Christian responces to the teaching of Jesus
- Created by: Tori
- Created on: 13-09-20 12:03
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- Christian responces to the teaching of Jesus
- Those who see Jesus' authority as God's authority.
- They feel they should obey his teaching.
- However, that's not as simple as it seems as some of those teachings may be impractical and counter-intuitive.
- They feel they should obey his teaching.
- Those who regard Jesus as only human.
- Free to decide for themselevs whether or not they should follow his teachings.
- Eg. some may choose which teachings to follow, but not all.
- Free to decide for themselevs whether or not they should follow his teachings.
- Different Christian understand-ings of Jesus' teaching on retaliation and love for enemies (Matthew 5:38-48)
- Jesus intended his disciples to be pacificts.
- To reject all violence and whatever provoked it, Christians must go against their natural instincts and show unconditional acceptance.
- Pacifist = someone who rejects any use of violence.
- Jesus used violence when he overturned merchants' tables in the Temple.
- Thus, he didn't intend his disciples to be pacifist.
- Jesus was talking about attitudes towards others in everday life.
- He was encouraging an attitude that sought peace and love, rather than revenge and hatred.
- Jesus' teaching made sense for those living under the Romans.
- Active resistance was dealt with ruthlessly.
- However, that was teaching for a specific situation and historical age.
- Active resistance was dealt with ruthlessly.
- Jesus was stating an ideal.
- Though realising that it was virtually impossible to put into practice, it was more of a standard to aim for.
- Jesus was using exaggeration to make the very practical point that desire for revenge and harbouring hatred impacts negatively on a person.
- The same exagaration he used in his parables.
- The willingness to try to forgive and show love is essential if those who have been hurt are trying to move on.
- Key quotes from Matthew 5:38-48
- 39 - "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
- 41 - "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."
- 44 - "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"
- Jesus intended his disciples to be pacificts.
- Jesus as a role model
- No matter their view on his authority, all Christians see him as a role model.
- They believe that they should try to emulate his life of selfless love.
- This is reflected his teaching that the two greatest command-ments were love of God and love of neighbour.
- Even many non-Christians have been inspired by the teaching and example of Jesus.
- Eg. Gandhi.
- Those who see Jesus' authority as God's authority.
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