Backhand a friend (just pretend!) in slow motion. Notice that their natural reaction to being backhanded on the right cheek is that their face recoils to their left. So when Jesus says, “Turn the other cheek,” he seems to be saying, turn your face back toward your attacker and look him in the eye. Don’t …
With Whom Do You March––Pilate or Jesus?
In my last post (“STAND DOWN, CHRISTIAN!”) I brought a correction to anyone who would even consider taking up arms, joining a militia alongside crazy so-called “patriots,” poised to violently overthrow fellow Americans whose politics are different than theirs. I called out at least one “false prophet” who preaches violence and calls for an American …
STAND DOWN, CHRISTIAN!
Three years ago, the polling firm YouGov asked Americans whether they thought it could ever be justified for their political party to use violence to advance its goals. The overwhelming response was no. Only 8 percent of people said anything other than “never.” This year, YouGov asked the same question — and the share of …
Jesus’ Third Way
Jesus does not urge stoic passivity, which can be a cloak for weakness. He summons us to the kind of active resistance rooted in love that reveals pure strength of character. Anyone can strike back. It doesn't require great strength to retaliate. Jesus’ third way is not for the weak, but exclusively for the meek. …
Jesus’ “Occupy the Temple” Protest
Jesus the Activist (Part 2 of 4) “As many people of faith are at the forefront of the Hong Kong rallies or confront racism in our own country, so Jesus led a rally confronting systemic economic injustice, which leapt from a vision of the kingdom he was bringing.” Jesse Borland Jesus entered the temple courts …
barney wiget 