is the thought as evil as the action?

[michel]

I have always believed that the thought of an evil deed is just as evil as the commission of the deed. How do theists think on that one?

 

[Druidus]

Definately not. My thoughts are mine and mine alone. My imagination is mine and mine alone. Many a time I have imagined I was the character in a book, who often has to kill people, thusly, have I killed people? Likewise with video games. Our imagination is a tool to let loose things that would be evil in real life. It gets rid of tension, and stress. Therefore, a thought is not the same as an action, at least in my humble opinion.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

I'm not a theist, but I'd have to agree with Druidus. An evil thought (or idea) is NEVER as bad as the act itself - at least, not that I can think of.


TVOR

 

[fromthe heart]

I have always believed that the thought of an evil deed is just as evil as the commission of the deed. How do theists think on that one?

I think somewhere in the Bible it does say something to that effect. I personally feel the thought of something can lead to the deed so perhaps it's not AS bad but it speaks of just who you are all about.

 

[jewscout]

I believe you can think anything you like....it's your actions which will what is most telling about you.

 

[cardero]

I have seen evil incarnate and the wanton destruction caused from it by some of the most powerful super villians in the universe displayed in the full color capacity of comics and I have witnessed the horror and suffering and mayhem that only movies can replicate and I believe we haven't even come close to realizing our full potential of realistically reenating our evils......

Which by the way is a positive thing.

 

[Scott1]

In contrast to the object, the intention resides in the acting subject. Because it lies at the voluntary source of an action and determines it by its end, intention is an element essential to the moral evaluation of an action. The end is the first goal of the intention and indicates the purpose pursued in the action. The intention is a movement of the will toward the end: it is concerned with the goal of the activity. It aims at the good anticipated from the action undertaken. Intention is not limited to directing individual actions, but can guide several actions toward one and the same purpose; it can orient one's whole life toward its ultimate end. For example, a service done with the end of helping one's neighbor can at the same time be inspired by the love of God as the ultimate end of all our actions. One and the same action can also be inspired by several intentions, such as performing a service in order to obtain a favor or to boast about it.

Full teaching here.

 

[SoulTYPE]

MICH I told you that on MSN that thinking of it wasn't as bad as doing it I agree with Druidus.