Lie?

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JL2011

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Hi,

In a case where saying “yes” would be saying the truth, but saying “no” would be lying, is saying “maybe” lying, or something between?
 
This is far too vague :).

If asked, “Do you want to help me move this weekend?”, your answer could really be “yes”, but you might answer “no” anyways and it wouldn’t a lie because its a purely judgment call.

However, if asked, “Is the neighbors house burning down?”, and you answer “no” when the answer is “Yes!” :eek: then that would indeed be a lie, quite a serious lie at that!
 
I know it’s too vague 😛 , but my question was that if using the word “maybe” is considered a lie when used in a case where saying “yes” is the truth and saying “no” is a lie.
 
JL2011 said:
I know it’s too vague 😛 , but my question was that if using the word “maybe” is considered a lie when used in a case where saying “yes” is the truth and saying “no” is a lie.
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No one can give you an answer if you put it like that.

Imagine that the question is:
“Is the Sky blue?”
You can’t answer maybe to that.

Imagine that the question is:
“Have you stopped beating your wife?”
There is no possible answer because it’s a loaded question.

If the question is regarding a secret someone asked you to keep saying maybe is giving too much information already.

If the question is regarding a personal taste of yours (like the last poster said) it is not a lie.

Is this how you inteded to express?

Take care…
 
Someone asked me if I would go to church everyday if there was one near my home. The answer would’ve been “yes”, but I said “maybe”, because, sadly, I care too much about what people think of me, and I didn’t want to be looked at like a “fanatic” or something like that.
 
JL2011 said:
Hi,

In a case where saying “yes” would be saying the truth, but saying “no” would be lying, is saying “maybe” lying, or something between?
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I may be reading too much into your question, but choosing not to answer a question is not the same as lying. While we are expected (even commanded) to always tell the truth, we are not compelled to answer every question. A fine distinction but an important one. For example, you don’t have to answer a question that you consider to be no business of the asker. You could respond with “why do you ask” or “I really couldn’t say” or just change the subject altogether.
 
JL2011 said:
Hi,

In a case where saying “yes” would be saying the truth, but saying “no” would be lying, is saying “maybe” lying, or something between?
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I go with Jesus and let your yes mean yes and your no mean know. Maybe is accurate and truthful if the answer is “maybe.” If you mean “do these pants make my butt look fat” the bible clearly says it is better to keep your mouth shut.
 
JL2011 said:
Exactly. The answer was “yes”, but I said “maybe” (I explain the question some posts above). Does that constitute a lie?
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In this particular case, the answer is in fact “maybe”, as you can’t predict with any certainty what your actions in the future would be. 🙂
JL2011 said:
Someone asked me if I would go to church everyday if there was one near my home. The answer would’ve been “yes”, but I said “maybe”, because, sadly, I care too much about what people think of me, and I didn’t want to be looked at like a “fanatic” or something like that.
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Daily mass is a personal devotion, and no has a right to know your personal devotions - this is between you and God. You could choose to answer or withhold your answer, and it is your prerogative.

(Incidentally, a more accurate answer might be “probably” - but no one needs to know! ;))
 
So I guess it’s no mortal sin, isn’t it? Sorry, I can be really scrupulous sometimes. 😃
 
Catechism:

2484 The gravity of a lie is measured against the nature of the truth it deforms, the circumstances, the intentions of the one who lies, and the harm suffered by its victims. If a lie in itself only constitutes a venial sin, it becomes mortal when it does grave injury to the virtues of justice and charity.
 
Don’t play “what if” games. They are endless and serve no purpose.
 
puzzleannie said:
I go with Jesus and let your yes mean yes and your no mean know. Maybe is accurate and truthful if the answer is “maybe.” If you mean “do these pants make my butt look fat” the bible clearly says it is better to keep your mouth shut.
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and that’s no lie … hehe.
 
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