You are here:
Catholics/cheek
Advertisement
Question
Hello!
I'd like to ask you about this passage from the Bible: "But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also" Does it mean that i should not defend myself, even if i can, but let some bad guys beat me up on the street? If not, so what does it mean then?
thank you
Peace
Dear Luke
Did not Jesus teach nonviolence? Turn other cheek; if your cloak is demanded give your shirt too?
I dont think the passage is encouraging absolute pacifism.
We only have 2 cheeks and He said if you are struck on the left cheek.
He Himself at His trial before Annas was struck in the face
by a guard. Instead of turning the other cheek, He rebuked them all (John 18:23): "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?"
I believe, the mainly point be patient with those who wrong you. I believe we have moral right and duty to defend ourselves (and others at times).
your servant in Christ
george
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. | ||
Related Articles
- Location/Driving Directions to Presidio of Monterey, California
- Drivers Hate Walkers - How to Stay Safe
- Location/Driving Directions to Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
- Agnietenkapel and the House on Three Canals - Walking Tour of Peaceful Places in Amsterdam's Southern Historical Centrum - Third Leg
- Fisher Landau Center for Art in Long Island City
Answers by Expert:
George A. Card,sfo, M.I
Expertise
I am willing to attempt to answer any question. If I don’t know the answer, I will look-up or pass the question on to friends for feed back. Beside Catholicism (especially the social/moral and the Eastern rites), I am well read on Mormonism and so-called Modern Christian Fundamentalism. Also I study Franciscan History as means of growing in my lay Franciscan calling to holiness in Christ.
Experience
20+ years as the Justice and Peace Laison for my (local)Secular Franciscan Fraternity,22+ years public speaking on the Faith,and/or teaching CCD and Youth Retreats,a former Officer for K of C and my SFO Fraternity,still hold appointed offices in local SFO fraternity
Organizations
Catholic Church, Rome Rite
Secular Fraciscan Order
Knights of Columbus
The Men's Study (A local Catholic study group I co founded)
Others
Militia Immaculata(Knights of the Immaculate
Publications
Local News Letters:Mostly my Poetry
Education/Credentials
2 years of Minor Seminary
Bible and Adult Faith Studies and Seminars
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.