These passages help to illustrate...
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These passages help to illustrate the fact that we cannot simply quote a Bible passage to solve our moral dilemmas. The Bible often presents us with opposite truths. Here the point is made that it is our inner intentions that count. What we intend in our heart is more important than simply following external, formal traditions. The spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law.
But Saint Paul, in his writings, also notes the truth that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. "The good that I would, I do not; and the evil that I would not, that I do." It is what we actually do that counts, not our intentions.
The dichotomy here is like the one between heredity and environment, pictured in the song, "Gee Officer Krupke," from the musical West Side Story. One side argues that these kids are basically bad deep down on the inside, and that's why they are juvenile delinquents. The other side argues that these kids are basically good, but their poor (external) environment is what has made them bad. There is truth on both sides. We are influenced by both "internals" and "externals."
But here the emphasis is on what comes from the inside. Modern psychology echoes the theme. If we have a poor self-image, low self-esteem, we are likely to act in negative and antisocial ways. When a person's inner self-image is improved, then external actions will improve.
But Saint Paul, in his writings, also notes the truth that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. "The good that I would, I do not; and the evil that I would not, that I do." It is what we actually do that counts, not our intentions.
The dichotomy here is like the one between heredity and environment, pictured in the song, "Gee Officer Krupke," from the musical West Side Story. One side argues that these kids are basically bad deep down on the inside, and that's why they are juvenile delinquents. The other side argues that these kids are basically good, but their poor (external) environment is what has made them bad. There is truth on both sides. We are influenced by both "internals" and "externals."
But here the emphasis is on what comes from the inside. Modern psychology echoes the theme. If we have a poor self-image, low self-esteem, we are likely to act in negative and antisocial ways. When a person's inner self-image is improved, then external actions will improve.
