I love hearing about stories of redemption. How about one where a former armed guard for drug dealers opens an orphanage in the Sudan?
That’s the story of Sam Childers aka the Machine Gun Preacher and his story is being brought to the big screen:
[tentblogger-youtube 25sM_72wEBI]
I definitely want to check this out. What about you?
Brian Alexander says
I want to see this as well. I posted it on FB yesterday and again on my blog today. Looks legit.
Jay Caruso says
It does!
Matthew Snider says
I will be there at the early screening.
Love my third job haha
Jay Caruso says
Haha. Nice!
John Gibbs says
By all means enjoy the movie, but don’t forget to ask yourself how many people Jesus gunned down when he was rescuing the poor and defenceless. http://www.bdkeller.com/resources/who-is-sam-childers/
Allan White says
I’m drawn to this movie – it looks like it explores important themes about aid, justice, and faith. But I agree your link should be read for clarity. My brother-in-law is a long-time missionary in W. Uganda, and had to deal with the Kony rebel threat. He, too, privately wondered if an armed solution would work (it hasn’t).
For me it brings up questions about when taking up arms is just, wise, or even permitted by our faith.
Jay Caruso says
Ever see Sergeant York?
The Bible is not explicit about matters of war and violence. It’s one thing to try and establish God’s kingdom through force (ala The Crusades). It is quite another to use violence to strike down the forces of evil in order to provide protection to others.
Allan White says
I suppose one area of study is whether this is the right of the individual, or of divinely-sanctioned government. Several passages in the Bible come to mind that indicate to me, at least, that this right is reserved for authorities in power.
If we agree that serving in the military is just, Sergeant York’s heroism was consistent with his role and authority: the military, in war, is justified in killing enemy combatants. I’d say Childers doesn’t have that moral authority.
I’m not yet saying his actions were immoral, I’m simply saying his case is different than York’s, or other soldiers’ actions. Childers’ actions must be judged with different criteria.
That said, I totally identify with the desire to just take a machine gun to oppressors & despots sometimes! It’s really hard for me personally to wait for God’s justice.
Trevor says
Freakin-a