Christian/Muslim ThreadsWho is Peace2God’sPeople?I wrote, Loki responded, Loki, Can you name me more than a couple of Christian churches (that are on the fringes, I might add) that teach Christians to "turn the other cheek" in all situations? The normal response to my "turn the other cheek" argument is that it is not absolute and applies more to a general spirit that Christians should have rather than the very literal "Don't fight back against any enemy" one that I would say Jesus meant. As a Christian you can't have your cake and eat it too. Either Christians are supposed to be peace loving and meek or they aren't. Many early Christians (I know their beliefs were varied) refused to fight for the Romans because Jesus specifically forbade it and said that "my kingdom is not of this world". Jesus' message to the Jews was one that said (paraphrased) "Take heart, your government may hate you and persecute you to the death, but take these things by offering no resistance (turn the other cheek) knowing that Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Jesus even goes so far as to say to "Rejoice, and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you." There is absolutely no hint of a Christian fighting back against an oppressor ( a persecutor ) not in the name of defending himself or his family. The reward for all who are persecuted will be found in heaven. This is either completely Jesus' message or just another impractical teaching. Which is it? It is assumed by Christians who are in countries where they are a minority that this is a good teaching because it is obvious to them that the more they take part in an active resistance against an oppressive government, the more they become the targets of that country's leadership. Yet, as soon as Christianity becomes the dominant faith in a country, the Christian decides that it must be God's will for them to fight to maintain their freedoms and way of life. A Christian can kill to protect his land but a Muslim can't kill for adultery? Did not Jesus say that if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, that you are to give them your cloak also? As in, your last possessions? Jesus made no exception when he spoke of oppressors and persecutors. Are we to believe that Jesus only was speaking of governments that were like the Roman government. So if a country seems worse to us, more foreign to us, or has a seemingly more cruel and dangerous dictator, then that changes everything? Do not offer resistance to the Romans, your reward is in heaven, BUT concerning the Iraqis, shoot down their soldiers, arrest their leader, and occupy their country. No, if Christians want so badly to be the antithesis of what they think Islam is, then they better be ready to be the total antithesis of it. But I don't see much of that. And I don't hear that preached. Is that preached in your church? I doubt it seriously. Too many people in the pews with too many fathers and brothers who have already died in defense of their country or who have died in an effort to stop evil dictators (who were, naturally, worse than the Romans). There is no way that any pastor of a mainline denomination who wants to continue to have 95% (or more) of his congregration would ever touch Jesus' message to "turn the other cheek" with a ten foot pole. Touch it, that is, without softening it and doctoring it. But interestingly enough, the Christians who gentleness and sincerity is the most pronounced are those on the fringes who take this passage to heart. So, no Loki, most churches are not interested in Jesus' most challenging teachings. Basically only the Mennonites, the Amish, and the Jehovah's Witnesses, are willing to teach that. That said, the Amish and Jehovah's Witnesses (moreso than Amish) are not considered to be true Christians. Yet these groups can only accomplish this by adhering to some very strict guidelines for shunning. What do you think of shunning? Is it also cruel like the Muslims or is it necessary? Or do you stand with the majority of Christians. "I like my country, I like my way of life, and I am going to protect my children and neighbors against my country's enemy so help me God. I will not submit to being ruled over, persecuted, or otherwise mistreated by a foreign power." You either trust God to take care of you, or you don't. You are either a people of peace or you aren't. You can't have it both ways. Sincerely, Peace2God'sPeople |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame