Hot, Cold, and Lukewarm

[AlexTheSimple]

I was reading through part of the discussion on the golden compass movie and the topic brought up my favorite Bible passage Rev 3:15,16. The one about I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either hot or cold. So because you are lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth. I think thats how the passage goes. Anyway The discussion about this passage kind of ended so I was curious how everyone interprets this. To me this saying is more applicable today then it ever was, being an era of morally grey things rather than clearly visible black and white actions.

 

[MH84]

Revelation 3:
15 "`I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
clerus.org/bibliaclerusonline/en/index.htm

This is from Haydock commentary:

I would thou wert either cold or hot. This is not an absolute wish, because the condition of the cold is certainly worse in itself; but it is to be taken with the regard to the different consequences, which oftentimes attend these two states, and to signify to us that the lukewarm may be farther from a true conversion, inasmuch as they are less sensible of the dangers to which they remain exposed, than such as commit greater sins. Their careless indevotion becomes habitual to them, they live and die with a heart divided betwixt God and the world; whereas greater and more shameful sinners are not without an abhorrence of such vices which they commit; a fear of punishment, of hell and damnation, strikes them by the mercies of God offered even to sinners, and makes them enter into themselves like the prodigal son; they detest their past lives, and by the assistance of God’s graces become both fervent and constant in the duties of a Christian life. (Witham) —

Tepidity in a Christian life, and in the service of God, is oftentimes more dangerous than absolute wickedness. The open sinner is easily made sensible of his danger; he experiences the stings and reproaches of conscience, whilst the tepid Christian lives without remorse, fear, or apprehension, and listens not to those who wish to shew him the danger of his situation. I dare venture to affirm, says St. Augustine, that to fall into some public and manifest sin would be of advantage to the proud, that so those who by their self-complacency had so often fallen before, may now become displeased with themselves and humble. (Calmet) —

To the lukewarm it is said, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth; i.e. if thou continue in that state, I will permit thee to run on and be lost in thy sins.

Alex, do you have a personal opinion of this passage?

 

[juliamajor]

Revelation 3:
15 "`I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
clerus.org/bibliaclerusonline/en/index.htm

This is from Haydock commentary:

Alex, do you have a personal opinion of this passage?

Yep- you got it cold or hot is better than Blah.

 

[AlexTheSimple]

To me, religion is not something to be done now and then or whenever you feel like it, it is something that you live by. So to me the quote is saying we are supposed to live a life of extremes rather than with a not-caring either way type of thinking. Of course being an evil person would certainly be a mistake, but this quote is saying that since we know evil is a mistake trying to go with the middle path is just as bad if not worse. Moderation is a big thing these days. We are told by society that anything in moderation is good. I think this is the worst kind of thinking because it does the most long term damage to things like our faith. Evil and Good are black and white terms, but moderation is Grey. A little sex here and there wont kill you. Some white lies are necessary. Be open minded to all new ideas. These kinds of things can be dangerous. I think that is what this passage is telling us and why it is more applicable now than it ever was. I think it probably takes more courage to be evil than it does to go with the middle road, because at least then you know you are doing wrong. With the middle path you think You are the basis for morality.

 

[NotWorthy]

Often times, one has to hit the rock bottom and realize that they can’t make it on their own, before they can repent. The Prodigal Son is a good example of this.

So if someone is cold, they may be approaching the point of repentance.

But if one is lukewarm, they tend to be happy and feeling self sufficient.

Have any of you heard someone say, “I don’t believe in Religion. I believe if I’m a good person, then God will reward me”. This is a prime example of the lukewarm person.

 

[The_Truthinator]

In the historical context this passage was written in, here’s why these words SPECIFICALLY were chosen:

Laodicea was in between two other cities that had (a) a natural hotspring and (b) natural cold water, both of which were extremely useful. The people of Laodicea wanted in on this, and so built pipes to bring the water in, but by the time it reached the city, it was lukewarm–and useless.

Christ is talking about not being like useless water–such as those in this particular city were familar with.

It is about indifference and being productive ambassadors and good stewards of the Kingdom.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

We had a saying at work, re certain workers: You can’t steer a parked car. A worker who is doing things wrong can be corrected; one who is just goofing off is useless.

 

[Eileen_T]

The lukewarm are those who look at a crucifix and shrug and say, “Okay, so what?” and go on their merry way. They believe that Jesus suffered and died for our redemption but don’t care enough to go to the trouble of finding out what it really means to be a Christian.

It especially relates to those lapsed Catholics who only come to Mass at Christmas and Easter. Or, as Father said in his homily yesterday, those who diligently come to Mass every Sunday but don’t pray every day.

 

[SoonerforChrist]

To me, religion is not something to be done now and then or whenever you feel like it, it is something that you live by. So to me the quote is saying we are supposed to live a life of extremes rather than with a not-caring either way type of thinking. Of course being an evil person would certainly be a mistake, but this quote is saying that since we know evil is a mistake trying to go with the middle path is just as bad if not worse. Moderation is a big thing these days. We are told by society that anything in moderation is good. I think this is the worst kind of thinking because it does the most long term damage to things like our faith. Evil and Good are black and white terms, but moderation is Grey. A little sex here and there wont kill you. Some white lies are necessary. Be open minded to all new ideas. These kinds of things can be dangerous. I think that is what this passage is telling us and why it is more applicable now than it ever was. I think it probably takes more courage to be evil than it does to go with the middle road, because at least then you know you are doing wrong. With the middle path you think You are the basis for morality.

Great post, the only thing I may add on to this is that I believe moderation can be a great thing. Take for example drinking alcoholic beverages. I don’t believe in total prohibition nor do I believe in getting smashed, but I do believe in drinking moderately. Moderation and sin is never a good thing, I agree with you there. However, alot of what I do in life is done in moderation and I don’t find that to be a gray issue. I guess my point is it depends on what you are applying moderation to.