Message #1646

[AndyHB]

For me the important Jesus is the one who broke the cycle of distruction when he told us to turn the other cheek.  It's not backing down,it's not cowardice, it takes a bigger man to stand and take it for the sake of peace.  Jesus realised this, and it's the job he handed on.  For me Jesus is a prince of peace because he challenged us to take a different path.

I'd have to disagree to an extent, Boudi.  Turning the other cheek does 2 things: firstly, as you suggest, it takes a bigger man to stand and take a second blow, but secondly, it actually places the opponent at a disadvantage, physically.  Whether your first blow is a back-handed or a fore-handed blow, your second blow will always be in a direction that you are unaccustomed to, and therefore opens you up to retaliation.  I'm not suggesting that we do retaliate, but in the context that Christ was speaking 'our opponent' would probably anticipate retaliation.