Why are Christians so prepared to go to war when the original Christian teachings say to turn the other cheek?
Vengeance is mine said the lord, i.e. we should not attempt to kill or punish our enemies since God will do that, and we should not kill according to the 6th commandment. Our reward for such abstinence will be heavenly paradise.
But there has been much dispute over the 6th commandment (Thou Shall not Kill) that many say should really say “Thou Shall not Murder”. That difference leaves open the permission for self-defense and defensive warfare. But doesn’t that conflict with Jesus’ teaching that one should turn the other cheek in the face of an adversary.
Which teaching should prevail? The older OT commandment (thou shall not murder), which permits self-defense or the NT rule that one should turn the other cheek?
I think most Christians are hypocritical in this area. While they can understand the Jesus teaching, when it comes to them personally they will fight back – loving your enemy while he is raping your wife is not really a practical scenario.
Vengeance is mine said the lord, i.e. we should not attempt to kill or punish our enemies since God will do that, and we should not kill according to the 6th commandment. Our reward for such abstinence will be heavenly paradise.
But there has been much dispute over the 6th commandment (Thou Shall not Kill) that many say should really say “Thou Shall not Murder”. That difference leaves open the permission for self-defense and defensive warfare. But doesn’t that conflict with Jesus’ teaching that one should turn the other cheek in the face of an adversary.
Which teaching should prevail? The older OT commandment (thou shall not murder), which permits self-defense or the NT rule that one should turn the other cheek?
I think most Christians are hypocritical in this area. While they can understand the Jesus teaching, when it comes to them personally they will fight back – loving your enemy while he is raping your wife is not really a practical scenario.