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says, "Swear not at all," yet the Church administers oaths. The Gospel
says ...
FATHER GERÁSIM. Excuse me. When Pilate[32] said, "I adjure thee by the
living God," Christ accepted his oath by replying "I am."
[
32] Father Gerásim attributes to Pilate what was said by Caiaphas the
high priest.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Dear me! What are you saying? That is really absurd.
FATHER GERÁSIM. That is why the Church does not permit everyone to
interpret the Gospel, lest he should go astray, but like a mother caring
for her child gives him an interpretation suitable to his strength. No,
let me finish! The Church does not lay on its children burdens too heavy
for them to bear, but demands that they should keep the Commandments:
love, do no murder, do not steal, do not commit adultery.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes! Do not kill me, do not steal from me my stolen
goods. We have all robbed the people, we have stolen their land and have
then made a law forbidding them to steal it back; and the Church
sanctions all these things.
FATHER GERÁSIM. Heresy and spiritual pride are speaking through you. You
ought to conquer your intellectual pride.
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