Jesus preaching hate?

[Elijah John]

26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

For debate.

Is this verse evidence that we all must "pick and choose" some passages over others in order to remain Christians?

Or is the passage evidence that Jesus used poetic language of hyperbole?

Can one "hate" and still honor one's parents? If not, then isn't Jesus preaching against an important Commandment? And if so, how could he still be considered "perfect"?

[jgh7]

[Replying to post 38 by William]

Hehe, I'm not sure if that is your actual stance or if you're trying to point out the unreasonableness of that stance.

Either way, my opinion is that taking specific verses like the one in this topic completely literally leads to unreasonable conclusions that directly conflict with teachings at other points in the Gospel. In the end, everyone I suppose is entitled to their opinion and to stand by their own interpretation for the sake of debate, but I have said my peace on this topic and I'll leave it at that.

[William]

[Replying to post 39 by jgh7]

Hehe, I'm not sure if that is your actual stance or if you're trying to point out the unreasonableness of that stance.

My actual stance can be found in my Member Notes;

William.

Either way, my opinion is that taking specific verses like the one in this topic completely literally leads to unreasonable conclusions that directly conflict with teachings at other points in the Gospel.

How will the wicked know the difference?

In the end, everyone I suppose is entitled to their opinion and to stand by their own interpretation for the sake of debate,...

Wicked egos playing games...it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt....

...but I have said my peace on this topic and I'll leave it at that.

Yep... there's really nothing else to add as far as I can see.


Peace.

[onewithhim]

26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

For debate.

Is this verse evidence that we all must "pick and choose" some passages over others in order to remain Christians?

Or is the passage evidence that Jesus used poetic language of hyperbole?

Can one "hate" and still honor one's parents? If not, then isn't Jesus preaching against an important Commandment? And if so, how could he still be considered "perfect"?

It's not a matter of picking and choosing scriptures. It's a matter of understanding what the word "hate" meant to Jesus and the people of his culture. The word "hate" has several shades of meaning: 1. Intense hostility, ill will & malice, 2. A strong dislike without malice, or 3. Loving to a lesser degree.


I think that it is #3 that Jesus meant when he spoke of "hating" ones relatives. It would not be in agreement with the rest of the Scriptures if Jesus taught that anyone should be hostile and malicious toward another person. It is understandable, however, to be required to love anyone LESS than we love God and Jesus. They must come first in our lives.

[onewithhim]

26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

For debate.

Is this verse evidence that we all must "pick and choose" some passages over others in order to remain Christians?

Or is the passage evidence that Jesus used poetic language of hyperbole?

Can one "hate" and still honor one's parents? If not, then isn't Jesus preaching against an important Commandment? And if so, how could he still be considered "perfect"?

It's not a matter of picking and choosing scriptures. It's a matter of understanding what the word "hate" meant to Jesus and the people of his culture. The word "hate" has several shades of meaning: 1. Intense hostility, ill will & malice, 2. A strong dislike without malice, or 3. Loving to a lesser degree.


I think that it is #3 that Jesus meant when he spoke of "hating" ones relatives. It would not be in agreement with the rest of the Scriptures if Jesus taught that anyone should be hostile and malicious toward another person. It is understandable, however, to be required to love anyone LESS than we love God and Jesus. They must come first in our lives.