The Catholic Defender Love God Hate Sin
- May 16
- 1 min read
While the exact phrase "Love the sinner, hate the sin" is traditionally attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo based on his writings in the early 5th century. The sentiment originates from Augustine’s Letter 211 (c. 424 AD), which he wrote to a community of nuns. The original Latin phrase is "With love for mankind and hatred of sins". ("Cum dilectione hominum et odio vitiorum")
Psalm 97:10: This scripture explicitly commands those who love the Lord to "hate evil".
Proverbs 6:16-19: Lists specific behaviors God detests, including pride, lying, and stirring up conflict.
Greatest Commandment: Jesus taught to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, which many theologians argue makes loving sin impossible as they are in direct opposition.
Abstain and Avoid: Many traditions emphasize staying away from even the appearance of evil to avoid temptation.
Actively Choose Good: Rejection is often paired with an active pursuit of the opposite. For example, "Detest what is evil; cling to what is good" suggests that simply being neutral isn't enough.
Discernment: Rejecting evil requires the ability to distinguish between what is true and what is a "bitter lie" or a deceptive influence.
Spiritual Authority: The Catholic Faith requires the rejecting of evil that involves "renouncing" spiritual forces or negative influences by relying on a higher power or divine word.
Examine Intentions: Look within to see if personal desires are trumping love, peace, or justice.
Test Everything: Before accepting a "report" or an idea, test it against established truths or moral values.
Conquer with Goodness: Instead of retaliating with more evil, respond with mercy, gentleness, and "doing good".
Comments