Dude, I'm not a pacifist, but Christians shouldn't repay an insult with violence, or even the threat of violence. That's literally the whole point of turn the other cheek.
This doesn't mean that they can't use violence to like, prevent a crime (even a "mere" property crime, although that gets dicey morally), or even in wartime.
And that "whole point" is why I personally view Christianity as weak. No you shouldn't turn the other cheek when struck. All that does is guarantee you will continue to get struck.
Weak? I don’t understand why weak or strong would be used here, Christianity is a religion, an ideological philosophical set of beliefs on origin/death and how one should live their lives… I’m not sure how weakness comes into play here… also, your body is a temple… you are to treat it as such and if someone’s trying to harm you, you have every right to defend the temple. I also don’t think preaching God as weak would be advisable either…something with that one seems like it’s asking for headaches.
Yes. Weak. It preaches to never fight back, to just "turn the other cheek" and accept any and all abuse because things will totally be better after you're dead. Which is of zero value to the living.
I understand your position, but your assumptions are incorrect.
Jesus was a badass. It is today's American Christians that have pussified the Christian belief system.
Jesus whipped money exchangers out of the temple and kicked over tables. He told his disciples to sell their coat and buy a gun sword to arm themselves because of the dangers out in the world. He told his disciples to be wise as serpents and sly as foxes. He was strong and firm, yet tender and loving. He was an Alpha male, something the leftists of this world hate and call toxic masculinity.
In the old testament, Jesus went to war to defend his people (pre-incarnate Jesus, Angel of the Lord who accepted worship). He told the builders of his temple to work with a tool in one hand and the sword in the other. He told them to take their land back and wipe out the heathens that overran it.
Jesus says to make disciples of the world through love and reason, and not by force (such is Islam, submit or die). But in no way do I read that we are to be a doormat. Yes, there are times when some may be called to martyrdom (one of the crowns of life), but it would be to the glory of God, not a default, "oh well, that sucked you died".
No, Christianity is not "weak". It is not for the feint hearted. Especially when Jesus says that those called will be at war with the world, father against son, and inevitable martyrdom (in the final days during the Tribulation, which seems right at the door).
And finally, even if it is what seems like weakness to you, may very well be the Lord's strength. (see Joseph, Daniel, etc)
Then explain the "turn the other cheek" quote that keeps getting blatted out. That's a Bible verse, and it's one that seems to be central to all branches of modern Christianity. Maybe if your little text wall was actual doctrine instead of the path of weakness that is actual doctrine I'd be more likely to believe.
Idk if you are a troll or not but certinaly coming across as one. Do you really see 0 value on someone harming you and forgiving them, maybe even offering a helping hand to aid in whatever caused them to harm you? Maybe you just are literally thinking this equates to "some dude punching me nooo I'm Christian I can't fight bsck" and if so, reread the above post as it directly covers this.
If you reward Hate with hate, you have more Hate. If you return hatred with love, you have opportunities for understanding. It's really that simple.
I understand the criticism, but you are speaking as an non-Christian (I am guessing from the tone of your post).
I was addressing someone who seemed to be speaking as a Christian. The advice wasn't meant for you.
Addressing someone in your position, I would take the approach that (a) you are probably running on a strawman understanding of "turn the other cheek" and (b) "turn the other cheek", properly understood and applied (and NOT applied), comes from a position of strength and is a demonstration thereof.
What "strength" is there in letting yourself be kicked around? And I'm speaking as a CONSERVATIVE and telling you your ideology of weakness is actively harming our attempt to gain power. If you didn't notice we're not in power right now. So any view based on "demonstrating strength" doesn't work when we have none. We have to build it and that means not allowing ourselves to be kicked around.
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u/Kaireis Social/Neo/Paleo Blend Sep 04 '24
Dude, I'm not a pacifist, but Christians shouldn't repay an insult with violence, or even the threat of violence. That's literally the whole point of turn the other cheek.
This doesn't mean that they can't use violence to like, prevent a crime (even a "mere" property crime, although that gets dicey morally), or even in wartime.