Bin Laden is DEAD!

[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.

[AndyHB]

...(the Islam religion as far as I understand is peaceful)

the problem, in a way, is that Christianity and Islam are the only world faiths that claim to be for all the world, and therefore require their followers to evangelise others (please note that I have NOT used the term proselytise, because this has both a very specific meaning and is also hugely abused by governments and people who want to denigrate such faiths).  Inevitably, there will be some tension and friction when the two meet.

[Jan]

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.

To put the opponent at a disadvantage perhaps, unless they use the other hand maybe?

Matthew 5:39 - also says, Do not resist an evil person - which along with 'turn the other cheek' kind of means (to me) to allow him to hit again.

Also Proverbs 24:29 - Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."

Clearly to me this is the stance of being non aggressive

[Jan]

...(the Islam religion as far as I understand is peaceful)

the problem, in a way, is that Christianity and Islam are the only world faiths that claim to be for all the world, and therefore require their followers to evangelise others (please note that I have NOT used the term proselytise, because this has both a very specific meaning and is also hugely abused by governments and people who want to denigrate such faiths).  Inevitably, there will be some tension and friction when the two meet.

Oh no doubt there is history with Islam and Christianity competing for the hearts and minds of followers - but in all of this competing the main messages seem to get forgotten, or skewed to mean something that was not intended. We need to work together and see the bigger picture for humanity - building bridges rather than brick walls.

[pow wow]

Jan, I appologize. I will try and go back over those posts and questions. I'm really frustrated right now. I've got a gardening bussiness to run and clients are calling and having me run all over the place and I've got mom 87, that requires 24 hour care. I'm tempted to unplug the phone find a sitter and hide. But I will go back and try to answer those questions. Now the creation accounts are one of my favs. A rainy cold day or two would be a blessing right now.

[Jan]

Jan, I appologize. I will try and go back over those posts and questions. I'm really frustrated right now. I've got a gardening bussiness to run and clients are calling and having me run all over the place and I've got mom 87, that requires 24 hour care. I'm tempted to unplug the phone find a sitter and hide. But I will go back and try to answer those questions. Now the creation accounts are one of my favs. A rainy cold day or two would be a blessing right now.

thanks for the apology pow wow - look forward to reading your replies to questions previously asked (obviously family and business takes priority) 

[Boudi]

they shell beat their swords into........swords?

I'm just glad it's all over......

[AndrewF]

In the context it was (probably) used in, i e when referring to a back-handed slap of the sort that would be used on someone inferior to the person doing the slapping, "turning the other cheek" was actually asking the oppressor to repeat the offensive strike, but in a way that treated you as an equal. It was a form of passive resistance and standing up to bullies. The context of the passages around it* support this view.
(*It comes with the passage about walking an extra mile when made to carry a soldiers load - it was illegal for the roman soldier to make you carry the load more than 1 mile, so doing this was putting him in a very tricky position! - and with the one about giving your shirt as well when asked for your cloak - a similar problem arises if the offer is taken up. It is putting the oppressor under an obligation to you.)