[Salvation]

Should be a great discussion.

[cornelis]

Does greed require envy?

[LibKill]

Erm. Is it envy if you wish you had as much as someone else has? Without taking anything from them?

Let's say my best friend "Mike" has all kinds of good stuff in life.

Is it envy if I think "More Power to Mike, I wish I was like him!"?

[Kolokotronis]

From "The Paradise of the Holy Fathers"

"BROTHER: What is envy?

ABBA: Hatred toward the virtues of other folk, and wickedness towards the good, and a bitter mind towards the innocent, and anger against those who are prosperous in this world, and the cloaking of the upright conduct of those who repent, and vexation with the peace of the lovers of God."

[cornelis]

What is the most common form of envy in today's society?

[SolomoninSouthDakota]

A few years back I read a sociological book (I think it was just titled "Envy") on envy in cultures. Parts I skipped since it was sometimes dry but it was mostly very interesting and eye opening. I recall reading some primitive cultures will not bring back their quarry (is that the right word?) in view of other hunters. To do so would violate their ethics since it might instill envy. There were many other fascinating stories of envy or the way in which cultures evolve to limit envy.

It changed my perception quite a bit since there is a whole lot more envy out there than most people see.

[GOP Poet]

I am so-o happy you posted this. I literally just read this on another site and wondered what fellow Freepers would say. Thank you for posting this.

It really gave me a lot to chew on and to reflect on in both myself and in those around me. Envy is so pervasive.

One thing that struck me is how older folks can envy young children and even then they take them down and the child thinks it is their problem and extinquish this quality that threatens others, when usually it is a God given strength/trait. I think this happens a lot even in well meaning people and in Christian families.

[LibKill]

OK.

I'm a little over my head here, intellectually.

Still, this thread has made me revalue my life.

I find it good.

I am grateful for all that I have. That includes YOU, and Free Republic.

Thanks, FRiends.

[franky]

In a survey on the 7 Capital Sins Envy was listed as number 5. www.whitestonejournal.com/seven/

Of the seven deadly sins, this ONE is my biggest failing:
Lust 35%
Anger 18%
Pride 12%
Sloth 10%
Envy 10%
Gluttony 9%
Greed 6%

The sin of envy is offset by love as indicated by St. Paul:

"Love is patient, love is kind…"

Love actively seeks the good of others for their sake. Envy resents the good others receive or even might receive. Envy is almost indistinguishable from pride at times.

The real question is, does the sinner know that he/she is committing a sin and must confess it? With the lack of people seeking confession, it would seem the 7 Capital Sins do not exist.

[reductio]

I wish I had written that article. Why can't that article be my article?

[Cookie123]

Envy can have some positive aspects to it as well. When I realize that I am envious about something that another has I don’t, I can either wallow in my anger and resentment about that, or I can resolve to amend my own behavior so as to achieve the thing desired. Sometimes I don’t reach that second stage until I’ve “wallowed around” in the first for awhile. Long enough to realize the pointlessness of it. Another outcome is the realization that perhaps I don’t NEED whatever it is it in the first place. In that respect acknowledged envy, dealt with in a healthy way (and with a hefty dose of God’s grace), can lead to a maturation of my values. Seems to me that UNacknowledged envy is the problem.