The radical views of a Palestinian Jew

Colleagues and scholars from coast to coast, across Bass Strait and all the ships at sea.

Behold these radical views of a Palestinian Jew.

While many of us are aware of these extremist views, few embrace them. Our leaders, in particular, show by their deeds and words that they are most keen to avoid being snared by such fanaticism.

Yet, could you imagine what would happen if such views were adopted widely? Could you imagine what the world might look like?

Could you just imagine?

"In everything, do unto others whatever you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:38-39

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43-44 

"Judge not, that you not be judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2

"Why do you see the speck of sawdust that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye', when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5

"Peter came to him and said, 'Lord how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven times.'" Matthew 18:21-22

"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?'  He straightened up to them and said, "Let anyone of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:3-7

"No-one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

"Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, the servant of all." Mark 9:35

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20

"Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:34

The radical views of this Palestinian Jew show humanity at its best. The non-adherence to these views, especially by those who profess to be ardent followers of this philosophy, show humanity at its worst.

Is this likely to change? 

Sadly, two thousand years of human experience suggests the answer is a resounding: nope, nope, nope.