Thoughts After Seeing Schindler’s List

Schindler's List  is a 1993 American film about Oskar Schindler,  a German business man who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. At the time of the film's release, there were fewer than 4,000 Jews left alive in Poland, but more than 6,000 descendants of the Schindler Jews throughout the world. He risked his own life to save others.

I was stunned by this movie, in shock, numb. I thought I would cry during it, but I cried only briefly. I did cry during the night. I woke up thinking about the movie and feeling very, very sad. I cried for all mankind.

The Holocaust really happened to real people. How could it have happened? How can anyone say there is no evil in the world?

This happened in the 1940’s. Is the world a better place today? Or is it worse? Could it happen again? 

It already has happened again in Bosnia and Rwanda even though world communication is very rapid now. War, brutality and killing continue today in many “hot spots” around the world.

How can God not judge mankind?  We are all guilty. We have done mean, cruel things to others. We have used power to get our own way. We have all turned our back on the suffering of others.

Jesus suffered the same indignities as those in the Holocaust. He was stripped of everything including his clothing. He was beaten, taunted, and unjustly crucified. He died a painful death. 

What can we do to heal our world?  Is letting our “light” shine enough?