It doesn’t work because people don’t use it, period. We are afraid of the consequences. It is not the instructor or the instruction that doesn’t work. This is a perfect lesson. Christ, Buddha, anyone who doesn’t fear the consequences; and/or 100% know it is God’s desire for us to act this; and know where they are going after life, and their reward there, ; are not afraid to receive the consequences for they know their reward out weighs the consequence. Maybe we should “fear not”and do what’s instructed, instead of worrying so much of the other cheek being slapped. I comment this not as a judge, but one also that fears many things :^)
Is it practical, no. But is it supposed to be? Most things of the spirit are impractical because it challenges us. But I think the core message is violence against violence leads to more violence. Hate against hate leads to more hate. IN a world run by this constant cycle, of course it is impractical to drive a wedge in it by not following the pattern, and its not easy. It goes against our societal norms.
Steve: Let me suggest that part of the reason this statement catches people off-guard is related to a broader view. The Gospels reveal that Jesus saw a spiritual siege that much of the U.S. misses. I even see examples of such in your writings. Jesus indicted the religions that surrounded him even in Galilee in such words as those recorded in Matthew 6:7ff. We hear the echoes of such in apostolic teaching calling Christians to give up their former lifestyles — including their religious moorings to the ancient mystery religions (cf. Eph. 4:17ff.). In a day of pluralism, which you illustrate well, we struggle to see how to love and avoid violence at the same time as we embrace Jesus’ view of spiritual reality — including the reality that Satan is at work tempting. Take away a spiritual siege and Jesus’ words about “turning the other cheek” disintegrate into no more than a cultural expression. We struggle to make sense of them because we loosen them from their spiritual moorings… and allow them to be adrift. In Christ, Bruce Morton
I think the “turning the other cheek” works well in non-physical altercations. Arguing or defending yourself when being verbally attacked only escalates the conflict. Certainly one is entitled to their own opinion and also entitled to be able to express it. In a heated argument, however, neither party would be open to “hearing” the other’s point of view anyway. Certainly this takes a lot of composure and probably more courage than “fighting back,” but if one can maintain a calm, cheerful attitude, they will have won the respect of their opponent, any onlookers, and themselves as well. It’s the same principle as being kind to your enemies. It works – not to mention catches them totally off guard. In physical altercations, certainly there is an element of self-defense involved. A young person or a parent of dependent children certainly is entitled to preserve their life. An older person who has no dependents might be more willing to become a martyr if necessary, particularly if one is confident of life after death. In the case of war between nations and states — I don’t really believe in the “just war” concept. Of course, the wars which I have witnessed first hand have not been those of the nature of WWI or WWII where one could actually feel that their country and way of life were threatened. I personally don’t feel that any of the wars during my lifetime had causes sufficient to balance the deaths of our young people. And yes, I have heard the argument over and over that our country must fight the evil on their territory to prevent it being brought to ours. I see the truth in that, and I suppose it would be a noble cause to defend innocents who were being killed by “bullies.” But, don’t even get me started on “religious wars,” — how can people be so stupid? Same concept as praying for a team to win a football game — REALLY????
I think that people misunderstand the reason for turning the other cheek. To stop any conflict no matter what kind, someone must absorb the last blow. If we take the time to turn the other cheek, it gives us the time to find a solution instead of more conflict.
Agreed, Richard. The case could be made, in fact, that the point you are making IS the point Jesus was making – cheek turning as the preferred choice of response DOES indeed provide the opportunity “to find,” as you so aptly put it, another “solution instead of more conflict.” Blessings to you Richard.
