So what's up with the 'If you think it but you don't say it or do it, it's not a sin' philosophy?

Question

Any thoughts on this appreciated.

I asked this question because of some of the responses I saw for one of the questions I answered. A woman was looking for advice on how to be a better Christian: "i have a terrible habit of when people get me mad i dont say anything but i curse them out in my head. its horrible. it mostly "ghetto" people, not black people but ghetto. like the foolish ones, like when the act foolish and sing gay rap songs. i dont mean to offend anybody but it really p!$$3$ me off......BAD!!"

I truly respect someone's desire to change for the better and especially asking for help in doing so - that's commendable.

I suggested she stop judging other people, which earned a thumbs down :) Many (not all) were answering that it didn't matter if you 'cursed them out in your head' as long as you didn't actually curse the person out - that if you thought it but didn't say it or do, it wasn't a sin.
I do must best not to judge others but I was disturbed that some religious folks think it's ok to not 'appear'

to sin. So if the 'sin' wasn't witnessed, it wasn't a sin?

Answer 1

I'm not sure if thinking it (whatever IT is) is a sin. I think it might be. Possibly. For example, I think making racist violence is as much of a sin as thinking about doing it.

Answer 2

What you think shapes who you are. If you think an 'evil' thought but act in a 'good' way aren't you just ACTING good without actually BEING good? If I act like I love you while secretly despising you am I being true to who I really am or am I hiding my true self? Will I truly have your well being in mind or will I secretly try to confound you while not getting caught?

The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.
-Buddha.

As the Fletcher whittles and makes straight his arrows, so the master directs his straying thoughts.
-Buddha.

Answer 3

If you think it, that is not necessarily a sin as bad thoughts can enter the mind unexpectedly. If you say it that could be a sin. If you do it then you most likely sinned. If it is a sin what you are thinking about and you dwell on it too long you will most likely commit it.

Answer 4

I dont know who said " it's not a sin ", but here is the truth of it.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

Jesus said it, Thats "whats up with" it

Answer 5

Because we're human and our thoughts are our private property. I think people should be allowed to think what they like. Trying to make rules about our thoughts - it doesn't make sense to me. God's definition of "sin" is still an unknown as far as I'm concerned. Who are we to think we could know God's will?

Answer 6

It's not scriptural, a sin is a sin in thought word or deed

Answer 7

depends on what your're talking about....you can hate with your heart and not do any physical damage, but this would still be a sin...the thought is the action in this example

Answer 8

Being tempted is not a sin. Giving in to temptation is a sin. Simple.

Answer 9

It depends on what it is. Thoughts sometimes can also be problematic, partially because they get you accostomed to thinking things and will generally lead to doing whatever you thought about because you become desensitized to it.

Answer 10

It is still a sin, but maybe not a social fault.