fallfromgrace

I too am enjoying the Jihad thread. I will get you those references when I go to my office. I don't keep a copy of the Q'uran at home and I have been avoiding the office since I have two weeks off (I work as a Middle East researcher and the prof I work for is in Cyprus for a conference and to observe the unification and EU bid). When I actually force my butt to get back there, I will cite you those sources for sure. I am hosting a film festival over the next couple of days, so I will also have to get back to you on the specific Paul vs. Jesus sections, but basically the conflict emerges from points where Paul contradicts the sermon on the mount (where Jesus very specifically instructs his followers to "resist not evil"). Jesus lays out a careful pacifist program of non-resistance, which includes non-participation in the roman economy. An interesting concept is the notion that "give unto Caesar" (based upon his face being on the coin) is a manner of undermining the Roman economy: Yeah, Caesar can sit on a pile of coins, but if people grow food for each other and not for malingerers like Caesar, then Caesar will starve to death unless he chips in and helps to grow food in a manner of mutual aid (the bread and fish miracle is a good example of communalizing an economy). Jesus furthers this non-resistance to evil method when he instructs his followers to grab some swords and then stops them from using them (a little late), informing them that by wielding swords, they will subject themselves to death by the same manner. Further, when he is brought before the court, he does not assist them, but he does not resist them. He does not provide Pilate with a single useful answer to any of his questions. Jesus does not participate with the Roman authorities, but at the same time he does not resist them. This is very explicit.

However, Paul begins to pave the way for Christians to excuse themselves from the centrality of pacifism to the faith. I've actually got to get to sleep now, but I'll get back to you on that stuff if you want... (sorry for making a mess of your journal)

Ciao

Hey, don't worry about the Jihad-thread! I wasn't offended by you. Plus we all have our own opinion and I do respect yours, even if it's different from mine, so it's all good. I hope I didn't sound like a judgemental bitch, I tend to have that when a topic really gets to me.

Anyway, thanks for the post. I might get that cat done on my foot. See ya