Amish Grace DVD

This is a surprisingly good movie.

Why 'surprisingly'?

Because at first viewing it looks like a low budget film with 'Amish' like actors (not another 'Christian film!'). In the end it was anything but ... BUT it raised a huge question about the nature of 'forgiveness'. More of that later.

'Amish Grace' is a movie based on a true but tragic event that occurred in an Amish community in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. The DVD is also based on a book of the same name: Amish Grace.

On the 3rd October, 2006, Charles Roberts entered an Amish School and shot 10 girl students before taking his own life.

The motivation of the murder was portrayed as Robert's anger with God in losing a newborn baby. The actual truth is far more complex than that and Robert's sexual issues were ignored in the film.

After the murders (which are NOT shown in the film - thanks!!) the film then centres firmly on the issue of love and forgiveness.

This is where the DVD really kicks in very powerfully, not in any small measure as a result of the superb acting (actors have won Academy Awards for less) from Kimberly Williams-Paisley who plays 'Ida' - a mother who lost her beloved daughter. She is amazing!

Some thoughts:

The elders of the Amish community believe that it is a duty of a Christian to forgive so they make their way to the home of Mrs Roberts to extend, not only their forgiveness to her murderous husband, but offer her any assistance they can provide.

Quoting Matthew 6.14, the elders state that they would allow no hatred into their hearts. One of those elders is Gideon, husband of Ida, and father of the 14 year old Mary-Beth; shot in cold blood by Roberts.

Another Amish mother, Rachel, claims that "forgiveness is easier" than non-forgiveness.

There follows increasing tension between Gideon and Ida who does NOT share her husband's decision to forgive (and so quickly forgive) the man who killed Mary-Beth.

To Gideon, peace follows 'forgiveness'.

To Ida, to forgive is to betray her dead daughter; therefore, hate is the real and only option.

Who is right?

Without giving the whole story away, there is one enduring scene worth commenting on between Gideon and his youngest (and now only) daughter who claims that she, too, hates Roberts - "more than anything".

Gideon gently asks her a question: "This hate inside of you. How does it feel? Good"

His daughter replies, "Not very good."

Gideon then tells her that hate is a very hungry, with big teeth, eating all the heart leaving no room for love. God will punish; it's we who forgive."

His little girl then responds, "Can I still hate him and forgive just a little bit?"

During the rest of the film, a seemingly exploitive relationship develops between Ida and a female reporter who is anxious to get more news about how the Amish actually feel about Roberts.

Other sub-plots are very interesting.

For example, Ida's sister (who lives in the city) is shunned by the Amish due to her relationship with another (non-Amish) man. No memory of her is permitted. Why is it, to Ida, which a murderer of girls can be forgiven by her fellow Amish but not her sister?

Good question!

Does forgiveness require regret, remorse, repentance?

No, according to the Amish elders.

It comes from an open heart or not at all; forgiveness is "unconditional".

And this is my issue with "Amish Grace" - it's too simplistic view of forgiveness. Ida's grief is enormous because of such evil. Such forgiveness, therefore, needs to be "unpacked" over time.

So what I would do is this: I would show this powerful DVD to a home group, senior school group, etc. and then discuss forgiveness in light of the excellent book "Unpacking Forgiveness".

If you haven't read this, why not - it is such a great book on forgiveness. Abounding in Scriptural teaching on 'forgivenes' it is a must have book.

The DVD 'Amish Grace', book and other resources are available form WORD HERE.

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