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Sin is not only manifested in certain acts that are…

“Sin is not only manifested in certain acts that are forbidden by divine command. Sin also appears in attitudes and dispositions and feelings. Lust and hate are sins as well as adultery and murder. And, in the traditional Christian view, despair and chronic boredom - unaccompanied by any vicious…” quote by Mortimer Adler
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“Sin is not only manifested in certain acts that are forbidden by divine command. Sin also appears in attitudes and dispositions and feelings. Lust and hate are sins as well as adultery and murder. And, in the traditional Christian view, despair and chronic boredom - unaccompanied by any vicious act - are serious sins. They are expressions of man's separation from God, as the ultimate good, meaning, and end of human existence.”

Mortimer Adler

About This Quote

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

Sin includes both prohibited actions and harmful inner attitudes like lust, hate, despair, and boredom, reflecting separation from the divine good.

In simple terms: Sin is not just deeds but also thoughts and feelings that distance us from God.

Key Takeaway

Guard your thoughts as well as actions.

Themes

morality spirituality human nature

Mood

reflective somber

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • spiritual counseling
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

theology psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize harmful attitudes before they become actions?
  • Can a thought be sinful without a deed?
A Different Perspective

Even pure thoughts can be sinful, raising questions about intent versus outcome.

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