This statement by Benjamin Franklin has some deeper truth in it when we consider the point of Jesus who said: "What will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruin his life? What has a man to offer in exchange for his life?" (Mt. 16:26). You cannot pay for the value of one life; even for the misery caused to families who are forced to evacuate their homes to avoid loss of lives.....
That's the reason why Jesus was favoring a solution through humble dialogue and friendly confrontation. That is what he meant by the texts, if you read between the lines, as in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 38-48:
"You have heard that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give when asked and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said Love your fellowman and hate your enemy. But this I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons and daughters of your Father in Heaven. For he makes his sun rise on both bad and good, and he gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
"If you love those who love you, what is special about that? Do even tax collectors not do as much as that? And if you are friendly only to your brethren, what is so exceptional about that? Do not even the pagans do as much? For your part you shall be righteous and perfect in the way your heavenly Father is righteous and perfect."
you can't really put jesus in this quote
ReplyDelete