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This is the core issue on which the hypocrisy of the vast majority of Christians becomes apparent.
The doctrine of pacifism, as articulated by Jesus, represents the major departure in Christian
morality from the other, more traditional "Good citizenship"-style moral codes that would develop in
almost any human community.
It is amusing to watch the Christians tie themselves in knots, making preposterous interpretations
of Jesus' words, to try and justify their hypocrisy and show us why it is not really hypocrisy.
Turn the other cheek? Perhaps this was an ancient Middle Eastern insult, they say. Perhaps Jesus was
suggesting it as an evasive posture which would help in the continuation of the combat.
Let us look at the "turn the other cheek" quote in context.
"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
He specifically refers to the "eye for an eye" retribution-based, Old Testament-style morality and
rejects it. "Do not resist an evil person". It couldn't be clearer. Yet the grotesque Christian
hypocrites try and twist these words and turn them into either an insult or a defensive combat
stance!
The sword quotes are certainly some of the strangest things Jesus is ever reported to have said.
It's really not clear what he meant at all. It is, however, "preposterous" to interpret the "I come
to bring a sword" quote as the advocacy of violence. The context makes it clear that he is
explaining to his followers that they will face persecution for practising their faith.
As for the "go and buy a sword" quote, again the context makes it clear that Jesus is by no means
advocating violence. His primary concern seems to be the fulfilment of prophecy :
He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a
sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and
I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its
fulfillment."
The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords."
"That is enough," he replied.
Jesus is concerned about some prophecy being fulfilled. The prophecy says that he and his followers
were criminals. So he tells his followers to buy swords so they seem more like criminals.
Incidentally, this verse surely also reveals that Jesus was a fraud. After all, if he was the real
thing, why would he have to worry about giving the appearance of prophecy being fulfilled. However,
it clearly does not represent any advocacy of violence.
The king going to war quote doesn't represent advocacy of any behaviour at all. It's simply one of
many anecdotes Jesus relates to show his disciples that they must think seriously about the
commitment they are making in choosing to be his followers. Yet the fact that this irrelevant quote
is cited shows how far a hypocritical Christian will go in distorting the clear intent and meaning
of his supposed Saviour to justify his own selfish and wicked impulses.
As for Jesus losing his temper in the temple, it's not clear that he struck anyone. As far as I'm
aware, the Bible talks about him overturning tables and the like. Even if he struck people, all it
shows us is that Jesus was himself a hypocrite, and so the Christians are following in the ignoble
tradition of their great leader. |
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I have to agree. How the Amish dealt with the cold blooded killer of their children by forgiving
them in spite of wanting revenge just like the rest of us, is probably the most Chris-like act I've
seen in a long time.
This teaching of Jesus is most difficult to live by, whether Christian or nonChristian. I believe
that there is profound wisdom behind it. |
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TO ARMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All Americans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let the blood of Revolution flow.
(as Thomas Jefferson the Statesman understood this fact).
Pacifist |
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Jesus was not a pacifist and this is clear enough if you read Matthew 10:34 where Christ said: "Do
not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a
sword." Jesus acknowledged that by virtue of his contentious message he could not be a harbinger of
peace, but rather someone who may cause division. Jesus also approved of war and conflict, if it was
in self-defence. This becomes evident by reading Luke 22:36, where Christ is recorded to have said:
"But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your
cloak and buy one." He was essentially encouraging his disciplines to do what was necessary in order
to ensure that they would be able to defend themselves.
Christ also spoke about the contemporary reality of war in Luke 14:31, where he asked: " what king,
going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able
with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?" Christ held pacific
views, but he was not a pacifist. He saw war and violence as evil, but also felt that in some cases
it could be justifiable, such as when it comes to self-defence.
The "turn the other cheek" verse used in this debate to portray Jesus as a pacifist is
misinterpreted. Take a close look at this verse and you will find that Jesus said "If someone
strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Mt: 38-42). Now try this at home for
yourself. Assuming that you are right-handed, like the majority of the population, try to see how
you could strike someone's right cheek who is standing in front of you. It would probably be rather
difficult and unnatural. Some scholars have pointed out that in the Middle Eastern culture of the
time, the notion of striking someone's right cheek most likely referred to a verbal insult, rather
than a physical assault. |
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How do you know if he didn't me turn the other cheek as in slap them back? |
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What about the time that Jesus used a whip made of cord to get people out of the Temple? |
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 Mark  09 May 2008 01:30
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Nobody's perfect!! Everyone (even christians) make mistakes! And if a christian doesn't do EXACTLY
what the bible says... They are still going to heaven!!! Because God is a God of forgiveness and if
we don`t follow his rules, he will still love us and forgive us. |
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Hidell please do your homework. Jesus also said that in times of war that you must kill to defend
your country/family/etc. There's always two sides to everything, and you only listed one |
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