tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13343388.post7805641365318196975..comments2024-03-24T10:47:38.918-07:00Comments on The Faithful Geek: In a Culture of Systemic Bigotry Part 2: What now?nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406031304387961610noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13343388.post-68499801038137766072017-06-04T14:41:24.969-07:002017-06-04T14:41:24.969-07:00Science Mike has talked about that quite a bit too...Science Mike has talked about that quite a bit too. That whole passage is fascinating when you dig a bit deeper into it's original meaning.nichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12406031304387961610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13343388.post-5414168828771745682017-05-31T15:49:50.647-07:002017-05-31T15:49:50.647-07:00I find myself thinking a lot about a sermon that m...I find myself thinking a lot about a sermon that my pastor gave several years back about turning the other cheek. He explained that it was a cultural reference that doesn't mean stand there and just take the abuse that is being heaped upon you. He talked about how, in the culture at the time, one would not touch an "inferior" with the palm. They would use the back of the hand instead. <br /><br />So let's say that an oppressor strikes with his right hand, which would be culturally expected. To strike the right cheek, he would use the back of his hand to signify that he is striking someone (perceived to be) inferior. If the oppressed responds by turning his other cheek, then he is really issuing a challenge. The oppressor has 3 choices. Ignore the challenge, appearing weak to onlookers. Respond by hitting with the back of the left hand, which would be culturally repugnant because the left hand was considered unclean. Respond by slapping the left cheek with the palm of the right hand, acknowledging the oppressed as his equal.<br /><br />Jesus didn't tell us to just sit there and accept oppression. He instructed the oppressed to stand up for themselves without giving into violence.Kendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10552141027544657810noreply@blogger.com