Yannis (J'ohn)

Errr... no!

If you check the text after the aforementioned verse, you'll see that Jesus is talking about the sacrifices people must make in order to become his disciples. He's not talking about people being "too good" to become his disciples.

SBS

Lord Emsworth

Point taken.

Johann_Kaspar

There are many examples of hate in the gospels. It is beyond my understanding that Yeshua is depicted as the "prince of love". People are reading only what they want to read.

archpaladin

With all due respect, I must point out an inconsistency:

From RTS:
Later in the same post by RTS:

And earlier on, from Vinnie:
The discussion in this post has fallen into the very trap that we set out to avoid when we started: too much literalism and looking at the literal words of the text.

Now, I don't mean to suggest that Jesus did not use the word "hate" when he spoke here. I do, however, mean to suggest what has already been proposed: simply because Jesus used the literal word "hate" when he spoke does not mean that He meant hate in its literal sense. Let's not get caught up in reading the text too literally in this passage. Everything must be evaluated in its context.

With that said - let's have a look at context:

The verses following Lk 14:26 speak about the cost of discipleship. In particular, note v27, which speaks about cross-bearing. Speaking of crucifixion in such a manner, being the horrible death sentence that it was, would almost certainly have brought out a shocking reaction to those who were listening at the time. Hating one's family, parents, and self could have brought about the same type of reaction. This passage is one of multiple occasions where Jesus would say something startling in order to underscore the meaning of what He's trying to get across, namely that being one of His disciple's is not an easy road to follow, and that sacrifices will have to be made.

Johann_Kaspar

Reminds me of an anecdote. Often I am asking some xians even priests about who said that (see Lk 19:27). Nobody could answer that question. Not even the priests I asked. Well I gave them the answer, and invariably the reply went: "That is not true!" So I made them open their gospel and read. And then invariably they said : "Ahhhhhh, but look at the context!" as if the context will make turn the saying in its opposite meaning. Yep, the context here is that Yeshua goes to Hierushalem to be accepted as king.

Another evidence of love: "Race of vipers". Now someone will explain us that those are love words! Yes, not being literally will help quite a lot. Please, make us laugh!

There are contradictions because there are many strata in the gospels written by different authors at different times. Everybody tried to draw the current literature to his party, modifying, deleting, adding. But that is only literature. No hard fact.

MortalWombat

Hey, who wouldn't love to drive in a race with one of these?

Johann_Kaspar

I for one would not!
Sorry!

Johann_Kaspar

Thinking about it, the correct translation in current modern everyday language should read: sons of bitches, hijos de putas...
Lovely, isn't it?

RTS

As we have seen many times before, believers from all levels are willing to stoop to this "out of context" tactic when the passage is embarrassing enough and revolting enough to shatter their cherished beliefs.

The meaning, within the context, is extremely clear. The context shows Jesus telling his followers to hate their families because they distract from full cult-like dedication.

It only becomes complicated to those who do not like what it ACTUALLY SAYS and are faced with the dilemma of justifying some way to change the meaning to something they prefer.

Yannis (J'ohn)

Really, now?

Then why did he say that "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"? (Matthew 11:30)

I find it more than slightly hypocritical that people are so ready to claim that Jesus telling people to hate their families is clearly a hyperbole, while Jesus telling people to love their neighbour must be taken in its literal meaning. There is no distinction, save that which is made in the mind of the interpreter.

SBS