 |
|
Q&A Home > F > Faith > Faith and Civil Law There is 1 question in this category.
- I do have question regarding the intersection between faith and civil law. I once read a passage from "The Sayings of the Desert Fathers" that appears to condone lying to civil authorities in order to protect a wanted criminal. Perhaps I am misunderstanding it altogether. However, in my very limited understanding, I believe that any form of lying is impermissible, even if an apparent benefit comes out of it (Romans 3:7-8). I have also heard you discuss Rahab as a case study to demonstrate that lying is never justified. St. Augustine also holds a similar position. So how is it that Abba Alonius seems to say otherwise?
Excerpt:
"One day Abba Agathon questioned Abba Alonius saying, 'How can I control my tongue so as to tell no more lies?' And Abba Alonius said to him, 'If you do not lie, you prepare many sins for yourself.' 'How is that?' said he. The old man said to him, 'Suppose two men have committed a murder before your eyes and one of them fled to your cell. The magistrate, seeking him, asks you, "Have you seen the murder?" If you do not lie, you will deliver that man to death. It is better for you to abandon him unconditionally to God, for he knows all things.'"
| |
|
|
