Which philosophy is better, an eye for an eye or turn the other cheek?

Question

Also, what do you think of Ghandi's quote, "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind"?

Answer 1

Turn the other cheek. Its stupid to seek revenge. Ghandi was right, the whole world would be blind, or in our culture, dead.

Answer 2

The intent of the "eye for an eye" rule was to limit punishment to the extent of the harm to the victim. The idea was that the punishment could not be greater than the offense and in this way the offender would suffer to the same extent as their victims had suffered.

Christ did nothing to change this rule and found no fault with the rule as it was used by magistrates and such. But this rule for judges had been carried over into private conduct and some Jewish teachers had made it a rule in which the individual could seek revenge.

Jesus in "turn the other cheek" speaks to personal relationships, and not to the proper functions of government in restraining evil (Romans 13:1-4). I must turn my cheek when I am personally insulted, but the government has a responsibility to restrain the evil person from physical assault.

Gandhi is right of course ... Violence leads to more violence ...

Answer 3

Your question, Graciela, is an interesting one - the answer would be, Neither.

One is not better or worst than the other!

Both of these "philosphies" as you call them are taken directly from the Holy Bible, "an eye for an eye" from Exodus 21:24, in this passage The Prophet Moses is giving a series of laws for the Israelite (or Jewish) people to follow in their daily living. In chapther 21, He is setting the rules ofr their judicial system, not a philosophy of life.
The "turn the other cheek," part is from Matthew 5:38 here Jesus is speaking and he is in the middle of his "Sermon on the Mount." He, is talking about our attitude and morale, In this part He says that if it is not worth fighting about, don't fight. Later in the Bible we are told, by the Apostle Paul, what Jesus was tring to get through our thick sculls - he said in Romans chapter 12:16 "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

You see, neither of these is a "philosphy" if you will, but rather parts of philosohy. And that philosophy is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," or simply "Treat everyone else the way you would want to be treated."

Answer 4

Please take a look at the context of "an eye for an eye". It is in Deuteronomy 19. The point is clearly not revenge, but God is helping the Israelites as a society to set up a fair & just judicial system which also helps them to relate & deal with the people around them. The point is "let the punishment fit the crime". It talks at the beginning about the difference between a man who accidentally kills someone & a man who "lies in wait" to kill his neighbor--the punishment is different!

Then, look at the context of "turn the other cheek". Jesus is now clarifying to the Jews the heart (not just the shell) of the Ten Commandments--that is "to love the Lord your God with all your heart mind, soul & strength & your neighbor as yourself," (to preserve equal rights for everyone under God). Notice that this general command occurs both in the O.T. (Deut. 6:4-5) & in the N.T. (Matt.22:37; Mark12:30; Luke 10:27) indicating this is the same jealous & angry, yet just & merciful God. He even uses "eye for an eye" over & agaisnt "turn the other cheek", but I don't think it's because he meant to negate the true meaning of "eye for an eye", it was because in good Pharisee form, they had twisted it to mean "revenge is okay & good".

Also, have you ever heard of the doctrine of Two Kingdoms? It explains how God works in both His Secular Kingdom (society in general) & His Heavenly Kingdom (the Church). The "eye for an eye" is part of how God works in His Secular Kingdom to keep us from killing one another (our U.S. government: executive, legislative, judicial branches are one example). On the other hand "turn the other cheek" is how God works in His Heavenly Kingdom (the Church giving aid to Muslims, Jews, etc. the enemies of the Gospel, despite this, is one example).

There are three uses of God's Law:
(1) To work in His secular Kingdom to "curb" violent outbursts of sin & keep order in the world (1 Timothy 1:9; Romans 2:14-15).
(2) To accuse or convict us & show us our sin like a "mirror" [so that we turn to Christ Jesus for forgiveness] (Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7).
(3) To teach Christians what they should & shouldn't do to lead a God-pleasing life like a "guide". The power to live according to the Law comes from the Gospel. [That is, it is out of gratefulness to Christ for keeping the Law perfectly & dying on the Cross to take away ALL our sins, that Christians are compelled to keep the Law]. (Psalm 119:9; 105; 1 John 4:9, 11).

When "eye for an eye" is mentioned, it is mentioned in the context of the first use of God's Law, NOT "revenge is good".

Answer 5

Jesus taught love not violence or revenge. We should turn the other cheek and pray for those that persecute us for whatever reason.

I realize it is hard to do with so much hatefulness and mean-mouthed people. But we should try to set a good example and to not stoop to their level.

I like Ghandi's quote.

Answer 6

It's better to avoid the situation all together. If I absolutely had to choose one over the other, it would be an eye for an eye, but, I never would need to have to make that absolute choice. I could simply walk away before I lost my eye or cheek.

Answer 7

An eye for an eye was in the Old Testament. It was a step up from the old concept; if someone knocked your eye out, you tried to kill him/her. You could kill someone for the slightest reason. So, eye for an eye was an attempt to curb anger and make retribution fair, not overdone. When Jesus came, He taught the ultimate God thought: Turn the other cheek.

Answer 8

I think that for legal but morally wrong things done to you, turning the other cheek is the best way to go. I think that if someone has committed a crime, an eye for an eye is best, after the criminal has gone through a juried trial.

Answer 9

Ron Jeremy

Answer 10

an eye for a eye is to be used in accordance with the law......it was a biblical principal used to punish offenders..........jesus introdused the turning of cheek..........this is to do with our personal relationships toward our fellow human beings......

both is to this day very important and must be used under the right conditions.....