What would Jesus do?__Joseph Farah(God is not a pacifist)

worldnetdaily.com ^ | 9-13-02 | Joseph Farah

[DugwayDuke]

That was the KJV.

I've checked the New American Standard: "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Matt 5:39 (NASB)

The Bible in Basic English: "But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man; but to him who gives you a blow on the right side of your face let the left be turned." Matt 5:39 (BBE)

Darby's Translation: "But *I* say unto you, not to resist evil; but whoever shall strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other; Matt 5:39 (Darby)

New Revised Standard: "But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;" Matt 5:39 (NRSV)

New International Version: "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matt 5:39 (NIV)

I guess you could interpret that in terms of returning evil for evil. I would think a more direct interpretation is appropriate.

[DugwayDuke]

You're right, we should try to approximate the Kingdom of God in all things we do. But, if we are not to resist evil, at least in some circumstances, why did Christ tell his disciples to go and buy a sword?

[far sider]

1 Tim 5:8 "But if any provide (or protect)not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

Jesus said if someone strikes you on one cheek turn the other toward him. If he does it again...well let's just say the Savior left no further instructions. I say we've turned the other cheek enough.

[far sider]

Dear Forgiven:

Pacifism is just another feel-good liberal word. Like homophobia, tolerance, and environmentalist. You won't find pacifism in the Bible. The closest you will come is "Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

This one applies within the church: "2Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

If you let someone beat you up or cripple you or kill you in the name of "pacifism," then how can you take care of your family? "1 Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Of course that also goes for walking away from a fight if you can. Getting yourself killed over pride is just as bad.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

Yes, pacificism means different things to different people. I don't have any problem with personal self defense or that of my family, since I am preventing harm. But in war one does not have that fine grain control. Innocents will be killed. That's what seems to be unChristian to be, not the death of killers.

[Zack Nguyen]

Here's the thing: Jesus said we should not repay evil with evil. Self-defense is not evil. Stopping an attacker from hurting a weak or defenseless victim is not evil. Defending our country in the armed forces is not evil, and neither is the government using physical force to keep law and order. There are Biblical, moral uses of violence.

On the other hand, if someone steals from me I should not steal from them. If someone calls me a name I should not respond in kind. If someone slanders me publicly I should not respond in kind.

[#3Fan]

I believe "offer the other (cheek)", i think, means that if you get slapped, front the person. Show him it didnt bother you. Now if the person cut your arm off, Jesus doesnt recommend offering the other as the level of violence doesnt equal a slap in the face. Jesus would recommend a can a whup a_ _ in self defense.

Jesus was answering someone that asked if they could join his ministry. He was telling them how to act if they do.

Everyone has their own interpretation of everything. That's why we're here, to have our discernment judged.

[#3Fan]

J. Vernon McGee gives another interpretation in his commentaries. Essentially, he says that the Sermon On The Mount is a description of how Christians will live after the Kingdom of God is established on earth. IOW, how we would live in a perfect world and not a prescription for how we should live in this world.

The context of the situation was a person was asking how to join the ministry and Jesus was telling them how to act if they do.

[LostTribe]

>Read the Book of Judges and you will find that God told the Jews to utterly destroy entire unrighteous nations

Close, but no cigar.

There is no mention of Jews in the Book of Judges. There are however many references to Israelites. Not the same thing. (For details, please click on my LostTribe profile, below.)