There’s been a tasty little discussion here at The New Christians about turning the other cheek, and I was reminded of a moment in 10th grade — the only time I know when I actually did it.  I was in the lowest level of band — the band where the kids who couldn’t make the Concert Band or the Varsity Band were placed.  There were only about fifteen of us, not enough to actually play anything as a band.  So... Read more

More on the Sermon on the Mount, now from Mark Van Steewyk: Hrmpfh. I could write volumes in response to the different assumptions and assertions already popping up here. But I’ll try to keep it brief. 🙂 First of all, the silly “knife to my child and wife” thing is such a tired counter-response. I recommend John Howard Yoder’s “What Would You Do” as an excellent, thoughtful, short response (that even includes an article from Janis Joplin). If you are... Read more

Angela, on the Sermon on the Mount and martial arts: People are always telling me that when Jesus said “turn the other cheek” he meant “within reason,” that when he said to carry the pack an extra mile, he meant “if it won’t make you late for an appointment.” I’ve come to believe that instead, turn the other cheek meant to surrender, to lay down your life, to present yourself to be crucified, if that’s the way of love. I... Read more