Resist not evil? By Walter Wink

http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/04/12/con04550.html

Jesus & Alinsky

A BUZZFLASH GUEST CONTRIBUTION
from Paul Loeb

In a time when a destructive fundamentalism fuels the Bush Administration's agenda, we might remember Christianity's more radical prophetic tradition.  Walter Wink's essay "Jesus & Alinsky" is excerpted from the book The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear.

JESUS & ALINSKY
By Walter Wink

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 one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (attributed to Jesus in Matthew 5:38-41, Revised Standard Version)

Many who have committed their lives to working for change and justice in the world simply dismiss Jesus' teachings about nonviolence as impractical idealism. And with good reason. "Turn the other cheek" suggests the passive, Christian doormat quality that has made so many Christians cowardly and complicit in the face of injustice. "Resist not evil" seems to break the back of all opposition to evil and counsel submission. "Going the second mile" has become a platitude meaning nothing more than "extend yourself." Rather than fostering structural change, such attitudes encourage collaboration with the oppressor.

Jesus never behaved in such ways. Whatever the source of the misunderstanding, it is neither Jesus nor his teaching, which, when given a fair hearing in its original social context, is arguably one of the most revolutionary political statements ever uttered...

http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/04/12/con04550.html

It's a long article, very much worth reading, as America under Bush comes more and more to resemble Judea oppressed by the Romans. 

For a Bible-based alternative to the rapture cult vision of Bush and Co, which is leading us to mass suicide, see:

http://biblequotes.blogspot.com/

In the name of the Prince of Peace,   Carol Wolman