Love Quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
““But the church, like a tender, loving mother holds aloof from active punishment herself, as the sinner is too severely punished already by the civil law, and there must be at least someone to have pity on him. The church holds aloof, above all, because its judgment alone contains the truth...””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1880
The church distances itself from direct punishment, leaving civil law to punish sinners, while offering compassionate pity and claiming ultimate truth in its judgments.
In simple terms: Church avoids direct punishment, offers pity, claims truth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the balance between justice and mercy.
Themes
religion
justice
compassion
authority
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
literary
When to use this quote
- court sentencing
- social welfare
- personal guilt
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
theology
ethical dualism
moral authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies balance legal punishment with compassionate support?
- Can religious institutions play a role in restorative justice?
A Different Perspective
Relies on civil law may neglect spiritual rehabilitation.
![“What the universal Church holds, not as instituted [invented] by councils but as something always held, is most correctly believed to have been handed down by apostolic authority. Since others respond for children, so that the celebration of the sacrament may be complete for them, it is certainly…” quote by Saint Augustine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/89b/saint-augustine-328_able_what-the-universal-church-holds-not-as-i_2758669.jpg)
![“if [God] doesn't exist, man is the chief of the earth, of the universe. Magnificent! Only how is he going to be good without God?” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/09b/fyodor-dostoyevsky-94_ethics_if-god-doesn-t-exist-man-is-the-chief-of_16023.jpg)
