The Other Cheek

In the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus of Nazareth we read: “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.”

Such recommendations are utopian say the churches. And politicians and generals return to the order of the day in order to carry out reprisals. Incidentally, under the supreme command of a president who at the time of his inauguration swore on the Bible containing the Sermon on Mount and who was formerly active as a Bible teacher. And so, when things get serious, one shoves the Nazarene aside.

Perhaps we should run a cross-check: Has the fact that Jesus’ advice was not followed increased America’s security? Rather, the opposite. According to the opinion of those in responsible positions, the danger of new terrorist strikes has increased not inconsiderably since the first cruise missiles landed in Afghanistan. Great Britain and the other NATO allies must also reckon with new strikes.

And how would it be if one were to follow the advice of Jesus of Nazareth? He was a pacifist, but not a passive pussyfooter. When someone hit Him, He countered with the-question: “Why do you hit me?” He sought a dialogue with those who opposed Him and looked for the cause of their hostility. Also the recommendation that when someone asks for your shirt that you also give him your coat is nothing other than active politics. America has a broad coat and could definitely spare a part of it for underdeveloped countries.

How would it be if the billions that are now being given out for war were to be invested in extensive deliveries of aid – in the form of true care-packages that were not dropped simultaneously with bombs. Why is pity being taken on the starving Afghans only now? With the billions programmed for war, one could also finance passive protective measures that could much better prevent new terrorist strikes than the beginning of a war, which breaks off the dialogue with the opponent and turns him into an absolute enemy. The alternatives are not: bomb or pray. Jesus of Nazareth recommended one go after the root of the conflict and help one’s opponent to find his way back to peace – but not with the sword.