Dec 23 2023 3 mins 35
DAY 357
CHALLENGE
“For Christians, violence is never permitted. Jesus teaches strict pacifism when he says, ‘Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’ (Matt. 5:39).”
DEFENSE
What Jesus teaches in one passage must be read in light of what he teaches elsewhere.
Jesus’ statement about turning the other cheek occurs in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7), but in the same discourse he draws a distinction between the natural, human response and a supernatural response that goes beyond it. The first is morally acceptable, but i…
CHALLENGE
“For Christians, violence is never permitted. Jesus teaches strict pacifism when he says, ‘Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’ (Matt. 5:39).”
DEFENSE
What Jesus teaches in one passage must be read in light of what he teaches elsewhere.
Jesus’ statement about turning the other cheek occurs in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7), but in the same discourse he draws a distinction between the natural, human response and a supernatural response that goes beyond it. The first is morally acceptable, but i…
