Whatever meaning it is meant to have, I thought of it as supportive of negative behaviour and dominance; it works to the advantage of aggressors in subduing their victims by expecting them to submit to undeserved punishment or violence. It's a doctrine written by people in power who intended to subdue a lower class of people.
It reminds me a little of a more modern and now popular idiom: "Keep calm and carry on." Propaganda that was developed by a government to keep a country cheerful while the whole world was at war.
I do think there is a bit of helpfulness in it, basically in learning to "pick your battles" or like the famous prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr says: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Some situations are really out of our locus of control, so backing down is the only reasonable choice. However, it doesn't apply to all situations and doctrines; like "turn the other cheek" or "it's just the internet--ignore it" which do seem to cater more to the aggressor than the victim.
That was my point in this. I found it illogical and I know of the painting showing Jesus being attacked. I know of the story and I know of the teaching. I never understood this teaching of "Turning the other cheek". I thought he should of at least walked away. I have had things happen in the past and have been told "Do not sit and take it" a person who takes this literally would say that we should take abuse. I find that a idiotic teaching but I do believe choosing your battles is always wise and never hit someone unless hit first.
What does the teaching "Turn the other cheek" really mean?
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Whatever meaning it is meant to have, I thought of it as supportive of negative behaviour and dominance; it works to the advantage of aggressors in subduing their victims by expecting them to submit to undeserved punishment or violence. It's a doctrine written by people in power who intended to subdue a lower class of people.
It reminds me a little of a more modern and now popular idiom: "Keep calm and carry on." Propaganda that was developed by a government to keep a country cheerful while the whole world was at war.
I do think there is a bit of helpfulness in it, basically in learning to "pick your battles" or like the famous prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr says: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Some situations are really out of our locus of control, so backing down is the only reasonable choice. However, it doesn't apply to all situations and doctrines; like "turn the other cheek" or "it's just the internet--ignore it" which do seem to cater more to the aggressor than the victim.
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11 years ago
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That was my point in this. I found it illogical and I know of the painting showing Jesus being attacked. I know of the story and I know of the teaching. I never understood this teaching of "Turning the other cheek". I thought he should of at least walked away. I have had things happen in the past and have been told "Do not sit and take it" a person who takes this literally would say that we should take abuse. I find that a idiotic teaching but I do believe choosing your battles is always wise and never hit someone unless hit first.