What exactly is our Lord's teaching when he talks about possesion such as "whoever takes your shirt, give Him your coat as well." Or "If someone strikes you on one cheek, let him hit the other."

Are we to not defend ourselves from theives or is he telling us not to be so focused on earthly material things?

As for striking your other cheek, as was told that our Church changed the original meaning and what Jesus really meant was to demmand respect from the one hitting you. But I do not believe that. It seems Christ is saying not to be so easily provoked to violence.

-- Jason (Enchantedfire5@yahoo.com), November 07, 2004

Answers

bump

-- (bump@bump.bump), November 07, 2004.

First of all, the Church never changed anything about Jesus' teachings. It has been perfectly preserved through Apostolic Succession and the Holy Spirit. And Jesus never requires us to demand respect from anyone. He wants us to be humble. That is what he means by wanting us to turn the other cheek, because someone hitting you on the cheek is more of an insult than an attack. He is saying when someone insults you, you shouldn't be prideful and insult them back. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins. You should be humble, and forgive him. In my opinion, it is the same with the "give him your coat as well". Of course you have the right to defend yourself, especially if you or someone else is in danger. But I think you're right, He doesn't want us to be so hung up on material things. Being robbed could also be seen as an insult, and would be the same teaching as the cheek teaching. No offense to whoever told you, but I would be skeptical of anyone who told you that Jesus wants us to demand respect. Jesus is the absolute pinnacle and incarnation of compassion and love. He is God himself, and if he wanted respect, he could've easily obtained it, but he never did. He suffered his whole life, and never once demanded respect. I hope my answer helps!

Peace

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), November 17, 2004.

Sorry, should've capitalized a "he" or two

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), November 17, 2004.