Why isn't Violence one of the 7 sins in Christianity?

As one of the world's largest religions, Christianity is often associated with a set of seven deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. However, one notable absence from this list is violence.

Many people wonder why violence isn't considered a deadly sin in Christianity, given its destructive nature and the harm it can cause to individuals and society as a whole. The answer lies in the fact that violence is often seen as a means to an end rather than an inherent evil in and of itself.

In the Bible, there are numerous instances of violence being used for what is perceived as a just cause. For example, in the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to engage in violent conflict with neighboring tribes who are seen as a threat. In the New Testament, Jesus himself overturns the tables of the money changers in the temple, an act of physical aggression that is seen as a righteous expression of outrage.

Moreover, Christianity emphasizes forgiveness and redemption as key tenets of the faith. Even those who have committed violent acts can be forgiven and redeemed through repentance and faith. This is in contrast to the seven deadly sins, which are seen as inherently sinful and difficult to overcome.

It is also important to note that Christianity is not the only religion or philosophy that does not consider violence a deadly sin. Many other belief systems, including Buddhism and Taoism, emphasize non-violence but do not necessarily classify it as a sin.

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Jamie Larson
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