Imagine facing a man who killed your husband or losing both your legs to him and this very person asks for your forgiveness. Worst yet how about watching this very man go on public television and admitting to killing 20,000 of your fellow countrymen, and no justice being served to him. Sounds far fetched, but it is the reality that the country of Liberia just went through.
The Redemption of General Butt Naked beautifully documents the real life story of Joshua Milton Blahyi aka General Butt Naked. During Liberia's civil war he was a warlord who ordered and participated in the killing of 20,000 Liberians. During the peak of his notoriety a preacher came to his stronghold and led him to Jesus, effectively changing his life and transforming him from a warlord to a preacher.
Throughout this movie one wonders if Blahyi's conversion is truly genuine or a means to manipulate the people of Liberia and avoid severe consequences for his actions. What's most poignant about this film is Blahyi's faith. Whether you believe him or not, its definitely what's central to his life. Although the past continues to haunt him we see a man who truly believes that his God has forgiven him of his sins, yet continues to seek for the forgiveness of his victims. This for me emphasized the authenticity of his faith and leads one to wonder why God decided to use such a man.
This was a truly moving film that will make one think of the cost that comes with forgiveness. We all have baggage, but it seems more apparent when justice isn't served to a man who clearly deserves punishment for his wrong doing. This of course raises another question, how does that fit in line with the very God this man worships?
The Redemption of General Butt Naked beautifully documents the real life story of Joshua Milton Blahyi aka General Butt Naked. During Liberia's civil war he was a warlord who ordered and participated in the killing of 20,000 Liberians. During the peak of his notoriety a preacher came to his stronghold and led him to Jesus, effectively changing his life and transforming him from a warlord to a preacher.
Throughout this movie one wonders if Blahyi's conversion is truly genuine or a means to manipulate the people of Liberia and avoid severe consequences for his actions. What's most poignant about this film is Blahyi's faith. Whether you believe him or not, its definitely what's central to his life. Although the past continues to haunt him we see a man who truly believes that his God has forgiven him of his sins, yet continues to seek for the forgiveness of his victims. This for me emphasized the authenticity of his faith and leads one to wonder why God decided to use such a man.
This was a truly moving film that will make one think of the cost that comes with forgiveness. We all have baggage, but it seems more apparent when justice isn't served to a man who clearly deserves punishment for his wrong doing. This of course raises another question, how does that fit in line with the very God this man worships?
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