Originally posted by Ashlar
I see your point, however you must see that there is a big deal of difference between the old and the new testaments. they are almost opposite in
spirit.
eye for an eye Vs. turn the other cheek
Exodus 21:20-27
"If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the
slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.
"If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the
woman's husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for
hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
"If a man hits a manservant or maidservant in the eye and destroys it, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the eye. And if he knocks
out the tooth of a manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the tooth.
The “eye for an eye” rule was instituted as a guide for judges, not as a rule for personal relationships or to justify revenge. This rule made the
punishment fit the crime.
Luke 6:27-31
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone
strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks
you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Jesus told the people to “love your enemies”, such words turned away many people from Christ. But Jesus wasn’t talking about having affection for your
enemies; he was talking about an act of faith and will.
So you see the words of the Old Testaments and the New Testaments aren’t in contradiction.