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There is no inconsistency in God's commanding us not to…

“There is no inconsistency in God's commanding us not to take upon ourselves what belongs to Him alone. For to execute vengeance belongs to none but Him who is Lord of all; for when the powers of the world rightly accomplish this end, God himself does it who appointed them for the purpose.” quote by Anselm of Canterbury
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“There is no inconsistency in God's commanding us not to take upon ourselves what belongs to Him alone. For to execute vengeance belongs to none but Him who is Lord of all; for when the powers of the world rightly accomplish this end, God himself does it who appointed them for the purpose.”

Anselm of Canterbury

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

God alone commands vengeance; humans act as instruments of divine will.

In simple terms: Divine justice, not human vengeance.

Key Takeaway

Align actions with higher moral authority.

Themes

theology justice divine will

Mood

serious inquisitive

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • legal judgments
  • war ethics
  • social movements

Key Concepts

scholasticism moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits human agency in moral decisions?
  • How do we discern divine versus personal motives?
A Different Perspective

Human interpretation of divine intent varies.

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