28 Dec 07

Two Tonys on Jesus Christ (Part 1)

I asked Two Tonys to comment, with an emphasis on prison life, on some quotes of Jesus Christ.

But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

So if a torpedo shanks me in the right kidney, am I to offer the motherfucker my left? C’mon now! For use in prison, this scripture is a complete fuckin’ joke. There’s a lotta weak ones or weakies who can’t fight, who won’t fight, who hide behind their Bibles when confronted. They claim they walk with Christ – which we all know is bullshit. I’m talkin’ about fucks who rape, steal, molest, lie, testify, and as soon as they hit the county jail they grab a Bible and look for a good plea deal. I feel if there’s a beef and I slap a fool and he turns the other cheek I’m gonna knock the shit outta him. And he’s losin’ my respect. But if he fights back and shows heart – win or lose – he’s earned my respect, and everyone else’s respect. You have to stick up for numero uno in prison or else you’re perceived as weak – and then you’re a goner, they’ll be on you like wolves. I’ve personally taken severe ass-kickin’s, but I still fought.

Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

That would be fuckin’ nice but it’s just not practical in prison. Imagine an army of mooches knowin' that you’ll give shit up upon request – fuhgeddaboutit! That’s not even practical on the streets. Whothafuck does that? A guy in here would never have any coffee, zoo-zoos or wham-whams. There’d be a line of mooches at your cell.

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

You hafta worry. You hafta contemplate your situation. Worry is good to the extent it can keep you alive. But you’ve gotta worry about the real shit, not if the laundry workers put too much starch in your underwear, or if it’s five minutes past rec and your cell door isn’t open. But if some fool wants you X’d out in the chow hall, or if some motherfucker who owes you money is tryin’ to blindside you, then worryin’ may keep you on your toes in those situations.


What do you think about Two Tonys comments?


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Copyright © 2006-2007 Shaun P. Attwood
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5 comments:

Sue O. (aka Joannie, SS) said...

Just some thoughts-I try to read the scriptures through from start to finish yearly, and so I think that's the place to begin. You get into real trouble taking anything out of it's context without having the balance of the rest of the story. First quote from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew-the statement start out, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth'...Old Testament justice was merciless. You could be stoned to death for cursing your parents. Does this mean allow yourself to get beat up? I don't think so. Remember that the this sermon starts out with the Beatitudes. I think Jesus is drawing a sharp distinction between Old Testament law and New Testament grace, a higher law.

The next quote about giving...again, I agree this does not mean give everything away. Wisdom should be the source, and the Apostle Paul said later-the ones that don't work should not eat. But do give where it is in your power to do so and would benefit the receiver.

Lastly, Jesus said further about worrying-your Heavenly Father knows you have needs, seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and the rest will be taken care of. Sufficient to today is it's own evil. So be concerned about today and what you will do with it.

Is prison it's own law? Inside or out I think you need to use the brains God gave you, but I would say you're better off trying to understand other people than immediately put up fists. That isn't weakness. I think a prime example of that is Jon/Shaun himself.

8:22 AM
Sue O. (aka Joannie, SS) said...

p.s. One more thing, as if I don't say enough already...if I followed Two Tonys advice about people, I should just say "to hell" with those who I serve in the prison. But I tell them instead that woe is me if I don't come here. God put a calling on my life. I was told the women would be hard. But after every meeting my partner and I get hugs, thank you's, during meetings the women apologize for using foul language in our presence and yell at each other for being disrespectful. I should be afraid-I'm a small person. But I'm not. We don't even have a male guard with us anymore, and I think the reason is, we are respected for sacrificing our time and we genuinely love the women. We only had a possible fight on our hands once in a year.

8:52 AM
Anonymous said...

As ever, Two Tonys hits the nail right on the head (I'd find a more violent metaphor, but that one will probably do). We really need a book of his wisdom.

A question back: if the words of Christ aren't applicable to prison life, who is? Do people read 'The Prince'? Adam Smith?

9:13 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that the word of God is the truth. Even the men in the bible were imprissoned, and they followed the word and were all the better for it.
2coritihians 11
23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?


Psalm 32:8
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you."



Psalm 37:3

3 Trust in the lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

7 Be still before the lord, and wait patiently for him;




Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

3:06 PM
Unknown said...

I agree with most of what Two Tonys had said here. It would be nice, but it's impossible both inside and out of prison to live that way. It's good to do favours for those in need and those who deserve them, but you have to look after yourself and your family first and foremost.

12:15 PM

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