Matthew 5:38: "You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth"
You're asking me to expound upon / explain the meaning of one of the most well-known Bible verses and legal principles in the history of civilization?
You're kidding - right??
No, actually I'm not kidding. I've certainly heard the saying before as I am sure everyone has heard it before. But not everyone may understand it. Now I'm not saying that I know everything about the Bible, but I think I have a pretty good grasp of things when it comes to the Bible and Jesus' teachings. Your Eye for an Eye in Matthew 5:38 does not mean what you are trying to convey here. I have a sneaking suspicion you knew that as well.
but being the good Christian you are I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about; but maybe I should have instead referred to Leviticus 24:19 - 22:
You referenced Matthew, now you want to reference Leviticus? Make up your mind. As you know, the Old Testament was the old law for the children of Israel and the New Testament is the new law for all
Christians. I am certainly not saying that the Old Testament is to be thrown out, it is the word of God, but Jesus(God incarnate) brought everyone the new convenant and was the new law once Jesus died on the cross.
[SUP]19[/SUP]And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;
[SUP]20[/SUP]Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.
[SUP]21[/SUP]And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.
[SUP]22[/SUP]Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.
This is the foundation for the Law of Equivalency, establishing that the punishment fits the crime.
Equivalency is a good word, because the policy was there to prevent personel vendetta's that may impose a harsher punishment for the crime that was committed. Look at it this way. If someone were to blind someone, they shouldn't be killed for it, they should be responsible for the eye. Many times cash settlements were made for such crimes. The Bible supports measured justice, not whatever YOU think is the appropriate measure to take. Which takes us to the context of this thread and in the context of scripture you have included; who determines such punishment?
That's actually a question to you or anyone in the forum that might like to chime in about it.
When you are victimized by whomever, it is human nature to
"get even" , to take
"revenge" , make that person feel your
"pain" and to
"payback" your transgressor. I mean, that is what we are talking about in this thread right? There are two things at play here. One, your external feelings(revenge) and two, your internal heart. Which is exactly what Jesus was saying in your ORIGINAL reference to Matthew 5:38, which you conveniantly left out, either intentionally in order to prove a point or possibly unintentially, only you know that answer. I think its pretty important to include the whole verse. Here it is for everyone to see.
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Do not meet evil with equal or greater evil, Jesus wants us to meet evil with good.
True, that the New Testament doesn't exactly hold firmly to this principle and promotes the concept of "turning the other cheek"
Exactly. The whole reason why I asked you to expound on your post,
especially since you referenced Matthew 5-38.
try telling that to someone whose wife and/or children have been raped, tortured and murdered by some low life criminal.
If I was unfortunate enough to know someone in such a horrible situation, I would lead them to Jesus' teachings and what he said about revenge and put it in God's hands to help that person out.
There might be one or two among us that think of themselves to be so superior and pure of heart and mind that they would rise above the urge of vengeance under those circumstances. Most likely they are delusional and not in touch with reality, or maybe they just like to spout off self-promoting nonsense.
I don't know why you would think someone who understood and followed Jesus' teachings about revenge would think of themselves superior, pure of heart and spouting off? I honestly do not know what I would do if I was in that situation, I do however know that I would pray about it, surround myself with fellow believers, family members and look to the Bible to help me through such a tragic situation though.
Fact is, no one can really comprehend the grief, shock and stress that happens to people whose families are victims of these crimes of violence.
Absolutely. I will add though, if the family were God fearing individuals I think they might take a different approach to dealing with the situation than what most are advocating here in the soapbox.
Perhaps if this code was followed more strictly in today's society there would be fewer of these criminals roaming free in our midst.
Probably not.
Don't get involved in gettting
"even" or what you think is
"deserved", that's God's job.
[19] Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Answer evil and wrongdoing with kindness and generosity and leave the
"revenge" part to God. I think that is what Jesus is asking us to do.
But hey.......I very well could be wrong.
that needs immediate eradication, I pause and consult my wrist bracelet. In raised letters I read WWJC (what would Jesus carry). I'm thinking, probably a .45 caliber Glock. A .45 caliber for the stopping power and Glock because it is German made. The Germans got a bad name for killing all those Jews. Jesus was born a Jew, but later in life had the good sense to convert to Christianity. So with the Germans killing Jews, thus increasing the world wide ratio of Christians to Jews, the Glock is the logical choice, at least in my mind. Plus, a .45 caliber Glock would be easy to conceal in all those robes. Heck, he could even carry a long .44 magnum, but it might slow down his draw. 
