"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." - Martin Luther (1483-1546) (in response to question of whether he will recant his writings against Roman Catholic Church in 1521)
"Justice also respects the responsibility of the needy person. Justice says that a person who chooses to be poor should be allowed to have what he chooses. Nor will justice allow us - for loves sake - to assume responsibility for other people's mistakes. If my neighbor goes deeply into debt for luxuries he bought with his credit card, and then habitually expects me to pay his heating bill, justice holds back the hand of love. If my neighbors business is on the verge of ruin, because he is incompetent and lazy, justice may require love to let his business fail, and then help him find another line of work." - Lewis Smedes (1921-2002), Mere Morality - What God Expects from Ordinary People
