RE: Challenge regarding Christian morality
January 23, 2015 at 12:17 pm
(This post was last modified: January 23, 2015 at 12:18 pm by watchamadoodle.)
(January 23, 2015 at 11:44 am)Davka Wrote: I once had a conversation with an Orthodox Jewish gentleman about the teachings of Jesus. He challenged me to come up with a single teaching that Jesus didn't simply take from pre-existing Jewish teachings. I thought for a minute and said "he told us to love our enemies."
The gentleman was silent for a moment and then said "OK, I'll give you that one, that's original. But it's stupid!"
Are you sure that teaching doesn't exist in Judaism? It is similar to the golden rule which I have heard exists in many cultures.
I suppose the uniqueness might be the emphasis on internal attitude? A person could do good to an enemy begrudgingly without loving that enemy, but Christianity says that isn't good enough.
BTW, I find Paul's statement of the golden rule in Romans 12:17-21 to be especially perverse. However, notice how Paul seems to be quoting from a tradition. I assume this might be a Jewish tradition?
Quote:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?se...ersion=NIV
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
