Theology Thursday 24 – Turning The Other Cheek
Is the concept of turning the other cheek something that we are willing to embrace? We see nonviolent resistance work but are we willing to implement the same behaviors in our own lives. Watch TT24 as we discuss how and if it is possible to move toward a turning the other cheek mentality.
Luke 6
29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.[1]
Proverbs 24:29
29 Do not say, “I will do to others as they have done to me;
I will pay them back for what they have done.” [2]
Context
- Luke – Acts were written to Theopholis and should be seen as one complete body of work
- Luke was written between 80 – 90 CE
- The author shapes the mission of the church
- The author may be trying to show that the Christian movement was harmless
- It shows how both Jews and Gentiles are to live out The Gospel in a pluralistic environment
Turning the other cheek
Shame your enemy by your superior goodness; deflect hostility or prevent further abuse by offering no resistance; rise above pettiness; or demonstrate a Christ-like character as a Christian witness.[3]
Striking a person on the cheek was a form of insult—a physical expression of cursing or reviling. Turning the other cheek is an equally dramatic and physical form of non-retaliation that breaks the cycle of violence and rejects the principle of retaliation [4]
Discussion Questions
Do you think Jesus is calling us to turn the other cheek in every situation?
Can you always turn the other cheek or does it depend on the situation?
What are problems with turning the other cheek?
- Different situations pose different risk factors
- Society as a whole doesn’t buy into this concept
- The spread of Christianity was often associated with war
- Constantine was a soldier
- Constantine had his soldiers paint Christian symbols on their shields prior to taking Rome
- He then ordered the end of the persecution of Christians ~ 313 CE
Does or will God model this behavior towards Satan?
Where have you witnessed the concept of turning the other cheek working?
Movements That Worked
Power People Revolution
- Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law when he feared he was going to lose a presidential election. This resulted in his ruler ship from 1971 – 1986
- Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in order to extend his presidency
- 3 Million demonstrated at ESDA, 2% of the population in the Philippians
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_Power_Revolution
Can a nonviolent movement work without the threat of violence?
- The problem with a non-violent movement usually lays in the follow up actions
Final Thoughts
From “The Kingdom of God is Within You” by Leo Tolstoy (1880’s)
Guns, war and any retaliation is against the will of Jesus and God – including military recruitment
An eye for an eye goes against our beliefs as Christians
Why can gov’t kill with no consequences?
Less dangerous to act unjustly – if all of humanity acted this way
It’s noble to die in non-resisting love (but society says it’s noble to die in self-defense)
Refuse to serve in the army if you think war is against Christianity
[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 6:29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 24:29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[3] Culpepper, R. A. (1994–2004). The Gospel of Luke. In L. E. Keck (Ed.), New Interpreter’s Bible (Vol. 9, p. 147). Nashville: Abingdon Press.
[4] Culpepper, R. A. (1994–2004). The Gospel of Luke. In L. E. Keck (Ed.), New Interpreter’s Bible (Vol. 9, p. 147). Nashville: Abingdon Press.