Lying in the Bible

[Peter_Dawson]

Apparently, lots of people throughout history have made their own analysis and formed their own opinions. This is why when one is interested in Catholic teaching on a particular matter, the Catechism of the Catholic Church should be consulted. Chapter Two: “I Believe in Jesus Christ” is a good place to start. Following the cross references in the margin adds to one’s knowledge. Obviously, one always checks the footnotes for Scripture references.

Here’s the link. Enjoy!

Hi, Granny.

I you are correct, then why talk? The threads here should all look like this…

PROPONENT: " "

OPPONENT: " "

PROPONENT: Well, okay. But I think that this is the better approach: " "

What good is that? What is your contribution?

Why not just post a single, grand post in the website?: Everybody, from now on just assume that my answer to all posts is as follows…


Do you follow me, Granny?

If your contribution is in effect going to be, “What that book says,” at least do the work of pointing out the relevant paragraphs.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Of course God understands our hearts. However, our destiny after death depends on our free choice as to which rules we follow or don’t follow.

Here’s a handy link – www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

Thanks, but I prefer the Sermon on the Mount.

 

[praise_Jesus_1]

It looks like no one is continuing this thread but I found may of the posts thought provoking.

I do have one question that I would like some comment on. When we look at the two most important commandments Jesus gave us:

1. Love the lord your God with all your heart soul and mind
2. Love your neighbour as yourself.

We also have the commandment to not bear false witness against our neighbour (or to lie).

Obeying the first of Jesus’ commandments would require us to obey all of God’s commandments including not lying.
Now obeying the 2nd commandment might in fact cause a dilemma in the Nazi example.

If we were the family hiding in the attic, how would we want the person hiding us to respond to the Nazi’s questions?

And what about the commandment against killing? Surely the owners of the house would not be responsible for the death of those they are trying to protect, but by either stating outright they are hiding Jews, or by not responding to the question they are pretty much asking for their house to be searched. Would this action in any way have facilitated the subsequent killings?

I find this scenario troubling, because it has happened in reality. It’s obvious that lying is a moral wrong. When God says “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour”, I myself would have a hard time viewing the Nazi as my neighbour.

This whole discussion does make me think of Jesus picking corn on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28).

This link might also help shed some light on the situation:
catholic.com/thisrock/2008/0809fea3.asp

 

[CHRISTINE77]

It looks like no one is continuing this thread but I found may of the posts thought provoking.

I do have one question that I would like some comment on. When we look at the two most important commandments Jesus gave us:

1. Love the lord your God with all your heart soul and mind
2. Love your neighbour as yourself.

We also have the commandment to not bear false witness against our neighbour (or to lie).

Obeying the first of Jesus’ commandments would require us to obey all of God’s commandments including not lying.
Now obeying the 2nd commandment might in fact cause a dilemma in the Nazi example.

If we were the family hiding in the attic, how would we want the person hiding us to respond to the Nazi’s questions?

And what about the commandment against killing? Surely the owners of the house would not be responsible for the death of those they are trying to protect, but by either stating outright they are hiding Jews, or by not responding to the question they are pretty much asking for their house to be searched. Would this action in any way have facilitated the subsequent killings?

I find this scenario troubling, because it has happened in reality. It’s obvious that lying is a moral wrong. When God says “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour”, I myself would have a hard time viewing the Nazi as my neighbour.

This whole discussion does make me think of Jesus picking corn on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28).

This link might also help shed some light on the situation:
catholic.com/thisrock/2008/0809fea3.asp

Thanks, very interesting.

Taking Peter’s scenerio one step further: suppose it was your own child that the thugs wanted to kill? Would you tell them where you were hiding your own child?

 

[SHW]

Since the actual command is “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,” I think this means that you are not to speak/write/etc. falsehoods about your neighbor; especially falsehoods that will harm him. Exodus 20:16

I do not think that saying “That dress looks good on you,” is really a lie. Or "What a beautiful baby! Beauty is subjective.

However, lying to the leaders of the Church who are actually the representatives for God/Holy Spirit on earth is forbidden and even punishable by death.

Acts 5:1-10
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.