Recognizing Hatred Towards Blasphemous Thoughts
Recognizing Hatred Towards Blasphemous Thoughts
The concept of hatred towards blasphemous thoughts is rooted in biblical teachings that condemn evil thinking and speech against God. Proverbs 15:26 states that "thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to Jehovah" [3]. This verse establishes that God detests evil thoughts, setting a precedent for the righteous to hate wickedness.
In the biblical context, blasphemy refers to speaking evil of God or attributing divine works to Satan [1, 2]. Jesus was accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God (Matthew 26:65). The Bible also warns against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, considered an unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32). This sin involves attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Satan, demonstrating a hardened heart against God's redemption.
The Bible teaches that hatred towards wickedness is a characteristic of those who reverence God. Proverbs 8:13 states, "The reverence of Yahweh, is to hate wickedness" [4]. This hatred is not about personal vendetta but rather a righteous detestation of sin. According to John Gill, "evil thoughts are undoubtedly meant, no other can be the object of hatred to a good man; they are such as are contrary to the law of God, and forbidden by it" [5].
The early Church Fathers and Scholastic theologians further developed this concept. Augustine notes that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grave offense, indicating a profound rejection of God's grace [6]. Thomas Aquinas defines blasphemy as "the disparagement of some surpassing goodness, especially that of God" [7]. He also discusses the nature of hatred in relation to love, concluding that love is stronger than hatred because it is directed towards a positive end, whereas hatred is a reaction against evil [9].
In Christian theology, hatred towards blasphemous thoughts is not about fostering a negative emotion but rather about maintaining a righteous stance against sin. Calvin emphasizes the importance of defending one's neighbor and promoting their well-being, which implies a hatred for anything that harms them [8]. The Bible itself teaches that the wicked exhibit hatred towards God and the saints (Romans 1:30; Psalm 25:19).
The recognition of hatred towards blasphemous thoughts is thus deeply connected to the biblical call to reverence God and hate wickedness. It involves a commitment to righteousness and a detestation of sin, reflecting God's own character. As the Psalmist says, "I hate vain thoughts" (Psalm 119:109), indicating a personal commitment to avoiding evil thinking [5].
The historical and theological development of this concept underscores its significance in Christian doctrine. By understanding the biblical roots and theological articulations of hatred towards blasphemous thoughts, one can grasp the importance of maintaining a righteous stance against sin and promoting a life that honors God.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Blasphemy — In the sense of speaking evil of God this word is found in Ps. 74:18; Isa. 52:5; Rom. 2:24; Rev. 13:1, 6; 16:9, 11, 21. It denotes also any kind of calumny, or evil-speaking, or abuse (1 Kings 21:10; Acts 13:45; 18:6, etc.). Our Lord was accused of blasphemy when he claimed to be the Son of God (Matt. 26:65; comp. Matt. 9:3; Mark 2:7). They who deny his Messiahship blaspheme Jesus (Luke 22:65; John 10:36). Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Matt. 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28, 29; Luke 12:10) is regarded by some as a continued and obstinate rejection of the gospel,”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Blasphemy — in its technical English sense, signifies the speaking evil of God and in this sense it is found (Psalms 74:18; Isaiah 52:5; Romans 2:24) etc. But according to its derivation it may mean any species of calumny and abuse: see (1 Kings 21:10; Acts 18:6; Jude 1:9) etc. Blasphemy was punished by stoning, which was inflicted on the son of Shelomith. (Leviticus 24:11) On this charge both our Lord and St. Stephen were condemned to death by the Jews. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, (Matthew 12:32; Mark 3:28) consisted in attributing to the power of Satan tho”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 15:26 (YLT) — An abomination to Jehovah <FI>are<Fi> thoughts of wickedness, And pure <FI>are<Fi> sayings of pleasantness.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 8:13 (Rotherham) — The reverence of Yahweh, is to hate wickedness: pride, arrogance, and the way of wickedness; And a mouth of perverse things, do I hate.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:109: SAMECH.--The Fifteenth Part. SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts,.... Or thoughts: evil thoughts are undoubtedly meant, no other can be the object of hatred to a good man; they are such as are contrary to the law of God, and forbidden by it, mentioned in the next clause as the object of love, in opposition to these; and which are abominable to God, and defiling to men; should be forsaken, need pardon; and, if not pardoned, will be brought into judgment, and there exposed, and men punished for them. There are multitudes of these rise up in the minds of men, not only bad ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST." (part 11): shall be held guilty of an eternal offence."(2) In Luke it is thus: "And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven."(3) Is there any departure from the truth of the same proposition because of some diversity in the expression? For indeed there is no other reason why the Evangelists do not relate the same things in the same way, but that we may learn thereby to prefer things to words, not words ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of the Sin of Blasphemy, in General, Art. 1: Article: Whether blasphemy is opposed to the confession of faith? I answer that, The word blasphemy seems to denote the disparagement of some surpassing goodness, especially that of God. Now God, as Dionysius says (Div. Nom. i), is the very essence of true goodness. Hence whatever befits God, pertains to His goodness, and whatever does not befit Him, is far removed from the perfection of goodness which is His Essence. Consequently whoever either denies anything befitting G”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 44: race by a kind of unity, the safety of all ought to be considered as entrusted to each. In general, therefore, all violence and injustice, and every kind of harm from which our neighbour’s body suffers, is prohibited. Accordingly, we are required faithfully to do what in us lies to defend the life of our neighbour; to promote whatever tends to his tranquillity, to be vigilant in warding off harm, and, when danger comes, to assist in removing it. Remembering that the Divine Lawgiver thus speaks, consider, moreover, that he requires ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part (Prima Secundae), Of Hatred, Art. 3: Article: Whether hatred is stronger than love? I answer that, It is impossible for an effect to be stronger than its cause. Now every hatred arises from some love as its cause, as above stated (Article [2]). Therefore it is impossible for hatred to be stronger than love absolutely. But furthermore, love must needs be, absolutely speaking, stronger than hatred. Because a thing is moved to the end more strongly than to the means. Now turning away from evil is directed as a means to the gaining of good. ”