Yes, replied representatives of other Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions, but let us charitably work together for the common good of the whole community. A radical and rigid orthodoxy may speak the truth from the perspective of one tradition and may well be necessary for theological debate. However, such a declaration may actually impede ecumenical and interfaith dialogue in the short term. The spiritual reality to be hoped for is that we have not yet heard the last word. We need to contemplate the interdependence of all people and all things.
Nothing exists except in relationship with all other things.
Even our smallest actions have vastly greater consequences. At the same time, there was a severity in Jesus' crisp metaphors in this passage. None of these exaggerated metaphors can be taken literally. Acting on any one of them would be disastrous to ourselves and to those with whom we are connected. The warning remains clear nonetheless.