Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyndaran
Thoughts matter as much as action in the LoTR universe, I guess. It's just such an odd concept to me.
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It's a traditional Catholic concept, and remember that Tolkien was a Catholic. Part of the doctrine is that sin is a matter of intent; the Gospels have the example of how thinking lustful thoughts about a woman is the same as committing adultery in your heart.
Modern American law actually recognizes a similar concept: a crime typically requires both a "guilty mind" and a "guilty act." Without the mental intent (
mens rea), you don't have criminal liability.