or diplomatic considerations.”
“This was my decision and my decision alone,” he said. “I stand by it and I live with the consequences.”
Scotland has released 24 of the 31 prisoners who have asked to be released on compassionate grounds for medical reasons, including Al-Megrahi, in the last decade. That says to me that the Scottish possibly looked at the scenario and made a call based on health and the quality of human life as opposed to the severity of a crime.
Today on NPR’s Talk of the Nation, Neal Conan talked with pundits and the public both for and against MacAskill’s choice. (You can listen to that broadcast right here.) Our president, some very vocal family members of the victims of the tragedy, and most of the media world have criticized MacAskill and his decision. While they are few, there are still voices saying that they condone the move of forgivesness, included family members of victims.
What should the loving response as a Christian be to this dilemma?
There are a lot of pieces that add to the issue, such as the Libyans giving Al-Megrahi a heroes welcome upon his return as well as his unapologetic demeanor toward the incident, MacAskill’s rumored push out of office over the ordeal, and a protest planned in September in New York when Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi will speak at the United Nations. Whether what is known thus far about Scotland and MacAskill’s intentions are the complete truth, or whether or not this was done for political or monetary gain is up for grabs and a bunny trail I won’t go down.
My question is only based on the reported information that MacAskill acted in compassion in pardoning Al-Megrahi. What interests me is the very public, outward act of love shown to a convicted terrorist. Whether well intentioned or not, what at a statement in to society.
Was justice served during Al-Megrahi’s 8 year service of a life sentence prison term? I don’t know. It’s doesn’t feel like it. From my limited view, it’s just another loop hole in an already corrupt judicial system that let someone off the hook for the price they were supposed to pay. But as a Christ follower, I know I’m not the judge. And I know my heart says that this man is a son and a friend to someone. How can I make sense of it?
From Matthew 18:
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
What does forgiveness without limits look like? Complete mercy and grace is hard to fathom in every circumstance, and is certainly a gesture we all lack. Do we take Christ’s words and ask where to draw a line in the sand? Is forgiveness meant only for the repentant? Is forgiveness only reserved for smaller crimes and white lies?
I’m not in the shoes of the Mothers/Brothers/Wives who lost their Daughters/Sisters/Husbands on the Pan Am Flight 103. I have not felt the lack of compassion that some of the families of the 270 who lost their lives have felt. There pain must be great.
I do know that hatred can swell and bloat inside of you, leaving no room for healing and growth. I do know that Christ’s love comes without an asterisk or a condition. And I do know that wisdom and discernment don’t come without battling through the tough questions like this one.
Filed under: Life







