Many individuals are biblically illiterate. They read text that started in ancient language, and finally gets translated into their native tongue.
However, nuances and idioms arenot carried along with the translation. The result is some of them are taken literally.
I have reduced my biblical illiteracy over the last twenty years thanks to the books written by George Lamsa, and Rocco Errico.
Idioms, which are expressions of speech, if not understood can lead to personal pain and confusion.
As an example, in the near east, 'Turning to a pillar of salt,' means the individual had a stroke or other cardiovascular event and died.
'To take up serpents,' means you are able to handle those who oppose you. However, some Pentecostal churches take that literally, and handle venomous snakes, "Because it says so in the Bible."
'To turn the other cheek,' does not mean to literally allow someone to strike you or ignore someone. It means, do not escalate a conflict. It does not suggest someone to be doormat or not protect themselves. It does recommend not seeking trouble or creating or escalating a conflict.
In interpersonal relationships, the cheek is not often turned, and the relationship ends as a result.
Once again, it does not suggest being a doormat or tolerating mistreatment. Often the EGOS involved in the conflict have the need to be right, and welcome the escalation.
Bottom line: more cheek turning would likely improve the civility of the world.
You might really enjoy the biblical series of lectures, currently in progress, by Jordan B. Peterson on Youtube - he goes to extreme lengths to truly understand these biblical passages through study and research, looking through multiple translations, as well as discusses what they mean psychologically in an incredible way. For example - what does “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” mean?
Well, Jordan more or less interprets meekness in its' original meaning: having the power and the ability to harm someone, but choosing not to wield that power. The translation of the actual word 'meek' in the way it was used in the Bible is less along the lines of simply 'gentle' or 'weak' but more, 'strong but gentle' - thus, blessed are those who have the ability to do great harm but choose not to.
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Thank you for looking and commenting. I think you will enjoy Aramaic Pathways on YouTube. They feature Dr Rocco Errico's services and messages. He is more vocal about the metaphysical connotations and aspects than he was twenty years ago. I think you'll enjoy his messages!
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