The Unforgivable Sin {split from Alan Keyes' Daughter Thread]

[Nigula Qian Zishi]

The Church's understanding is that there is no "worst sin" and that everything can be forgiven and that we are called to forgive.

Actually there is sin that cannot be fogiven. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin according to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[Schultz]

Actually there is sin that cannot be fogiven. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin according to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Fr. Nikolai,

What does "blaspheming the Holy Spirit" mean?  I've always been taught that it had to do with a despondency that made one feel that no sin he or she committed was forgiveable, and, hence, did not allow the Holy Spirit to work in one's life and forgive.  Basically, an unwillingness to turn to God because of a feeling that not even God Himself could fix things, which is so incredibly unthinkable and, hence, a blasphemy.

[Nigula Qian Zishi]

Dear Schultz,

This despair and giving up all hope is indeed what many have taught this sin is. This line of thought somewhat ties in to the tradition that one who comitts suicide is not given a church funeral but rather only the graveside service.

[Nigula Qian Zishi]

Perhaps the moderators could split this thread since we are no longer on-topic about Alan Keyes' lesbian daughter?

[Schultz]

Fr. Nikolai,

Thanks. So would it be possible, then, to say that the Church teaches that no sin can be unforgiven so long as one turns to God for that forgiveness?

[Rho]

The real question is:  Does anyone who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit turn to God for forgiveness?
Clearly not - God is a forgiving God.  That is why it is unforgivable - one who does it does not turn.

[Donna Rose]

The real question is:  Does anyone who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit turn to God for forgiveness?
Clearly not - God is a forgiving God.  That is why it is unforgivable - one who does it does not turn.

wow. this makes perfect sense. thanx for your reasoning, Rho

[Schultz]

Yes, thanks, Rho.  That's exactly what I was thinking.

[tweety234]

The real question is:  Does anyone who commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit turn to God for forgiveness?
Clearly not - God is a forgiving God.  That is why it is unforgivable - one who does it does not turn.

why exactly do they not turn then? is it because they know that he will not forgive them? Or is it because they have lost all hope in him.? Please explain.

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