Quote:
Originally Posted by Vivisimo
You have completely misrepresented what this parable has meant to Christians for almost 2,000 years.
Christ was illustrating that men who should have been neighbors weren't, but the man who should have been an enemy was the true neighbor. Like the Samaritan, we are called to be a neighbor to all men, because God created us all in His image. He sees Himself in all of us, So, we, too, must see God in EVERYONE else.
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As you have yourself pointed out, the wretches in question
were not neighbours. God did not say
Love thy neighbour and love everyone else too did He? There is a clear distinction drawn. Otherwise why make any distinction at all?
LEVITICUS 19
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
KJV
MARK 12
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
KJV
Notice how in Leviticus the distinction is made again:
nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. If retribution were not to be taken against anyone at all, why specify
the children of thy people? Are you suggesting that the Amalekites were included in that? Sure, they lived next door but they were
not neighbours. Or Jericho? Or Ai? All wiped out to the last baby. Such historical events, recorded in the same Bible, endorsed by the same God, described using the same language as Jesus used, do not support your position.
Where are you getting your information about God?
.An early encounter with the Amalekites
..The annihilation of Jericho
...Ai blasted
....Mark 12
.....Leviticus 19