Manny people think it’s simply about nonviolence, but I like this alternative interpretation an old friend of mine had:
For the Pharisees, the left hand was considered unclean and it was taboo to use it.
The backhanded slap was always intended as an insult - given to someone who is considered inferior.
The foreslap (slapping with the palm of the hand) was reserved for equals.
So, if someone strikes your right cheek, then it must be a backhanded slap (i.e. an insult), because a Pharisee must use his right hand, to avoid the taboo. If, instead of slapping the person back, you present your left cheek, you force the attacker to break a taboo, acknowledge your equality, or simply stop hitting you. In one simple act, the balance of power is shifted.
MK Gandhi said that if someone slaps you on one cheek, show his the other cheek and ask them to slap you again.
“Turn the other cheek” is generally attributed to Christian doctrine.
Manny people think it’s simply about nonviolence, but I like this alternative interpretation an old friend of mine had:
So, if someone strikes your right cheek, then it must be a backhanded slap (i.e. an insult), because a Pharisee must use his right hand, to avoid the taboo. If, instead of slapping the person back, you present your left cheek, you force the attacker to break a taboo, acknowledge your equality, or simply stop hitting you. In one simple act, the balance of power is shifted.
Was it before or after he forced 17 yo girls to sleep with him to “practice celibacy”?