Most folks don't have the guts to believe Jesus when in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, He says:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42, NIV)
A parallel version is offered in the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke:
"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,"
"Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Luke 6:28-31. King James Version)
But, but, sluputh slupth, they cry, he didn't really mean that and then they start blathering about self-defense. Jesus said what he said. He was a radical for love and his followers have turned his words into tissue paper.
Quote:By 'turning the other cheek', did Jesus also oppose jail? Yes, we wouldn't need any.
By 'turning the other cheek', did Jesus also oppose fines? Yes. They wouldn't be needed.
By 'turning the other cheek', is He expecting us to simply ignore it when others do wrong? no. We are told to show love.
When you are assaulted? Yes
When you are raped? Yes
When you are kidnapped? Yes
When you are ripped off? Yes.
Just pretend it didn't happen? No, face life in love.
Any other response shows a lack of faith in what Jesus said. He didn't imply anything, his words are clear. We have allowed a bunch of half-measures to become Christianity to which my believing friends say "Well, we have to be realistic." and I say, "Where did Jesus say that? Next you'll telling me that he didn't really mean it when he said "If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!"
Christianity, at least the one that Jesus described, is too tough. Folks ought to call themselves Semi-Christians or Pseudo-Christians or Pretty Much Most, But Not All of That Crazy Stuff Christians.
Joe(I don't believe Jesus was God, but I love him and his ideas.)Nation
