Lauren Bacall

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"But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." This quote from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount has been interpreted as a call to pacifism. It is often used to criticize Christians who support certain military actions or belligerent foreign policies. When viewed in isolation, it's hard to see beyond its limited terms. In order to find the true meaning, we must look at the statement's entire context.

The admonition is followed directly by another. "If anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also." Tunics and cloaks are outer garments. They are not part of one's true self but are associated with the ego. Jesus is therefore trying to impart a crucial lesson in spiritual self awareness. When someone takes your "things" your ego suffers, not your "self". Insults by others are directed at your ego. A slap to the face (cheek) is one of the greatest insults. If you are spiritually self aware, turning the other cheek shows that the slap did not hurt you. Your spirit or true self cannot be damaged by assaults on the ego.

Jesus did not disparage self defense by his statements in his sermon. He did not say "If someone hacks off your right arm with a sword, extend your left arm to him also." Perhaps the best illustration of this part of the sermon on the mount can be found in of all places the 1948 film "Key Largo" starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Lauren Bacall.

In the movie, Frank McCloud (Bogart) visits a Key Largo hotel run by James Temple and his daughter-in-law Nora (Bacall), the widow of Frank's Word War ll friend. The hotel has been temporarily taken over by a fugitive gangster Johnny Rocco (Robinson) and his gang.

Rocco has cut off his alcoholic mistress Gaye from any booze for sadistic rather than altruistic reasons. Gaye pleads for a drink but is rebuked and denied by Rocco. Frank, out of pity for Gaye, pours her a drink and takes it to her. As Gaye takes the drink, she thanks Frank. An enraged Rocco repeatedly slaps Frank across the face. Without flinching, Frank looks at Gaye and says "You're welcome." In that instant Frank reveals himself as a true hero. He is not a pacifist. He kills Rocco at the end of the film. Frank McCloud despite his vulnerabilities is a remarkable man who knows his true inner self.

Jesus may indeed have been a pacifist. The lesson of the admonition to turn the other cheek however, is different from the conventional wisdom. In this passage Jesus wants us to know that we are first and foremost spiritual beings. Our lives are too sacred to be encumbered by the needs of the ego.

Movies About Trains, Train Horns and Intrigue Pt. 1

I don’t know what it is about winter, but where I am at, with the snow falling and the holidays just around the corner, all I want to watch is movies about trains, loud train horns and mystery. Here is a list of a few of the best train-themed movies ever made.

“Strangers on a Train”

This thriller from Alfred Hitchcock is frequently ranked as one of his best, and one of the best, movies of all time. With a startling and powerful performance by Robert Walker, as the psychopathic Bruno Anthony (note the Julius Ceasar” allusions in his name…) Hitchcock was at his best with this thriller about a tennis star who is blackmailed into a murder plot by the devious Bruno. A classic film with a number of hidden allusions, themes and motifs, which will keep you returning to the movie again and again to pick up new things, it is a great train movie.

“Murder on the Orient Express”

This British mystery film directed by the untouchable Sidney Lumet and faithfully based on the novel by Agatha Christie, is one of the great train murder mysteries. The plot will have you guessing who did it, with thirteen suspects and numerous clues to put together. With an ensemble cast of such greats as Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman and Michael York, “Murder on the Orient Express” is one of the best train capers movies in history.

“The Sting”

This Academy Award winning 1973 caper film stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as con artists in Depression-era American attempting to rob a notorious racketeer/gambler who killed his friend. Full of twists and turns that will have you guessing at every moment, “The Sting” is one of the great 70s caper films and one of Paul Newman’s greatest roles. The film is notorious for a train scene that is a classic in the genre.

About the Author

Alan McGee is a freelance writer from MN.

Whats the correct pronunciation of Bacall's first name ( Lauren)?

Lore (rhymes with gore or bore) in
Accent on first syllable.
Lore-in

Letters: Oscars dis legends
Oscars dis legends Alfred Medeiros - Boca Raton, Fla. Not only was it classless to leave out Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur from the in memoriam tribute during Sunday's Oscar telecast, but it was also unforgiveable to give Lauren Bacall...

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