Subnostr

On the misconception of the biblical command “Love your enemy.”

There’s a distinction in latin between “inimicos” the private enemy in the individual sense, and “hostes” the public enemy.

Curiously, a host in the military sense share a common root with the word “hostes”

There’s nothing in the Bible that commands you to love a foe who seeks your destruction.

James A Lewis 2y ago

This is interesting! I'll have to look into it more.

Seems like the root difference of "hostile (forces)" and "hostage" versus "enemy" or "enmity". This may be a distinction without a difference.

To "love" is not synonymous with becoming a doormat to the other. That would actually be the opposite because it enables and gives opportunity to gravely sin to those enemies. Instead, self-defense and just war ought not preclude Christian charity, even in war, for if one captures a hostile agent, opportunity to repent ought be given.

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Discussion

Finrod Felagund 2y ago

Correct. There’s no virtue in being a pushover.

Turning the other cheek only counts when you have the option of destroying the adversary, and yet you chose to make peace instead.

There are moments to unsheathe your sword, and moments to keep it in the scabbard.

James A Lewis 2y ago

Knowing the difference is the masculine virtue of prudence.

Finrod Felagund 2y ago

The first of the Cardinal Virtues