Turn The Other Cheek

[Leon]

What does turning the other cheek mean to you? Is it showing passive resistance, or do the words below mean something else to you?

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Mathew 5:39

[gruntal]

Sometimes I do wonder if the saying of Jesus and/or early Christianity were meant to be taken literally or just challenges to what was prevailing religious dogma at the time. After all the Judeo religion was decidedly rather bloody if not outright war like. Not all that different then the Roman conquerors but of course more religious and less self centered. You could kill in the name of G*d but not because of what your king commanded you to do. But since Jehova wasn't into conquest that was purely for self defense of borders ect.

Still I notice a prevailing theme in all the Biblical writings and that is a dismissal and out right disdain for ego and self worth. Nowhere do I see anything even remotely indicative of psychotherapy in the prophets. In fact one of the all time "saving graces" of the Jews back then was that they were always agonizing over their sins and/or conduct. I think "turning the other cheek" was the ultimate expression of getting your priorities straight: you had a job or vision from G*d to fulfill and it might make you seem like a fool at times to do it. And who was to care?
Or even more to the point: if you really believed you had the power of the universe on your side and that you couldn't lose you did not care over a few slaps and kicks. The war wasn't going to be won that way and it was time the "enemy" (as well as you) learned that!
>george

[jazz]

Feb 24, 2012 13:53:48 GMT Leon said:

What does turning the other cheek mean to you? Is it showing passive resistance, or do the words below mean something else to you?

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Mathew 5:39

I was talking to a friend of mine about this, he was abused as a child with slapping around the face if he said or did something wrong, he came from a very religious family, as he was growing up he did turn the other cheek many times for other people to repeatedly hit him on both cheeks, when he became a young man and moved away from home and could take care of himself, he stopped turning the other cheek to be abused by those who believed it was alright for them to strike another just for fun, so he broke the cycle of child hood years of being struck and turning the other cheek to rightfully defending himself against abuse from others he did nothing to, he told himself its alright not to turn the other cheek and its okay to defend yourself against those who should know better.
He is a good person with a heart of gold but will not stand for anyone bullying him

[sparklekaz]

Hello George and Jazz,

It was really interesting to read both of your posts.

My thoughts are, that this was a metaphorical expression, rather then a literal offering of the other cheek for a slap, or being submissive to diffuse the situation. By turning the other cheek, I believe it is saying do not drop to the level of the other person. Be the bigger person, and show example by not resorting to the same ways of behaviour. Be they verbal or physical abuse.

My heart goes out to your friend Jazz, no one deserves to be treated like that. A child, cannot defend itself. It is trusting of the adults in their lives to nurture and protect them. I do not believe turning the other cheek should be allowing others to do what they will to us, without hindrance. For in doing that, as an adult, we are allowing them to think it is alright to treat us and others, in any way they see fit. I believe, any poor behaviour tolerated by others, simply mistakenly allows that person,to believe that their behaviour is acceptable, which it most certainly, is not.

For me 'turning the other cheek', is showing a better way of behaving, in the hope that the other person will rise to my level. Not losing my temper, using tact and diplomacy wherever I can to get my point across, showing love, in the hope, that others will do the same. That old saying always comes to mind "Do unto others, as you would have done unto yourself". Turning the other cheek, is simply saying, find another, better way!

Love and light
Kaz

[Leon]

Thank you Jazz for your reply, it does show another side to this debate. It reminded me of the song below, by Kenny Rogers, Coward of the county.

[jazz]

Feb 25, 2012 9:56:40 GMT Leon said:

Thank you Jazz for your reply, it does show another side to this debate. It reminded me of the song below, by Kenny Rogers, Coward of the county.

:)Hi i enjoyed the song sese it all love and light jazz.