Adultery Quote by Mortimer Adler
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Paideia Proposal, Mortimer Adler, 1982
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.
