Nelson Madela

I'm very much surprised to see some of the replies on Facebook by the followers of leading conservatives and their remarks on the passing of Nelson Mandela. The majority were actually angry that these leaders had kind words to say about the former South African leader. We are quick to forgive our soldiers for what they may have done in the name of war and well we should - no one should be faced with the horrors of war and what a man does to survive, what he does for his comrades and for his country are a personal matter and not really open to judgment. Of course this is different with war crimes where the military will judge to the standards they hold. Mandela sought to liberate his country and for a number of years used violent means to do so - this was after many years of seeking non-violent ways. He thought of himself as a liberator, a soldier and a patriot. There are things in his past I'm sure he regretted. When I read statements condemning Mandela I am reminded of Saul of Damascus and his transformation. Of Francisco the soldier who wounded and tired of war became transformed into a beloved saint. Of Tibetan Saint Milarepa who was a criminal and mass murder who later cleansed his mind through meditation and renunciation. I am not declaring Mandela a saint - yet he was a man transformed by his experiences and he emerged through the silence of his cell with forgiveness and insight uncommon to all but a few. If we judge then lets judge him for this remarkable act and forgive the past as we too might wish to be forgiven.
Just my thoughts.

Peace,
Eric