A Civil War Ends?

What a great pod. A beautiful examination of the power of forgiveness. In a culture long run by An Eye for an Eye mentality, those who have suffered the most are now turning the other cheek and asking to just get on with their lives. Well done. My heart goes out to them from my cluttered, busy apartment in Los Angeles.

I really like Julie's take on it. Forgiveness...it really is the ONLY way, isn't it. After all, they would know after so long, wouldn't they. Interestingly, unfortunately, I'm not sure the pod-creators really got that message about forsaking stereotypical "justice," as they continued to question what to do about about those who the government had already granted amnesty...for the sake of the best chance at peace presumably. That realization for me was almost as saddening as seeing the faces of the victims whose families had been decimated...

I've viewed this a few times since first catching it on Current TV. I find it amazing that it isn't a tale of forgiveness or retribution but simply moving on. I wonder how much time it will take to know if this works or if the unresolved past will bring division again?

isn't a tale of forgiveness? will bring division again? tsk...maybe you should watch it yet one more time grayza. that war isn't over. as far as moving on, forgiveness points the way.

Hi echoz,

I agree with what you are saying that this conflict isn't over and I suppose this is some kind of forgiveness. However taking the individuals in this film, the LRA rebels have stopped fighting, but aren't showing any regret or remorse for their actions and the victims of this violence seemed to simply be trying to move on with no fight for justice (as the Bishop says in the film). But doesn't this leave a lot of unresolved hate and mistrust, which unless addressed will never completely disappear and will lead to violence in generations to come.

It reminds me of the value of the post Apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa where simply bringing the truth out in the open made a difference, even if those confessing to evil deeds were then given amnesty. It seems to me that openness, honesty, repentance and truth all need to be happening before full forgiveness can happen and this situation in Uganda just isn't there yet. But that is what I found most encouraging about this film, that even without that - in this time between open violence and full forgiveness - people were getting on with their lives as best they can.

Hi grayza, I can agree with you too in that at least a few of these people are simply doing all they can to "get on with life." I believe also some may see the wisdom of forgiveness knowing too well the roots of hate only proffer yet more violence. And I believe arguably much of the wisdom of the clip is that these people have seen enough of it and what it can still do, perhaps even in themselves, if forgiveness isn't acted on. Perhaps the act of accepting amnesty can be taken as some expression of remorse. These few at least value their lives enough to want to do something more than what they see war (and the ugly violence their own resentment has engendered) has to offer. I just wonder that most people's perception of "justice" in lieu of forgiveness isn't more like justified retribution and doesn't just exacerbate and inspire the very thing they'd like to forget...the negative feed-back loop of more and more useless violence in the search for "justice." I guess it is a legitimate fear that unresolved resentment can lead to more violence, but then again...maybe it's [must more of] the same [violence/retribution] for those demanding and advocating for "justice" even in light of what honest forgiveness can plainly do [peace].

When I doubt people, I feel pain
When I judge people, it is unbearable
When I hate people, there is no value to my existence

Yet if I beleive, I am deceived
If I love, I am betrayed
Suffering and grieving tonight, my head in my hands
Am I wrong ?

Yes, I am wrong
Even though we are deceived, still believe
Though we are betrayed, still forgive
Love completely even those who hate you

Whipe you tears away and welcome with a smile
Those who know nothing but deceit
And those who betray without regret

Oh Master!! The pain of loving !
Look at my hands
Place you hand on my chest
My heart is bursting, such agony !

But when I loved those who acted against me
I brought victory
If you have done the same thing.
I will give you the crown of glory.

Wow, this was a beautiful pod. I really like what the guy said at the end. It was very moving and so true and touching. I hope one day all of us can find peace.