Discord In Dante's Inferno

Have you ever known someone who likes to start something, often for their own personal enjoyment? While some see these people as just a simple nuisance, they are in fact tearing the world apart with their sinful habits and disobedience to God. Those who cause division amongst members of society-known as Sowers of Discord in Dante’s Inferno-are not only condemned by Dante, the Bible, and the Church, but are also a source of friction in my own life. Dante punishes the Sowers of Discord in Dante’s Inferno for the negative effect they had on the lives of others. While progressing through the eighth circle, Dante encounters a man, “his tongue hacked off as far down as the throat” (Dante 38.101-102), named Curio. Curio, who foolishly lacked self-control

Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.” As shown in this verse, living in harmony requires one to put away their pride, and undertake an attitude of humility in order to abolish the prejudice, misconceptions, and divisions that tear society apart. Just as we have been unified with Christ in His death, we now must stand united against the temptations common to mankind in order to accurately represent Christ. Similarly, Proverbs 18:6 says, “The lips of fools bring strife, and their mouths invite a beating.” While Dante writes Dante’s Inferno with a pagan worldview in mind, in this verse we can see Biblical justification for Curio’s punishment. Additionally, this verse provides evidence of a Spirit-driven conscience that provides all men with a basic understanding of right and wrong which furthers a desire for the unity found in Christ Jesus. Despite many differences between Dante’s ideology and the Bible, there is a clear overlap with the condemnation of Sowers of Discord and the promotion of

According to Cottonwood Creek Church’s website, “creating a sense of community and connecting with others is important.” True churches emphasize creating a strong foundation of authentic relationships in order to promote unity among the believers. Divided churches simply will not stand against the temptations of the sinful world, and connected relationships ensure the Church, with the strength of the Lord, can withstand trials. Additionally, Cottonwood Creek Church has ministries for both men and women, with a focus on mentor-mentee relationships. Understanding that trials can be difficult to overcome alone, Cottonwood matches mentors and mentees based on life experiences and current difficulties in order to create a welcoming environment that all feel comfortable in. Once these relationships are established, the work of promoting unity in each individual’s life begins, and soon, a true, unbiased Church comes about as a result. In summary, the Church does an excellent job promoting