Theos-Talk Archives (March 1998 Message tt00152)

Hi Dallas,

    Thank you.   I think that your interpretation of GdeP's quoted
passage is that we never respond to a wrong in a personal way, but
always concerned for the general welfare of society.

Dallas TenBroeck wrote:

>  I do not think that either of these cases envisaged "lack of protest"
> --
> which, if taken alone, would be passive.  But rather [as in the case
> of the
> eviction of the money changers and merchants from the temple (as an
> example
> of positive action)] some positive steps should be taken.

    Yes, I remember that one.  That incident has been called "Righteous
Anger".   But that's not a fit example here because the offense was not
against Jesus himself but Yehovah and his house.   Did Jesus ever show
such aggression when an offense was directed directly against him?

> For this reason it is best to expose iniquity, and then let others
> pick up
> the "cudgels" and act on our behalf.  Exposure usually does this, but
> we
> have to know how and where to make that exposure.  The person who is
> placing undue conditions on us ought to be fore-warned of what we are
> doing, so that they may make adjustments and perhaps right the wrong
> they
> are doing before exposure occurs.  We ought to give them a chance.

    I get that.   You mean, if someone threw me a curve or slapped my
face, I should just say: "See you in court."    Yes, I agree to that.

    By "exposure", I think you mean "report to the authorities".   But
Dallas, by fore-warning the offender, we are fore-arming them as well.
I mean, that might buy them some time to escape.   If someone mugged and
robbed me, you say I ought to report him to prevent further harm from
coming to anyone.   That's right.   But to warn him before calling the
police?     Have you tried doing that, and has it worked?

> The most difficult thing in the world is to step aside from our hurts
> and
> say:  This is due to me.  The person or agent is not the SOURCE of the
> evil
> I now experience.  Hence I need not retaliate.  In truth, at some
> time, I
> was the source !

     Isn't it more difficult to avoid retaliation?    Even if we do not
spoil for a fight, and try honestly to avoid it, there are times when
there seems to be no option but to retaliate!   If somebody keeps
bullying someone else, despite what their peers tell him, I think it
would be most practical if the victim gave him a dose of his own
medicine.    Non-retaliation is appealing theoretically, but do you find
it practical?

    Thanks &
    Yours,

    Pat F.

--
There is no opinion higher than truth.