Freedom Quote by David Bentley Hart
““Hence Augustine defined the highest state of human freedom not as "being able not to sin" (posse non peccare) but as "being unable to sin" (non posse peccare): a condition that reflects the infinite goodness of God, who, because nothing can hinder him in the perfect realization of his own nature, is "incapable" of evil and so is infinitely free. That,””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Beauty of the Infinite by David Bentley Hart, 2003
True freedom is not merely the ability to avoid sin, but the divine capacity to be incapable of sin, reflecting God's perfect goodness and infinite liberty.
In simple terms: Freedom means being unable to sin, not just choosing not to.
Key Takeaway
Seek alignment with divine goodness.
Themes
theedom
divine nature
theology
Mood
reverent
contemplative
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal spiritual practice
- ethical decision making
- theological study
Key Concepts
Theology
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we embody this freedom in daily life?
- What does it mean to be 'incapable' of evil?
A Different Perspective
Human frailty may limit this ideal; divine perfection is abstract.
![“[T]he Christian is unable to sin and not care ... They may sin, but they cannot do so comfortably and continually. They are very much aware of their wrong actions, and they are very miserable.” quote by Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fac/joyce-meyer-123_action_t-he-christian-is-unable-to-sin-and-not_254209.jpg)
