I've had the mindset that lying FOR people is OK.

"Do not bear false witness against your neighbor" It's a Commandment not to lie and get someone in trouble, but what about lying to keep them safe?

Like, imagine that your friend left his home and told you he was going to visit his sick brother. What if people came into your house and interrogated you about his location? What if they had guns? What if they were with the government, or any government?

I've always gone by the philosophy that it's the thought that counts. If you do something to the favor of someone else, then you're being good. If you do it against someone else, or against God, then you're sinning. That pretty much covers everything.

So if I lie to protect someone, I guess it depends. Depends on who's looking for him, and why. If you lie to the justice system and get in the way, then that's not cool.

But only if you're doing it willingly and on purpose. If you do it in ignorance...I don't know. Maybe. Ignorance isn't always a good excuse.

It all depends.

If the government is looking for someone and you lie to them, it could be good or bad. On the one hand, this person could be secretly plotting to kill a bunch of people. On the other hand, the government could be trying to weed out people against it.

It's hard to know what to do.
» randomjunk on 2007-11-23 05:47:44

if you willingly and knowingly lie to the government and you get caught, you could get in serious trouble. if you ignorantly lie or you're unsure of the truth, the amount of trouble is either gone or dampered some. so yeah, lying is either good or bad. it all depends on the situation
» LostSoul13 on 2007-11-23 10:23:55

Hrm... I've actually thought a lot about this. I would tell them that I knew and I wasn't telling and have them shoot me. Bleh, not much fun, but I think it's the right thing to do. I just don't feel like I can be the judge of what knowledge is going to do, how powerful it's going to be and which way its going to swing things. That is why that question is such a tough question: if it //looks// like a lie will do a good thing, should I lie?

I did learn something new, though. I always thought the bible said "Thou shalt not lie" in black and white, but looking back on it, your right! It says, "though shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor". Thought provoking post.
» jinyu on 2007-11-24 08:20:17

you stole my entry title
But it's ok, neighbor. ('-^)=b It is the thought that counts. Between you 'n me, that's erfectly ok, but who knows if it'll hold up in court. We always act as the situation calls us to, but how that is seen later is depended on others. *shrug* I've always hated that. Particularly because we have no control over it whatsoever.

Nice one, Stevie.
» Silver-dot- on 2007-11-24 10:38:40

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