Enemies in literature[edit] The enemy may be displayed as an evil character who plans to harm innocents, so that the reader will side with the protagonist in the need to battle the enemy.[8] Treatment of enemies[edit] Various legal and theological regimes exist governing the treatment of enemies. Many religions have precepts favoring forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. The Jewish Encyclopedia states that [h]atred of an enemy is a natural impulse of primitive peoples,[9] while willingness to forgive an enemy is a mark of advanced moral development.[9] It contends that the teaching of the Bible, Talmud, and other writings, gradually educates the people toward the latter stage,[9] stating that indications in the Bible of a spirit of hatred and vengeance toward the enemy... are for the most part purely nationalistic expressions—hatred of the national enemy being quite compatible with an otherwise kindly spirit.[9] Religious doctrines on the treatment of enemies[edit] Virtually all major religions have similar ideals of love, the same goal of benefiting humanity through spiritual practice, and the same effect of making their followers into better human beings.[10] It is therefore widely expressed in world religions that enemies should be treated with love, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. The Book of Exodus states: If thou meet thine enemys ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and thou wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.[11] The Book of Proverbs similarly states: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth,[12] and: If thine enemy be hungry give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty give him water to drink. For thus shalt thou heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.[13] The Jewish Encyclopedia contends that the opinion that the Old Testament commanded hatred of the enemy derives from a misunderstanding of the Sermon on the Mount, wherein Jesus said: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies and pray for them that persecute you.[14] The Jewish Encyclopedia also cites passages in the Talmud stating: If a man finds both a friend and an enemy requiring assistance he should assist his enemy first in order to subdue his evil inclination,[9] and: Who is strong? He who converts an enemy into a friend.[9] The concept of Ahimsa found in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism also captures this sentiment, requiring kindness and non-violence towards all living things on the basis that they all are connected. Indian leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi strongly believed in this principle,[15] stating that [t]o one who follows this doctrine there is no room for an enemy.[16]
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:31:02 +0000
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