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re: Turning the other cheek
This teaching of Jesus is pretty much a non-starter among American church-goers.
Not because they do not believe Jesus said it or that he even meant it.
But because the very first reaction is always to think of the exception to this command.
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This teaching of Jesus is pretty much a non-starter among American church-goers.
Not because they do not believe Jesus said it or that he even meant it.
But because the very first reaction is always to think of the exception to this command.
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When quoted, generally those who are politically conservative (which I am usually), will immediately bring up the most extreme, unlikely scenario imaginable as an exception.
And then they ask, "What would you do in THAT situation?"
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And then they ask, "What would you do in THAT situation?"
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What never, ever happens, is asking the question, "How can I live out this teaching in my everyday life?"
How do I turn the other cheek when __________?
Driving to work?
In my marriage?
Online?
Dealing with a ruthless boss?
Or
Playing sports?
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How do I turn the other cheek when __________?
Driving to work?
In my marriage?
Online?
Dealing with a ruthless boss?
Or
Playing sports?
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When I was teaching theology to ninth graders last year, I asked them what this would look like on the basketball court or during a soccer match.
I then asked them if their parents or coaches had ever taught them to do turn the other cheek while competing.
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I then asked them if their parents or coaches had ever taught them to do turn the other cheek while competing.
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Not one student said they'd ever been taught this.
They had always been taught to stick up for themselves, defend themselves, and "fight back."
It was a very uncomfortable discussion.
Beautifully, they were able to see that when provoked or insulted, this teaching applied.
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They had always been taught to stick up for themselves, defend themselves, and "fight back."
It was a very uncomfortable discussion.
Beautifully, they were able to see that when provoked or insulted, this teaching applied.
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What I think is obvious that when it comes to this teaching we are always looking for a way out of obedience.
We do not see it as a path to life.
We see it only as obstruction.
So we take the teeth out of it.
And therefore the power.
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We do not see it as a path to life.
We see it only as obstruction.
So we take the teeth out of it.
And therefore the power.
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This one teaching sums up much of what we are seeing right now in American evangelicalism.
My students believed God loved them and they were going to heaven.
They thought evangelism was important.
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My students believed God loved them and they were going to heaven.
They thought evangelism was important.
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But just like the rest of the church, they looked for reasons to not obey Jesus when he taught his followers to turn the other cheek.
They were just kids though.
What about us adults, who place our identity in Christ?
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They were just kids though.
What about us adults, who place our identity in Christ?
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