Were you taught to "turn the other cheek" or to fight back?

"That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

I found that last year, and I agree with it :

"Historical background is important.

The audience was Jewish. The abuser was in authority and the persecuted was considered of lower class. Striking someone was used to assert authority and dominance. Jewish law commanded the one in authority (perception only) had to strike with the back of their right hand because the left hand was used for unclean purposes. This meant a backhand strike could only from the left to right and turning the other cheek prevented the strike. Jesus was teaching the persecuted how to stand up for themselves without breaking Jewish law. An open handed slap was similar to a punch and that was a show of equality, which the abuser would never assume."

It was back then a political statement : "I am your equal"

The society today is different and turning the other cheek sends a completely different message. The message is : hit me, you don't risk anything. Today is only opens the door to more violence.

Personally I prefer this : "Si vis pacem, para bellum". If you send other people an image of low self-confidence you will run in problems.

I was taught both, walk away if at all possible, if not possible then don't come out the loser. I was taught not to let anyone abuse me, not verbally or physically.

Exactly!

Fight back, stand up for myself, and take no s**t....

Well I was taught never to hit a girl but to kick a guy's ass if I needed to.

my parents always told me that if ANYONE put there hands on me, to kick the're ass. plain and simple.

Yep! ;-)

We were taught to turn the other cheek. And I tried. But I failed at times. Not a physical fighter but sometimes regret what I say when annoyed or angry.

Words can be more hurtful than physical fights, actually for me they are more hurtful. But, we've all done it, don't be too hard on yourself.

You are so right! Words stay with you for a long time, in some cases forever. Bruises and cuts go away,.

Yes. I *try* very hard to think before I speak but I know in my younger (angrier) days, I wasn't too good at it. :-\

I was taught to remain as calm as possible and try to cool down the situation. if that didn't work and there was a threat of physical harm, I had every right to defend myself or a child, or my family and home. My father also taught me the proper way to use a gun in case I ever need to. at 12 years of age.

Awesome & good going Dad! :-)

My parents told me to turn the other cheek in many instances, but when its something important to stand my ground and fight. I was also told to always take up for people who couldn't take care of themselves. To protect the defenseless. And what you stand for during trying times is what says the most about our character.

You were taught very well! Thank you!

BUT... you still need to learn to stand up for yourself ;-}

Absolutely :-)

I was always taught it's better to turn the other cheek, but that, eventually, there comes a time when you have to stand up for yourself and your beliefs.

Yes, I agree. Thank you :-)

I prefer to turn the other cheek though.

Thank you :-)

You're welcome :)

There is a time to fight, and a time to walk away. I pick my battles. Most the time I can turn the other cheek but that's usually if it's about me, I can brush it off if it's about me, but if someone decides to hurt the people I care about, I fight. If I believe something is wrong then I will fight back.

Yes there is. Thank you.

No problem.

My parents taught me to pick my battles, and that most fights are not worth the hassle

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Fight for the right to "PARTY" lol notstand up for what i believe in never been in a fight but i would if i had to......... you wanna mess with me because i know you dont

Thanks!

Really more like both...there is a time to fight and a time to turn the other cheek.

Thank you.

Quit.......my parents weren't bright about that. I teach my kids to stand up for themselves but do so with their words as long as possible, but from 2 years old I have been training them to seriously defend themselves diguised as play

Good!

I am a warrior to the core.... and as such, I pick and choose which battles I will undertake. For the most part, no fight is necessary..... however, every now and then, it really is worth it to shake off the gloves and defend what is right.... ask any accomplished martial artist if they fight a lot, and they will respond with an answer like ~ not unless it is necessary.... and if you do, fight to win. Nobody celebrates a loser.

Yep it's taught & learned only for defense, if need be.

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Physical - fight back. Words - who cares?

Thank you!

"Pacifier" ....Always turn the other cheek....unless it's against one of my family or my country.........then fight to the death.......if necessary.

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