Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Steven Carr · 11-05-2006, 02:56 AM

Where did that doctrine come from?

Deuteronomy 25:16 For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

Surely the LORD God should love anybody who does these things, while detesting the things that they do?

hatsoff · 11-05-2006, 05:39 AM

It's not a doctrine, but a mantra used to remind Christians they are to love everyone, even though they are a sinner. God does hate certain people, according to the Bible (as you have seen), but Christians are to show love to all. "Hate the sin, love the sinner" is an easy-to-remember reminder to that effect. Of course, as a result of its popularity, some mistake it for an actual Biblical doctrine, and come to misuse it.

Gawen · 11-05-2006, 05:49 AM

It has been attributed to Ghandi

http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/36366.html

Toto · 11-05-2006, 06:24 PM

Some bloggers comments that come up on google:

Hate the sin

Quote:

Ever since I read Ralph Reed saying we should hate the sin, but love the sinner, I wondered where the words came from. . . .

Well, it turns out it's from St. Augustine's City of God, specifically:

.... the man who lives by God's standards, and not by man's, must needs be a lover of the good, and it follows that he must hate what is evil. Further, since no one is evil by nature, but anyone who is evil is evil because of a perversion of nature, the man who lives by God's standards has a duty of 'perfect hatred’ [Ps. 139, 22], towards those who are evil; that is to say, he should not hate the person because of the fault, nor should he love the fault because of the person. He should hate the fault, but love the man. And when the fault has been cured there will remain only what he ought to love, nothing that he should hate.

Thinklings also attributes this phase to Augustine:

Quote:

The sentiment is usually attributed to St. Augustine, who said, ‘Cum dilectione hominum et odio vitiorum,’ or ‘With love for mankind and hatred of sins.’ It is often loosely translated as: ‘Love the sinner and hate the sin,’

Hate the phrase

Quote:

What is wrong with “Love the sinner”?
The second half of the phrase is acceptable. There are many scriptures that tell us or show us how to love everyone, which would include the sinner. Two of my favorites are 1 John 4 and John 8:3-11. (Readers are encouraged to list their favorite related scriptures.)

What is wrong with “Hate the sin”?
The first half of the phrase is also acceptable. Once again, we can find many scriptures that instruct us to hate, loathe, abhor, and avoid sin. Here is a list that I think is nearly comprehensive; please add to it if you can:

Psalms 45:7; 97:10
Proverbs 8:13; 13:5
Ecclesiastes 3:8
Amos 5:15
Revelations 2:6
Romans 12:9
2 Nephi 4:31
Alma 13:12; 37:29, 32

I’ll quote that last one here:

32 And now, my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto you; trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity (emphasis added)

Though there are not as many verses that support the first half of the phrase as there are that support the second half, I consider both halves to be well-supported.

(But he objects to joining the the two together).

The phrase is wrong - God does hate sinners

Christians are too nice

Quote:

The Bible does not say, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." Rather, it says God hates "all who do iniquity" (Psalm 5:5). "The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit" (Psalm 5:6). Also "the one who loves violence His soul hates" (Psalm 11:5).

There are six things "the Lord hates," including "a heart that devises wicked plans, ... a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19). And God reminds us "Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of My house! I will love them no more" (Hosea 9:15). As Moses wrote of God, "Yet if in spite of this you do not obey Me ... My soul shall abhor you" (Leviticus 26:27-30).

Boro Nut · 11-06-2006, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gawen

It has been attributed to Ghandi

That's Mahatma to you, or Mat to his political acquaintances. To those of us lucky enough to have been close personal friends he will always be Goosey Goosey.

Boro Nut

Clivedurdle · 11-06-2006, 01:39 PM

But what is his first name?

11-05-2006, 02:56 AM	#1
Steven Carr Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: England Posts: 5,629	Hate the sin, love the sinner. Where did that doctrine come from? Deuteronomy 25:16 For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly. Surely the LORD God should love anybody who does these things, while detesting the things that they do?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

11-05-2006, 05:39 AM	#2
hatsoff Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 740	It's not a doctrine, but a mantra used to remind Christians they are to love everyone, even though they are a sinner. God does hate certain people, according to the Bible (as you have seen), but Christians are to show love to all. "Hate the sin, love the sinner" is an easy-to-remember reminder to that effect. Of course, as a result of its popularity, some mistake it for an actual Biblical doctrine, and come to misuse it.

11-05-2006, 05:49 AM	#3
Gawen Contributor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cylon Occupied Texas, but a Michigander @ heart Posts: 10,326	It has been attributed to Ghandi http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/36366.html

11-06-2006, 01:39 PM	#6
Clivedurdle Contributor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 16,024	But what is his first name?

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.