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| Would a white lie stain a white knight's armor? |
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Many can agree that lying is bad. No one likes to be deliberately misled or have one's trust come into question. But what happens when a lie is told to better a situation in the long run? What if lying could save a life or keep the innocent from suffering? (Think superheroes, who keep their identities a secret, even if it means lying, to protect not only their personal lives but especially their loved ones from the danger of becoming a villain's targets.)
Some call this the "white lie", a lie that is supposedly minor, harmless, or possibly beneficial for the greater good.
But is it okay to lie for a good cause?
Some call this the "white lie", a lie that is supposedly minor, harmless, or possibly beneficial for the greater good.
But is it okay to lie for a good cause?
The first moment that comes to mind when I think of this topic is in Joshua 2, when Rahab lied about the whereabouts of the spies that Joshua sent, in order to keep them hidden and protect them on their mission. Because of what Rahab did, the men were able to report back to Joshua and allow them to claim victory. Rahab and her family were also spared as promised.
Surely God always looks at the heart. He is able to use and turn around any situation for good, even negative ones, according to His will. This, however, is not the same as "the end justifies the means", the mentality of allowing anything wrong to happen in order to achieve the desired results.
In this broken world, the answer may not be so straightforward. Bear in mind that this is not about endorsing wrongdoing but rather to think about the difficult choices in complex situations.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Is the white lie considered good? Is it okay to lie for a good cause?
Is it necessarily wrong to lie or withhold information if it means protection from long term danger?
Have you ever told a lie to protect or spare someone?
If it meant protecting your loved ones or the church from persecution or capital punishment (let's say, a corrupt or oppressive government), would you lie? About their whereabouts? About your/their identity?
What would you say or do if a corrupt/oppressive government was punishing those of the same faith/beliefs as you?
Is the white lie considered good? Is it okay to lie for a good cause?
Is it necessarily wrong to lie or withhold information if it means protection from long term danger?
Have you ever told a lie to protect or spare someone?
If it meant protecting your loved ones or the church from persecution or capital punishment (let's say, a corrupt or oppressive government), would you lie? About their whereabouts? About your/their identity?
What would you say or do if a corrupt/oppressive government was punishing those of the same faith/beliefs as you?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding lying or persecution. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding lying or persecution. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Cover image courtesy of Mike.
(Written on November 03, 2019.)
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I would say that a white lie in the context written above would be fine. As stated, God knows what is in your heart. If you say a "white lie" in order to save a life or prevent corruption, then I say do it. However, if it is for your own selfish reasons, then you are in the wrong.
ReplyDeleteWell that is a can of worms lol. Understanding the internet of scripture when it comes to what lying actually is can be very helpful. For instance, thou shalt not lie is not really a commandment. Thou shalt not bear false witness is the command and that is quite a different thing. It is in the context of a legal witness in court. God told Moses to tell pharoah a lie. Hiding Jews from Nazis was lying yet good.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the intent of the lie. Is it expedience, self benefit or actually intended to save a life?
To say lying is ok is irresponsible but to say it is never ok to lie would also be irresponsible
I have had this conversation with a well known theolgian after preaching a message where lying came up.
If I lie to benefit me, its probably a sin. If I lie to protect someone from real danger then it is case by case.
Good post and topic, as always!