Resist Not the Evil Person

or The Fourth of July and Christianity

Matthew 5:39–41

"But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

Jesus taught us not to resist the evil person. If we are slapped, not only must we not slap back, but we must turn the other cheek. If someone sues us for our sweatshirt, we must not stamp and protest but give him our shirt also. And if someone forces us to go a mile with him, we must not dig in our heels and stand for our rights, but go two miles instead.

This spirit seems diametrically opposed to the spirit of America, whose birthright is violent revolt against oppressive powers. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, pull out the handgun. If someone sues you for your tunic, sue him for his house. If an overreaching government compels you to pay taxes on tea, then destroy their tea and shoot as many of them as you must to get free of their tyranny.

Violent methods of obtaining and maintaining freedom are the lifeblood of American patriotism. "Don't tread on me." Oppress me, and you will get bitten.

We pick up the sword and hack off the ear of the violent oppressor, who comes to kill and destroy the innocent. And then Christ steps in, heals the ear, and goes to the cross. 

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