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Falling Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“There are heavier and lighter sins. Falling away [Abfall] is far more serious than falling down [Fall].[5.] The most brilliant virtues of the apostates are as dark as night compared with the darkest weaknesses of the faithful.[6.]” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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““There are heavier and lighter sins. Falling away [Abfall] is far more serious than falling down [Fall].[5.] The most brilliant virtues of the apostates are as dark as night compared with the darkest weaknesses of the faithful.[6.]””

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

About This Quote

Source Theological Essay: “The Cost of Discipleship”, 1937

Serious sin is abandoning faith; the most virtuous apostates still fall short of true believers.

In simple terms: Leaving faith is a grave sin; even good apostates are flawed.

Key Takeaway

Stay faithful and humble.

Themes

faith sin virtue

Mood

reflective serious

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • church leadership
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

theology morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What constitutes a serious sin?
  • How do we measure spiritual integrity?
A Different Perspective

Defining “serious” sin can be subjective.

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