Christian Evolution
Consider lex talionis,
That wonderful innovation
The Jews invented for us all.
When it was a life for an eye,
A clan for a life, and a tribe
For a clan - justice meant revenge;
But eye for eye was radical,
Life for life was retributive,
Not revenge, like, "We are god now."
Give thanks for Leviticus, then;
Don't put down that step which allowed
Jesus to go one step further.
It's the progression of faith, see?
I guess evolution always
Takes a very long time to get
To where God wants us all to be.
Scott L. Barton
(with thanks to my good friend Ken Williams, who reminded me of the
term Paul Hammer taught us 40 years ago at CRCDS)
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
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