Somewhat silly question
But i saw The Simpsons
In this case. what would the Catholic Church answer if someone made this type of request?
Interesting question.
I belive that althoug lying is bad, it is better to beak a promise than actually so something wrong.
Imagine two possibilities:
Promise something bad, and because of that sin, or promise somwthign bad, and don’t make it because it is bad.
In the first case, promessing something bad, shows the intend of doing something bad, witch is not that bad, but is already wrong. If u do the bad thing, you will be commiting a sin knowing what u are doing, and acting wrong to make something true, is bad. In fact, it is worse than promissing do something bad, and changing your mind because u realised that that is bad. Yes, it isn’t correct to lie, but in this case, you only did it, as a consequence of actively trying not to sin, so i think it is the best opition.
(sorry for bad spelling/grammar)
I think that Igbazano’s answer is correct. In the Bible, Jephthah (Judges 11) vowed to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house, and it was his daughter. I would say that his vow was wrong and he should have repented of it rather than kill his daughter. Also, in the Gospel, Herod swore he would do anything to reward Salome for her dance. His promise was wrong, but the reward, killing John the Baptist, was worse, and I think that he should have repented of his promise.
2 Likes
There is a comedian that often says, “I may be wrong, but I’m not lying.” What he means by this is that, he may get some of the facts wrong, but he is not intentionally misrepresenting them. What is important is what principles are derived from what is said.
My Grandpa was story teller. He would often talk about his life growing up. And when it got to the part of the story where there is a lesson to be had, he would change the story to more align with what he wishes he would have done. My Grandma would yell in from the Kitchen, “That’s not how it happened Richard!” He would give her a look, and then continue telling the story. He was trying to teach us a life lesson, even though it might not be one hundred percent accurate of what had happened. I think this too could fall under that category of, “I might be wrong, but I’m not lying” (even though he is lying, but it is not to manipulate in a negative way or take advantage of anyone).
Then there are individuals who cannot help, but lie. It is compulsive. Why individuals do this is debated among psychologists. For some it might be to make themselves appear greater than they are, but, I do not really know if that is impulsive or compulsive. If anyone wants to explore the differences between the two, I am interested in learning : )
I wonder if thats the reason why Jesus refuses to speak to Herod? Because he killed John the Baptist.
Maybe thats what “Dont throw pearls to swine” means in the bible too? If one acts in a dishonorable way.
The essential criterion is whether or not our heartfelt intention is to be pleasing to God. For everything we do in this world, there is some less auspicious side effect. Even breathing air, or drinking water can cause the death of countless microscopic living entities. Driving a car to take someone to the hospital pollutes the air we breath. But if in our heart we sincerely want to please God, that makes our efforts perfect. Whereas if we keep all the laws of the scriptures, but fail to cultivate love for God through these activities, …this is what Jesus means when he says, “Not by good works alone…”. Because love is God is the highest of all things “good”. Everything else is love of Mammon. Gradually we have to cultivate this faith. The scribes asked Jesus, "What is the most important rule, the most important law. And Jesus said, “Love the Lord with all of thy heart, all of thy strength.”