Regarding the release of the Lockerbie Bomber

Recently the Scottish government released the only man convicted for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. This was done for "compassionate" reasons according to the people of Scotland's "beliefs." (Scotland is a Christian nation.) The reason for the release is because the bomber, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, has been diagnosed with cancer and only given months to live. He was sent back to Libya to be with his family while he dies.

I understand that this is incredibly painful and insulting to the families of the many victims, but is there a greater good at work here? Is the Scottish government wrong in this and other cases? What would be served for him to spend his few remaining days in prison alone, except perhaps vengeance? He was, in effect, in prison for the rest of his life after his conviction.

I know that this man received a hero's welcome back in Libya, and if he was indeed guilty of the crime (there has been serious doubt regarding the conviction) that to me is disgusting to celebrate this man and his actions. But we (and by "we" I mean Christians) are not responsible for other people's actions, only our own.

I think that this was a strong act of compassion that honors the Lord and sends a strong message of the way that Christians are different. After all, Christians understand the darkness of our own hearts and the treachery we are capable of. Though some would read this and object "I would NEVER..." But given the same environment and upbringing, you really don't know that you would be any different. Let me say that we do desire justice in this world and believe there should be punishment for crimes, but we also are called to extend mercy. This act was, perhaps, a great example of that.

My point in all this? Christians are called to have a biblical worldview, rather than a secular (or regular) worldview. I think that this is one case of a government that is still founded upon Christian principles as we and many other nations continue slipping away from Christ. Our history is filled with examples of extreme compassion that reflected our faith and made the world sit up and take notice.