#jesusstuff
Question: Was jesus a pacifist?
Answer: This is a common conclusion. It's usually based on one statement he made about, "If someone slaps you on your cheek, turn to him the other cheek". It's only natural from that statement to infer that Jesus was teaching pacifism. However, to base an entire conclusion and point of theology on one single scripture is dangerous. For instance:
*Was Jesus was referring to his followers individually or collectively? That makes a big difference.
*Was Jesus referring to when someone attacks you personally, or when someone would unjustly attack another? Is this a command to simply stand by and be inactive when we see a rape in progress or an old lady being robbed?
*Was Jesus suggesting that we not defend our country? If so, participation in the military would be precluded. In fact, a military would be unnecessary for a Christian nation.
*Is war justifiable, or does this preclude war as well? Is there such a thing as a "just war"?
Bottom line: What I believe Jesus was teaching was not pacifism, but control. If someone slaps you on your cheek, you have choices. You can allow it to take over emotionally, strike back and watch things escalate...or you can do the unthinkable...the abnormal...you can calmly say, "Would you like to try the other one too?". Rather than being controlled by the situation, your emotions and your anger, you can have total control of the situation and respond in a way only possible for someone who is controlled by the Spirit of God.
This, I believe, in no way precludes defending oneself, others or a nation. Pacifist...no. Unique...yes.
#templetableturner
Answer: This is a common conclusion. It's usually based on one statement he made about, "If someone slaps you on your cheek, turn to him the other cheek". It's only natural from that statement to infer that Jesus was teaching pacifism. However, to base an entire conclusion and point of theology on one single scripture is dangerous. For instance:
*Was Jesus was referring to his followers individually or collectively? That makes a big difference.
*Was Jesus referring to when someone attacks you personally, or when someone would unjustly attack another? Is this a command to simply stand by and be inactive when we see a rape in progress or an old lady being robbed?
*Was Jesus suggesting that we not defend our country? If so, participation in the military would be precluded. In fact, a military would be unnecessary for a Christian nation.
*Is war justifiable, or does this preclude war as well? Is there such a thing as a "just war"?
Bottom line: What I believe Jesus was teaching was not pacifism, but control. If someone slaps you on your cheek, you have choices. You can allow it to take over emotionally, strike back and watch things escalate...or you can do the unthinkable...the abnormal...you can calmly say, "Would you like to try the other one too?". Rather than being controlled by the situation, your emotions and your anger, you can have total control of the situation and respond in a way only possible for someone who is controlled by the Spirit of God.
This, I believe, in no way precludes defending oneself, others or a nation. Pacifist...no. Unique...yes.
#templetableturner
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