RE: Challenge regarding Christian morality
January 25, 2015 at 11:37 am
(This post was last modified: January 25, 2015 at 11:42 am by Nope.)
(January 24, 2015 at 7:31 pm)Lek Wrote:(January 24, 2015 at 4:46 pm)robvalue Wrote: The problem with love your enemy is that the bible also teaches an eye for an eye. So you are left to choose between those two extremes; in other words it has taught you nothing, you pick how you already feel. Or maybe which best suits your current situation.
People think that the bible teaches "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth", but here are the actual verses:
Matthew 5:38-39New King James Version (NKJV)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
The bible verses go even farther in describing how Chrisitans are supposed to act in the face of abuse
Quote:. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
You quote a series of bible verse that I NEVER see Christians following. Take into consideration that I am in the southeastern USA so I have come in contact with a lot of Christians. To their credit, some of my friends have taken seriously the commandment to forgive and make very gallant efforts to not remain angry at past cruelties or to be polite in the face of negativity. I admire them for that but to actively seek out ways to help their enemies, I don't see Christians doing that.
There are Christians who will protest abortion clinics, same sex marriage or get very angry over the use of the wrong phrase for their holidays.If they tried to convince the government to also apply Jesus' words to 9-11, I guess we would have sent food and clothing to the Taliban and not responded with violence to terrorism.
(January 24, 2015 at 9:53 pm)Lek Wrote:(January 24, 2015 at 9:17 pm)Roxy904 Wrote: Well, most do not divorce until and unless it's actually necessary (for well-being of the people in the relationship), and I have not seen any christian morality (morals that only christians follow) that has benefits that does not closely match secular morality.
A christian acquaintance of mine married a woman, who also claimed to be a christian, in a christian marriage ceremony. They promised each other in the sight of God to remain faithful "till death do us part". After a few years of marriage she cheated on him a number of times. Being a committed christian, he remained with her and hoped to somehow reconcile the relationship. As far as I know, he treated her with love and respect. She eventually filed for divorce and won even though he was opposed. Obviously, she was unhappy with the marriage relationship and decided to get out of it. Assuming that he did actually treat her well, was she morally justified in what she did?
I think that he was being a dick and not showing true love. If you love someone, you wish them to be happy even if it makes you miserable. Letting someone go just because it makes them happy is the ultimate sign of love.
Obviously she did not love him. I don't see how it is respectful of the other person to remain in a marriage out of duty instead of out of love. Perhaps the other person could meet someone that valued them as they deserved.