Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

A recent inquiry posed to the Register questioned whether lying is considered a sin, particularly in light of biblical narratives that depict characters like Judith who use deception for a greater good. The response delves into the teachings and interpretations from Christian theology to address this moral dilemma.

The teachings assert that "lying is the most direct offense against the truth" and cite Psalms, which states that the Lord "destroys those who speak lies." This foundational view raises questions when contrasted with biblical stories where lying appears to serve a positive outcome.

In the Book of Judith, the protagonist deceives Holofernes, an ally of King Nebuchadnezzar, to save her people from destruction. Similar moral issues arise in other biblical accounts such as those involving Hebrew midwives and Rahab's deception. This prompts the question: if biblical figures lie, does it imply that their ends justify their means?

The discussion references two prominent theologians, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, for insight. St. Augustine argues that no lie is justifiable and suggests that examples from Scripture are either misunderstood or not meant to be emulated because they lack justice. He emphasizes that God rewarded figures like Rahab not for their lies but for their merciful actions towards God's people.

St. Thomas Aquinas echoes this sentiment by stating that scriptural praise focuses on virtuous intentions rather than deceitful acts. Regarding Judith, Aquinas notes she is commended not for her deception but for her bravery in risking herself to save her community.

Ultimately, it concludes that lying remains a sin as it opposes Truth personified in Jesus Christ. While Judith's actions included an offense through lying, her devotion and heroism were divinely acknowledged. The Bible presents human behavior in its entirety—good and bad—and highlights purity of intention despite illicit methods.

This exploration leads to two convictions: firstly, ends should never justify means; secondly, maintaining purity in actions and intentions is crucial while holding onto hope for divine mercy when falling short since "love covers a multitude of sins."