John Chrysostom: Slanderers and those who enjoy listening to them are like criminals and their accomplices.
John Chrysostom: Slanderers and those who enjoy listening to them are like criminals and their accomplices.
This quote by John Chrysostom likens slanderers and those who take pleasure in listening to their slander to criminals and their accomplices. The analogy emphasizes that both parties are complicit in wrongdoing. The slanderer actively harms others through false or damaging statements, while the listener passively endorses or supports this behavior by paying attention and deriving enjoyment from it. Just as an accomplice in crime aids or abets wrongdoing, listeners of slander contribute to the perpetuation of harmful gossip or lies. The quote underscores the shared moral responsibility between those who speak ill and those who encourage it by being an audience.
Quote By: John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD) was an influential early Christian bishop and theologian, known for his eloquent preaching and social justice advocacy. As the Archbishop of Constantinople, he earned the nickname "Chrysostom," which means "golden-mouthed," due to his remarkable oratory skills. His writings and sermons emphasized moral integrity and the importance of charity, and he remains a significant figure in both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions.
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