The ostensibly uplifting nature of the Christian doctrine of sin is something that perhaps has no parallel in other religions. It strikes at the heart of man and shows him the right way to compensate for his weaknesses, so that, knowing it, only the incurable arrogant and those who have not understood it can remain indifferent. The Satanist may reject it, and even dismantle it with arguments; but despite the firmness and indignation of his words, if he has the slightest bit of honesty left to look at himself and judge himself in the innermost recesses of his conscience, he will know that it speaks of no other man but himself, and the path it points to, despite the difficulty, is certainly the path to redemption.
Category: Notes
Life Seems to Have a Mechanics Which…
Life seems to have a mechanics which, at least for he who does not lie to himself in the depths of his conscience, repeatedly shuts down his pride and reveals his smallness. And if this seems to be a constant, the reactions vary drastically: some grow stronger, more aware and humbler, sprinkling their will with a salutary modesty; others, unfortunately, fall into an invincible, destructive and paralyzing disgust. This is perhaps why St. Augustine says that pride is the root of all weaknesses, because pride, if it does not give in to the reality imposed by life, in itself only produces destruction.
A True Vocation Solidifies More Easily When…
A true vocation solidifies more easily when it does not have a favorable environment. When there are no incentives or, otherwise, when one loses out in exercising it, everything becomes much clearer, and a kind of strength springs from the realization that it is necessary to assume oneself and shameful to deny what one is. Those who carry on without a teacher, a friend, a social or professional environment to encourage them, without a push or even a favorable opinion, wake up one day and realize that they have developed a rock-solid will. And then they have to be very thankful for the circumstances that ultimately favored them.
In the Midst of Endless Human Misery…
In the midst of endless human misery, there is always an uplifting example; we just have to look for it. And we should always do so, when study leads to the necessary immersion in the former, to prevent it from completely clouding our vision. Reliving old admirations, remembering the noble and sincere things we have seen, all this comforts and motivates, all this shows how much richer it is to strive for the good. And if the circumstance dismays us, if existence suddenly seems to darken, we must at least cling to the awareness of this conviction.