As long as you're not living in a cave (pun intended) you've heard the news.

Al Qaeda mastermind, Osama bin Laden, was assassinated by U.S. Special Forces sometime between Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

Many Americans took to the streets – and to their computers – to let their feelings about it be known.

Based on some of the revelry I witnessed, I posed a question to our resident pastors, Brent Barry and Mark Wingfield: "Are we really celebrating murder or is it justice?"

"The news of Osama bin Laden's death magnified for me the reality of evil in our world," says Mark Wingfield, associate pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church.

"While this was a necessary and just action against a mass murderer, and our forces are to be commended for doing well what had to be done, it should cause somber reflection more than raucous celebration."

Lake Highlands husband and father and lead pastor at Northpark Presbyterian Church, Brent Barry, agrees.

"I get the sigh of relief that many had upon waking to the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed," says Brent. "But I'm really struggling with the pumping of the fists and exuberant celebrations."

"What seems to be lacking in many Americans' response to bin Laden's death is a sense of deeper reflection," adds Mark.

Mark also believes we must remember the bigger issue.

"Even though bin Laden is dead, the seeds of hatred he has planted and nurtured remain alive and well throughout the world."

Brent concedes the world may be a bit safer place with bin Laden gone, but questions the celebratory fervor that rang through many streets in America.

"Don't get me wrong," he says. "I think the killing of Osama bin Laden was likely necessary, but it is not a time for celebration."

"It is a time for quite introspection and a critical examination of the sinful nature of our world."

"This is a time to recall the pain caused by bin Laden on 9/11, the sadness brought on because he did not live the life that God intended, and the reality that we live in a world where violence is necessary when God intended only peace."

"As one person put it 'the world maybe safer today, but it is not more beautiful.'"

Mark has noticed a change recently in how some people are coming to terms with bin Laden's assassination and their feelings about it.

"It's been interesting to watch the change in Facebook chatter on this between Monday and Tuesday," says Mark.

"The more thoughtful voices are now coming out, illustrated by a number of friends I've seen post a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s book, 'Strength to Love.'"

"'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.'"

In short, Brent reminds us it is not the time for "Easter-like celebrations."

Instead, he argues, we should remember Good Friday's brokenness.

"What has been done was necessary but unpleasant," adds Mark.

"Our call now is to demonstrate a higher way of living that brings more light, rather than compounding the darkness."

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Brent Barry is the Pastor & Head of Staff at Northpark Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

Mark Wingfield is the Associate Pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas.

Our thanks to them both for offering their thoughts and words.

Lead photo: screen capture from White House video, May 1, 2011.