Morality of Intention

[Philippix]

From a christian apologetic's standpoint, how does the idea of a morality of intention argument hold up in terms of sin? For instance, suppose someone flipped a switch which they were unaware was connected to some heavy machinery and they ended up killing someone unintentionally. They killed someone, but I personally can't see the logic in saying that they are a murderer. Or, if someone takes something from someone's home that they legitimately believed to be theirs. Did they commit a sin of theft? There are millions of possible hypothetical questions. Basically, do you have to have evil or ill intentions to sin, or is the mere alignment of matter in certain configurations all that is required?

[Shadow Phoenix]

From a christian apologetic's standpoint, how does the idea of a morality of intention argument hold up in terms of sin? For instance, suppose someone flipped a switch which they were unaware was connected to some heavy machinery and they ended up killing someone unintentionally. They killed someone, but I personally can't see the logic in saying that they are a murderer. Or, if someone takes something from someone's home that they legitimately believed to be theirs. Did they commit a sin of theft? There are millions of possible hypothetical questions. Basically, do you have to have evil or ill intentions to sin, or is the mere alignment of matter in certain configurations all that is required?

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that there were three parts to any act. They were the motive, the goal, and the act itself. An example is giving candy to a child who turns out to be a diabetic that could die from the candy. Is that an evil act? No. It was certainly not the intention of the giver. On the opposite end is the person who gives to charity, but makes such a show about it that the real goal is to receive a glorious fanfare than the giving itself.

Each situation must be examined in its own context. The person taking an item from someone else would be best to tell that someone else I think. If it's not theft, it could be deception. The first act of flipping the switch could be an act of carelessness.

I do believe you can unintentionally sin as there are cases in the Mosaic Law where that happened and there were cities of refuge for accidental taking of life. Each case must be examined in its own light.

Hope this helps!