A Problem with a Passage in The Great Divorce

[rusmeister]

[JRosemary]

[Danny]

If every sin is first a sin against God, then why is it incredible to believe that in God's eyes the murderer and the hater are equally culpable? That is not to say the external consequences are equal; though the consequences to the soul well may be. Being guilty of the judgment, according to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, depends not on one's ability to make amends but on the heart. While there is certainly place for making amends, if my reconciliation to God depends upon my amendments to all those I've wronged, I would have every reason to despair.

[JRosemary]

[Karen]

[rusmeister]

I think you're right, JD. committing a murder IS worse than simply thinking about it. If you get angry enough and think about killing someone one evening, that is decidedly not as bad as actually doing it. An actual murder is worse for the victim, most particularly, but it is also a step further and deeper than merely thinking about it.

Except for one thing - the point Lewis was making is that the spiritual damage done to the one that commits a sin over a lifetime is worse than one committed in the heat of a moment.

If that doesn't make sense, better call Stanley in.

[JRosemary]

[gameld]

[lewisfan]

[Bnayqyama]

Lewis' point, it seems to me, is that although murder is an egregious evil, from the perspective of eternity it does less damage than lifelong hatred.

The murderer knows s/he has done wrong, and can receive mercy; moreover, the murdered is still an immortal.

The hater does not know s/he has done wrong, and will not turn (repent), not be forgiven and not begin the "treatment" -- transformation.

The secret is in the animal vs. diabolical sins in MC: the animal sins are bodily and therefore objective; there is no sense hiding them. The diabolical sins are hidden in the depths of the human person, not apparent to the person, therefore not likely to stimulate true repentance and begin the treatment.

[1marian]

some people simply think that since they didn't murder anyone or they don't use to steal things, they are unsinful.
they are wrong
because whoever keeps in heart the anger or bitterness on someone, keeps the sin in his heart:
see also Mattheu 5,22a: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
and 1 John 3,15: "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him."
(New International Translation from Bibleserver.com)

[katejohnson77]

[Sven]

Welcome, Kate!

[1marian]

[carol]

I agree with those who've expressed the view that it the spiritual effect on the sinner that Lewis was looking at here. Of course in the physical world it is worse to murder than to think about it. There will be people who expect to go to heaven because they have not committed dreadful crimes, but whose unforgiveness and murderous attitude will put them into a different eternity than they had anticipated. They are going to be horrified - on a long-term basis!

It reminds me of a line used in the play of Shadowlands, where Jack says that he finds prayer doesn't so much change God, but changes himself.