Turning the other cheek: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:44, 9 February 2025

Turning the Other Cheek

Jesus teaching the Sermon on the Mount, where the phrase "turn the other cheek" originates.

Turning the other cheek is a phrase derived from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. It refers to responding to aggression or insult without retaliation, and is often interpreted as a call for nonviolence and forgiveness.

Biblical Context

The phrase "turn the other cheek" is found in Matthew 5:39, where Jesus instructs his followers: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." This teaching is part of a larger discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount, which includes various ethical teachings and principles.

Interpretation

The instruction to "turn the other cheek" has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some view it as a literal call to nonviolence and pacifism, suggesting that followers of Jesus should not retaliate against aggression. Others interpret it as a metaphorical teaching about maintaining dignity and refusing to escalate violence.

Historical and Cultural Impact

The concept of turning the other cheek has influenced various movements and figures advocating for nonviolence. Notably, it has been cited by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. as a foundational principle in their philosophies of nonviolent resistance.

Criticism and Debate

The teaching has also been subject to criticism and debate. Some argue that it may be impractical or even harmful in situations where self-defense is necessary. Others contend that it can be a powerful tool for social change when applied in the context of organized nonviolent resistance.

Related Pages

References

Gospel of Matthew 5:39
Wink, Walter. "The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium."
King, Martin Luther Jr. "Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story."

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-'''Turning the other cheek''' is a phrase derived from the teachings of [[Jesus]] as presented in the [[New Testament]] of the [[Christian Bible]]. Specifically, it originates from the [[Sermon on the Mount]] in the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]]. The phrase is commonly interpreted as a command to respond to aggression without violence, promoting [[forgiveness]] and [[non-retaliation]] in the face of insult or injury. This concept has played a significant role in discussions of [[Christian ethics]], [[nonviolence]], and [[pacifism]].
+== Turning the Other Cheek ==
-==Biblical Context==
+[[File:Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Jesus teaching the Sermon on the Mount, where the phrase "turn the other cheek" originates.]]
-In the [[Gospel of Matthew]] (5:38-42), Jesus tells his followers:
-:''"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."''
-Similarly, in the [[Gospel of Luke]] (6:29), Jesus instructs:
+'''Turning the other cheek''' is a phrase derived from the [[Sermon on the Mount]] in the [[Gospel of Matthew]] in the [[New Testament]]. It refers to responding to aggression or insult without retaliation, and is often interpreted as a call for [[nonviolence]] and [[forgiveness]].
-:''"If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them."''
-These passages highlight the principle of non-retaliation and the importance of showing [[compassion]] and [[mercy]] even to one's adversaries.
+== Biblical Context ==
-==Interpretations==
+The phrase "turn the other cheek" is found in [[Matthew 5:39]], where [[Jesus]] instructs his followers: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." This teaching is part of a larger discourse known as the [[Sermon on the Mount]], which includes various ethical teachings and principles.
-The instruction to "turn the other cheek" has been subject to various interpretations over the centuries. Some view it as a call to [[passive resistance]] or [[civil disobedience]], while others see it as advocating for complete nonviolence or pacifism. The phrase is often discussed in the context of [[moral philosophy]], [[theology]], and [[social ethics]], exploring the balance between justice, mercy, and the human response to evil.
-==Impact on Social Movements==
+== Interpretation ==
-The concept of turning the other cheek has influenced numerous social movements and leaders throughout history. Notably, figures such as [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] have cited it as a foundational principle in their advocacy for nonviolent resistance to oppression and injustice. These movements demonstrate the application of the principle beyond personal interactions, extending it to collective action against systemic wrongs.
-==Criticism and Debate==
+The instruction to "turn the other cheek" has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some view it as a literal call to nonviolence and pacifism, suggesting that followers of Jesus should not retaliate against aggression. Others interpret it as a metaphorical teaching about maintaining dignity and refusing to escalate violence.
-Critics argue that the principle of turning the other cheek may encourage passivity in the face of injustice or abuse, potentially enabling perpetrators and perpetuating harm. Debates around this teaching often revolve around the interpretation of its scope—whether it applies to personal relationships or can be extended to societal and political conflicts.
-==Conclusion==
+== Historical and Cultural Impact ==
-"Turning the other cheek" remains a powerful and challenging concept within Christian teachings and broader ethical discussions. Its emphasis on forgiveness, non-retaliation, and love for one's enemies continues to inspire and provoke debate on the appropriate response to violence and injustice.
-[[Category:Christian terminology]]
+The concept of turning the other cheek has influenced various movements and figures advocating for nonviolence. Notably, it has been cited by leaders such as [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] as a foundational principle in their philosophies of nonviolent resistance.
+== Criticism and Debate ==
+The teaching has also been subject to criticism and debate. Some argue that it may be impractical or even harmful in situations where self-defense is necessary. Others contend that it can be a powerful tool for social change when applied in the context of organized nonviolent resistance.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Sermon on the Mount]]
+* [[Nonviolence]]
+* [[Forgiveness]]
+* [[Christian ethics]]
+== References ==
+* [[Gospel of Matthew]] 5:39
+* Wink, Walter. "The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium."
+* King, Martin Luther Jr. "Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story."
+[[Category:Christian ethics]]
 [[Category:New Testament words and phrases]]
-[[Category:Ethics in the Bible]]
-[[Category:Nonviolence]]
-{{Christianity-stub}}