The concept of Deceit in Christianity
Deceit in Gnosticism, the Catholic Church, and Early Christianity refers to the act of misleading others through falsehoods, which can hinder spiritual progress and lead individuals astray. Gnosticism views deceit as arising from a deeper mystery, while the Catholic Church associates it with insincerity during sacraments like Baptism. Early Christianity connects deceit to actions of shamelessness and demonic influences, highlighting its destructive nature and its role in obscuring truth and understanding, ultimately leading towards spiritual ruin and the way of death.
Synonyms: Deception, Fraud, Trickery, Duplicity, Dishonesty, Cunning, Trick, Subterfuge, Guile, Betrayal, Misrepresentation, Falsehood
In Malay: Tipu; In Swedish: Svek; In Dutch: Bedrog; In Finnish: Petos; In Spanish: ·¡²Ô²µ²¹Ã±´Ç; In German: Betrug; In French: Tromperie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Deceit'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) These are actions that are unclear to individuals who lack understanding of the truth, and these actions are associated with the actions of the demons, which are often misinterpreted.[1] (2) This represents the falsehoods and trickery of the world, which will be condemned by those who have achieved a deeper understanding and live truly.[2] (3) A destructive element of the way of darkness that is among the things that destroy the soul and lead to ruin.[3] (4) This is a factor that can lead to ruin, and it is associated with the angel of luxury. It is something that people can be deceived by, and it is linked to the time of luxury and torture.[4] (5) Hermes implanted words of fraud and this in their minds, and thievish habits, for the purpose of leading foolish men astray, according to the text, which is a reference to the Greek language.[5]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This is a component of flattery, where someone says one thing and thinks another, making it a viler sin compared to quarreling, according to the text.[6] (2) A term used to describe those who lack sincerity when approaching Baptism, causing the effect of the sacrament to be hindered.[7]
Gnostic concept of 'Deceit'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) The deceit is a concept, and the knowledge of why it has arisen is known by the mystery, along with why knavery hath arisen.[8]