‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’- Mentality
“We’ve turned the other cheek, but it’s gotten us nothing.” Donald Trump Jr., the former President’s son, told a Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center the other day. And in his speech, he continued to ask the young conservatives to take a more aggressive approach to achieve their legislative agenda.
Quoting from the bible, arguing against Jesus’s teaching on aggression, this statement shows how certain politicians push selfish agendas, promote aggression, and normalize violence, ignoring the basic teachings of Christ. Trump Jr. was mixing God’s kingdom principles with the human world system. Misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Bible teachings confuse the young. And they are encouraged and emboldened to question other teachings of Christ.
Jesus in his sermon on the mount said: You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the evil one. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jesus was teaching his disciples how to administer justice when there is a physical attack. Old Testament Jewish law was ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But Jesus told them not to take personal vengeance, suggesting that vengeance is to be left to God’s wrath. Christian pacifism and non-violence are rooted in this doctrine. Modern-day politicians and church leaders do not like the passive approach. They want to implement their doctrine to achieve their goal by force.
In American society, some politicians distort the scripture to gain power and authority. Big corporations make financial contributions to megachurch pastors to preach against policies that are against their financial interests. Pastors and church leaders, in cahoots with these special interests, use their pulpit, new letters, and social media accounts to promote rhetoric against climate change, vaccination, mask mandate, public education, free press, abortion, etc. These people will use scripture verse to fit their narrative. When it comes to taking care of the poor, supporting social programs, protecting the environment, gun control, marriage equality, universal healthcare, death penalty, racial equality, they will switch to personal freedom and choice, ignoring the scriptures.
Jesus said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. We have to separate what is God’s and what is Caesar’s. Caesar is not God. And don’t mix our offerings to God and that of the King. God’s kingdom is universal. Not limited by the borderlines of nations.
Incendiary rhetoric from political leaders against their political opponents, minority groups, and other targets using distorted Biblical verses is not good for Christians and the church as a whole.
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