Matthew 5:39 - "Turn the Other Cheek"

[WJL]

Hi,

I’m debating someone who is using this verse to imply that Jesus “was a hippie” and taught that “we should let others walk all over us”.

I once read an article explaining the actual meaning of this verse in context but, I can’t seem to find it. Could someone help me with an answer to this or provide me with some links that do?

Thanks,
WJL

 

[Eucharisted]

Charity isn’t being hippie.

Hippies typically smoke pot, and Jesus did not.

 

[aborodki]

“Hippies typically smoke pot”

And live off other people’s taxes while complaining about how unjust life is…

 

[WJL]

I meant how should I respond to the claim that Matthew 5:39 allegedly teaches that “we should be doormats and let people walk all over us”?

 

[aborodki]

Sorry

It has to do with vengeance. It means do not take vengeance upon the person who wronged you ( this goes back to the OT where God instructs people not to take vengeance because it, like all evil, will consume them. God takes vengeance on the behalf of humans—to this, i can personally attest to. It also falls into forgiveness, if you can forgive someone, then you will not take vengeance upon that. Forgiveness does not equal permission to continue abuse) It does not mean, however, that a person is a doormat as our friend said before me.

 

[WJL]

Thanks for the response, aborodki.

 

[WJL]

Any other explanations for this verse? I remember reading a good one a while ago but, I can’t find the link. I also heard, there was an explanation from St. Augustine in his City of God but, I’m not sure where in the book it’s located.

 

[BirdandBee]

Well, I’m a pacifist in personal matters (as opposed to matters of war; I grudgingly admit that war does have its place.) I think the verse means what it says: when met with violence respond with prayer and kindness, not violence in return. Evil can never justify the use of evil. If we think it necessary, let us still never lose sight of that, and let us never fail to ask forgiveness.