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Just my thoughts #0768

False equivalency: A misleading comparison where the comparison targets are forcibly balanced while ignoring relevant differences. For example, claiming that banning guns also requires banning cars. Both cause harm to human life, but guns are designed for lethality and are closely linked to crime, whereas automobiles are meant for transportation and sometimes cause fatalities in traffic accidents as side effects. Comparing these two as if they are the same constitutes a false equivalency. Similarly, saying that apples and oranges are the same because they are both fruits and round is also a false equivalency. We are easily misled by such false comparisons. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0212

Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”