How have early Christian teachings on revenge evolved through time and become relevant in modern Western society?
by L Barker & A Yates, Year 12
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t is no secret that the deepest values of contemporary secular society have their roots in Christianity. However, it is also well-known that the bible is a highly contradictory collection of books from separate authors, and therefore is difficult to interpret. So, in light of recent protests, politics and rising terrorism in the Western World, it is important to consider whether society appeals to the Christian teaching of forgiveness or revenge. The most notable biblical teaching on revenge is the famous - or rather infamous - principle of Lex Talionis, or “An eye for an eye” as promoted in the Old Testament. The basis of the ‘Law of Retaliation’, found in Leviticus, encourages revenge and advocates the ideology that in a given situation, both parties should receive equal injuries in order to create a fair balance. Therefore according to this principle, if someone injures you, you are morally permitted to injure them back in an equal quantity. However, Jesus’ opposing teachings of love and forgiveness in the New Testament, that birthed
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