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Theological Flint: Does “not intending” sin make it not sin?

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JMJ

Dr. Malloy pulls things together pretty well concerning when is an action sinful etc.

Very appropriate for Pachemama-Gate.

Dr. Malloy has graciously given me permission to re-post his article on Tradicat.

P^3

Courtesy of Dr. Malloy - Theological Flint


Does “not intending” sin make it not sin?



 
No. Acts are objectively good or evil in themselves. Acts objectively good in themselves cannot be excused by “lack of intention” or “non-intention” of their evil. An evil intention may make an otherwise good act evil. For instance, to donate money for the sake of one’s reputation is evil. The object of the act is good, but the intention is evil. So, the act is evil. But a good intention does not render an evil object good.

I cannot murder you so as to save someone else, even so as to save a city. Why? Because I first choose the evil itself, to murder you. In doing so, I become an enemy of life and an enemy of God. I am now an enemy of Christ. In such a state, I can in no way intend a good end in a holy manner. Rather, lacking holiness, I move forward easily succumbing to evil thoughts and deeds. This state does not fit with my wanting a good end in a holy manner. As St. Paul says, do not do evil that good may come. God forbid.

So, CAN WE DO THE OBJECTIVELY EVIL ACT OF IDOLATRY AND YET MAKE THE ACT GOOD BY “NOT INTENDING” THE ACT AS IDOLATRY?

Why don’t you bring that question to the old, feeble woman of Maccabees. Could she have just “eaten pork” and not intended disobedience to God? Was that the way she saw it? Good enough?

Nonsense.

Bring it up to the martyrs. Why not just burn a little incense before Caesar? By doing so, you save your life in an evil regime. You get to raise your kids in troubled times. You get to keep your job, etc. Just a little incense. Just don’t “intend” idolatry.

NONSENSE.

What is the purpose of an idol? The purpose of an idol is to be worshipped. And is that act good? No, it is evil. In all cases, evil.

ALL THOSE WHO HEAR THE VOICE OF CHRIST CRY OUT IN ANGUISH AND IN PROTEST AGAINST THE WORSHIP OF IDOLS.
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