ABSTRACT
Is silence always consent? Perhaps not when it comes to situations of life and death; perhaps not in situations of domestic violence. What is the good news of Christianity in such situations? As Christians, how are we called to respond? This sermon looks at the classic “turn the other cheek” text in Luke 6:17–31 in light of the reality of abuse. What exactly is Jesus calling us to in this scripture passage? Do we “offer the other [cheek] also” when we are stuck by a loved one? No. This text is not about obeying a “rule,” it is about a whole new way of living and relating in the world that does not include abusive relationships. This new divine way calls us to all participate in bringing an end to domestic violence and abusive relationships.
Notes
1. Three points above taken from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery website: http://www.bidmc.harvard.edu/display.asp?node_id=9807.
3. Nancy Nason-Clark, Feminist Narratives and the Sociology of Religion, Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 2001, p. 19.
4. Nason-Clark, p. 19.