I have to admit that I have problems with this philosophy. On the one hand we should turn the other cheek but this can be met with a slug. But there is also that admonition that we shouldn’t cast our jewels before swine. Granted that means that we have now designated the slapper as ‘swine’. Still….
Aside from all that, I do have problems with that approach. Part of this may stems from the fact that I’m not sure what is accomplished by turning the other cheek. Besides, I really abhor physical violence. And yes, turning the other cheek is not necessarily physical. But, just as obvious, I’m missing something significant. Honestly, I’m baffled. Just ‘who’ are we turning the cheek for? Ourselves? The other person? What’s suppose to be learned? Understood? Accepted?
It can be argued that turning the other cheek is a demonstration of strength in vulnerability. That may sound like an oxymoron, but it isn’t. It takes a high degree of either confidence in our own position or admission of acceptance of our own error but regardless, it is a position of strength. And obviously it is a position of vulnerability to allow oneself open to the possibility of being ‘slapped’ again.
It would seem the height of stupidity to put oneself in the same kind of position in the future. Isn’t that what is to be learned? Rather than turning the other cheek, deserved or not, isn’t the better approach to not allow ourselves this temptation? Obviously this subject is one that needs further thought because right now I don’t understand.
