This I know; God cannot sin, because his doing a thing…
“This I know; God cannot sin, because his doing a thing makes it just, and consequently, no sin… And therefore it is blasphemy to say, God can sin; but to say, that God can so order the world, as a sin may be necessarily caused thereby in a man, I do not see how it is any dishonor to him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Hobbes argues that God, being perfect, cannot commit sin; sin requires imperfection, thus divine actions are inherently just.
In simple terms: God cannot sin because sin is imperfection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize divine moral perfection.
Themes
theology
philosophy
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious debate
- ethical discussions
- philosophical study
- faith teaching
Key Concepts
Divine perfection
moral law
theodicy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do different traditions define divine sin?
- Can a perfect being cause imperfect outcomes?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes a specific definition of sin that may not apply universally.