The Kite Runner

This movie really touched my heart somehow. A few thoughts:

Atonement. The idea that a person and their life are never beyond redemption. I like that even a million huge mistakes and un-dones can be atoned for. In the movie, there was a literal moment of absolution as Amir kneeled at the mosque, but also a figurative illustration in that he finally found in himself strength and courage that seemed to be completely lacking until that point in his life. It's never too late. Clearly, I see Jesus as the only absolution to be found. But the picture of a soul's guilty torment and a subsequent refreshing of atonement was really beautiful.

Substitutionary Punishment. I also had this strange sense of happiness - for Amir and for the plot's resolution - when he was beat up. It just seemed somehow right and good that he received the beating that seemed to be due to him for not helping Hassan as a child, and I almost imagine that he welcomed it.

Like Christ, Hassan stood firm and took someone else's punishment on himself. So what is this sense in me that rejoiced to see Amir finally receive what he deserved? A deep knowledge that justice must be done? It seems to be a very human understanding of justice that can't accept a transferral of punishment from one person to another. God showed us a different way.

The Orphanage. A terrible moral dilemma for the director of the orphanage that begs the question, "What would I do in his situation?" These messy decisions terrify me. But it's reality. Maybe in the end we really, like the director, can only fall on our faces before our merciful Father and beg for wisdom, and afterward forgiveness if we did more harm than good. In the director's shoes, could I really believe that my loving intentions and obedience to God matter supremely, even if I make a choice that ends up hurting children? Would I be able to cling to his mercy and trust his forgiveness and guidance?