Just And Loving Gaze In Iris Murdoch's 'King Of Kings'

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Just and Loving Gaze 1
Courtney McCoy
Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Iris Murdoch uses the relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter in law to depict the meaning behind the just and loving gaze. The mother in laws first impression of her son’s wife included her viewing the woman in a negative light based on her personality and outward characteristics. The opinions of the mother-in-law were formed on a lack of knowledge about her daughter in law which led to a posture of resentment rather than love. Therefore, it is suggested that having knowledge about an individual is to love them (Murdoch, 2970, p. 27). Throughout her writing, Murdoch uses these two characters to portray the just and loving gaze as the act of viewing others …show more content…

It is written, “To reveal the kingdom coming / And to reconcile the lost / To redeem the whole creation / You did not despise the cross” (Ligertwood, B. & Hillsong Worship, 2019). This portrays the just and loving gaze as it states that though Jesus was being crucified for the wrongdoings of humanity, He did not loathe humanity or seek revenge. Rather, Jesus bore the wrath that was deserved only by humanity and extended mercy to all through the gift of salvation. Therefore, justice was served as Jesus was crucified, but mercy and love were also evidently extended to sinners as they did not have to bear the punishment of death for their sins. Instead, sinners were gifted with eternal life if they choose to pursue a relationship with the …show more content…

In the book of Philippians, Paul stated that one should not be focused solely on their own interests, but also take into account the needs of others (Philippians 2:4). This is applicable for both of these issues as the legalization of drugs and the lack health care professionals being vaccinated have the potential to be harmful for an abundance of people. Though I may have a differing view on these issues than some, they are still deserving of being shown the just and loving gaze as they have been created in the image of