St. Thomas on which is worse: Heresy or Schism

Whitehall ^ | 5/07/2006 | Father WB

[sionnsar]

On the contrary, That which results from an addition to something else surpasses that thing either in good or in evil. Now heresy results from something being added to schism, for it adds corrupt doctrine, as Jerome declares in the passage quoted above (1, ad 3). Therefore schism is a less grievous sin than unbelief.

I answer that, The gravity of a sin can be considered in two ways: first, according to the species of that sin, secondly, according to its circumstances. And since particular circumstances are infinite in number, so too they can be varied in an infinite number of ways: wherefore if one were to ask in general which of two sins is the graver, the question must be understood to refer to the gravity derived from the sin’s genus. Now the genus or species of a sin is taken from its object, as shown above (I-II, 72, 1; I-II, 73, 3). Wherefore the sin which is opposed to the greater good is, in respect of its genus, more grievous, for instance a sin committed against God is graver than a sin committed against one’s neighbor.

Now it is evident that unbelief is a sin committed against God Himself, according as He is Himself the First Truth, on which faith is founded; whereas schism is opposed to ecclesiastical unity, which is a participated good, and a lesser good than God Himself. Wherefore it is
manifest that the sin of unbelief is generically more grievous than the sin of schism, although it may happen that a particular schismatic sins more grievously than a particular unbeliever, either because his contempt is greater, or because his sin is a source of greater danger, or for some similar reason.

Read the whole thing here.  First at T19.

[sionnsar]

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Speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

[wagglebee]

Now heresy results from something being added to schism, for it adds corrupt doctrine, as Jerome declares in the passage quoted above (1, ad 3). Therefore schism is a less grievous sin than unbelief.

Although the impending schism that the Anglican Communion is facing will actually be a result of a reaction to clerical approval of heresy. So, in this case, the schism will actually be scripturally valid (just MHO).

[Matchett-PI]

Truth divides.

[bremenboy]

"Wherefore the sin which is opposed to the greater good is, in respect of its genus, more grievous, for instance a sin committed against God is graver than a sin committed against one’s neighbor."

Please name one sin that is committed against one's neighbor that is not a sin that is committed against God. please conceder the following

Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

the sin of schism is against God. schism is when you take a knife and cut up the Body of Christ.

[Matchett-PI]

"..schism is when you take a knife and cut up the Body of Christ."

The true Body of Christ is the invisible Church (the regenerate - individuals in whom the Holy Spirit dwells). These individuals (not a "church organization") comprise the Bride of Christ. It isn't possible for them to be divided.

Since the visible Church is composed of a mixture of the regenerate sheep (light/truth) and the un-regenerate goats (darkness), the schism is already there. Truth, itself, divides.

[bremenboy]

The true Body of Christ is the invisible Church (the regenerate - individuals in whom the Holy Spirit dwells). These individuals (not a "church organization") comprise the Bride of Christ. It isn't possible for them to be divided.

In one sense I would agree that all who remain in the truth are the true body which cannot be divided. The word teaches there is one body.

However There are those who will teach false doctrine and cause themselves and others to divide from the body. in this sense the one or ones who teach false doctrine are taking a knife to the Body of Christ

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Tit 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Tit 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.