Editor Bruce Lawrence spoke last night on his experience translating Osama bin Laden’s public statements and interviews as the Institute for Philosophy and Religion launched its 38th annual forum, “Writing on Terror: Osama bin Laden as Public Villain and Media Star.”

The institute holds lectures during the year and offers a “place where philosophical and religious reflection come to life,” according to a brochure. For the second year in a row, the forum focused on the theme of evil.

About 100 students and faculty turned out to hear Lawrence speak on his book, Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama bin Laden. His book is the first compilation of bin Laden’s text and, in the case of many speeches, the first complete translations.

Lawrence read passages of his translations of bin Laden’s texts and explained the importance of what bin Laden said and the manner in which he said it. He noted bin Laden’s “incorrect” representations of the Qur’an, and explained that he talks as though the al-Qaida leader lived during the time of Mohammed, and therefore does not directly quote the book, but tells it as though he has seen it first-hand.

Lawrence highlighted a particular interview in his book between Al-Jazeera journalist Alouni and bin Laden where bin Laden was confronted by the question of how to kill innocent people when it is condemned in the Qur’an. Bin Laden explained his actions by quoting 13th century Islam writings not related to the Qur’an or Mohammed.

One of Lawrence’s main points during his lecture was the distinction of bin Laden as an “apocalypticist,” and not a terrorist or a fundamentalist. He said an apocalypticist is someone preparing for the end of the world as it is now. He said bin Laden is waging a holy war against the Judeo-Christian alliance, and he intends to change the world and free the Islamic holy lands.

Lawrence said the United States needs to “treat bin Laden as a criminal defendant, not an enemy combatant.” He said the U.S. government is only empowering the enemy by treating it as a power capable of defeating the United States. He said once bin Laden is captured, he needs to be tried for his crimes in the Middle East. He said if bin Laden was killed by the military, he would achieve martyrdom and great fame.

The forum was open for a question-and-answer session following the lecture. Many students took part in the session, asking questions about Lawrence’s personal views. Lawrence answered questions about conspiracies and his belief on where bin Laden is now.

“I came tonight because Osama bin Laden is someone we hear a lot about but should know more about,” College of Arts and Sciences senior Maryam Arif said. “I definitely heard some things tonight that I did not know, but I still have more questions.”

BU Islamic studies professor Kecia Ali praised Lawrence for his thoughtful interpretation.

“I was struck by the analysis of Osama’s texts by Lawrence,” she said.

The Institute for Philosophy and Religion will continue to hold lectures concerning evil, Buddhism and the future of philosophy throughout the year.