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The concept of Malice in Christianity

Malice, according to Christianity, is a concept referenced in multiple religious texts, with its definitions and implications varying across different denominations. In Christianity, malice encompasses the intention to do evil or harm, evaluated in context to virtue and sin. The Catholic Church discusses malice as a quality of sinfulness linked to ill will and harmful intentions. Furthermore, malice is seen as a spiritual condition that the Eucharist seeks to remedy through divine grace, emphasizing its significance in moral and spiritual contexts.

Synonyms: Ill will, Malevolence, Spite, Animosity, Hostility, Hatred, Wickedness, Spitefulness, Vengeance, Enmity, Bitterness, Venom

In Spanish: Malicia; In French: Malice; In Finnish: Pahuus; In Dutch: Kwaadaardigheid; In German: Bosheit; In Malay: Niat jahat; In Swedish: Illvilja

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Malice'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The intention or desire to do evil, and is a cause of sin, as it involves a deliberate intent to harm or do wrong.[1] (2) This represents the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others, often driven by ill will, vindictiveness, or a desire for revenge, leading to harmful actions.[2] (3) Malice is discussed throughout the text, with its relation to virtue, sin, and vice being explored to determine its nature.[3] (4) A spiritual condition associated with sin that the sacrament of the Eucharist aims to address through the grace it confers.[4] (5) The quality of being sinful or evil in nature, often evaluated according to accompanying circumstances.[5]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) A destructive element of the way of darkness that is among the things that destroy the soul and lead to ruin.[6] (2) Malice, a trait of the mind of the flesh, is the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others, often involving ill will.[7]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) The intention or desire to do evil or cause harm.[8]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Malice is a term referenced in multiple books, including the Old Testament, Apocrypha, and New Testament, with variations across versions and translations, and encompassing different Greek words.[9]