The human brain is controlled by the unconscious mind. Voting to increase US school funding usually gains more support in schools than in churches. Conversely, votes on abortion in churches are often more opposed than in schools. When asked if the location affected their decision, voters often dismiss it as nonsense. Humans don’t realize that their behavior is driven by the unconscious. For example, if someone is holding hot coffee during a meeting, they are more likely to see me as warm. If they have iced coffee, they might see me as cold. This is based on studies in cognitive psychology. We are motivated by the unconscious, even if we don’t admit it. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
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”