Should we love thy enemy or is it an eye for an eye?

Question

I posed this in the religion section but no one answered:(

Answer 1

an eye for an eye

Answer 2

Most of the world's religions preach love and forbearance - and then in the names of those religions, a great many have been, and are being, killed because those other guys just wouldn't LISTEN!

"Love thy enemy" actually has been expressed in different meanings.

One philsopher said to keep one's friends close, but hold one's enemies even closer. The idea? It's safer that way ....

Under the context of the "law of love" (actually the ONLY laws proposed by Jesus according to the New Testament), to love one's enemy, and turn the other cheek, is to disarm the enemy. As protestors of the 1960's said, "What if they gave a war and no one came?"

Strict pacifism is in some circumstances impractical. But as in Lebanon now and Iraq in 2003, there were better answers than foolish, misleading demonizing of the enemy and war.

Answer 3

The reason they didn't answer you there is because they thought you didn't have the properness about you with the avatar that you have. Besides you were disturbing them from a deep religious session that they were having there.
As to the first question, I thing forgiveness is also a virtue, loved more by God than taking revenge. But if you must take revenge, it's eye for an eye.

Answer 4

"Eye for an eye" is much easier to give into and it gets your point across to your enemy much faster.

"Love thy enemy" has the potential to make your enemy an enemy no more, but I believe it takes a lot more work and the payoff is no guarantee.

The romantic optimist in me says "Love", but the somewhat jaded pragmatic side of me champions "eye".

In all truthfulness, I say it depends on the enemy. If they are stronger, love and understanding. If they are weaker, make them pay! bwahahahaha!

Answer 5

You should definately know your enemy. You should try to love them, if that doesn't work then it's eye for an eye. I like your photos by the way.

Answer 6

No an eye for eye is insane. Learn to forgive. By that we prove what humanity is all about. By forgiving you make the other(enemy) ashamed of his/her actions. But at the same time its better to keep away from them ( enemies ).

Answer 7

We should not think in terms of "enemies" but rather people with a different opinion. Then we should practice dialog to come to a consences. "Enemy" is a mind set of hate, fighting, war and killing. None of which should be included in the thinking of a civilized society.

Answer 8

I believe that we should all respect one another for who we are and that people should conduct themselfes in a manner that is acceptable to society. If a person wants to break the law and attempt to endanger another person, than they should be dealt with in a manner that will set an example for others not to follow.
If someone breaks in my house while I'm there, they won't be walking back out. Don't do the crime and expect that you won't be held accountable !!!

Answer 9

I think that loving your enemy means an unconditional love for mankind in general without conditions. It doesn't mean that you can condone the actions of a criminal. If they have done something illegal then they need to suffer the consequences. But you can still have that unconditional love.

Answer 10

Both. With your most charming eyes looking at your enemy's eyes disarm it with your deep love affection.

Answer 11

it is hard sometime depending on what it is I say love but sometimes it may have to be eye for an eye, however with eye for an eye they are always far more consequences.