Byron's Babbles

I have previously written three posts specific to three of the seven deadly sins, inspired by the creative music of Deadlands. Here they are:

1. Pride – The Unpopular Fault
2. Greed Is An Exception
3. Gluttony – Our Self-Inflicted Catacombs

Now I am digging in deeper about a fourth deadly sin inspired by Deadlands awesome song, “Wither”, that addresses the deadly sin of sloth. “Wither” might be one of my favorites on their new EP, SEVEN.

As a student of C. S. Lewis I love that Kasey Karlsen has chosen to do what we used to call a progressive rock, or also called prog rock, type thing with their EP, SEVEN. I loved the rock band Rush growing up who also did this type of elaborate story-telling, particularly with science fiction, with conceptual lyrics, and advanced composition techniques. C. S. Lewis was masterful at incorporating the seven deadly sins into his writing and now Kasey has mastered it as well.

Sloth, is one of the most interesting of the capital sins. It takes so many different forms. Dorothy L. Sayers, friend of C. S. Lewis and Marion E. Wade Center author, might have defined sloth the best saying:

“It is the sin which believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, loves nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing. lives for nothing, and only remains alive because there is nothing it would die for.” ~ Dorothy L. Sayers

Kasey Karlsen’s lyrics depict this definition very well. I interpret the line “I won’t indulge in your impotence” from Deadlands’ song “Wither” metaphorically. It suggests that Kasey refuses to accept or enable another’s weakness, helplessness, or inability to act. Essentially, it conveys a stance of accountability and resilience—rejecting excuses or passivity, and instead urging strength or resolve. The phrase might also imply a rejection of enabling someone’s shortcomings or failures, emphasizing that they must confront their struggles rather than be coddled or excused for them.

C.S. Lewis wrote about this form of sloth in his iconic book The Screwtape Letters, where he discussed sloth as one of the capital sins, emphasizing that it isn’t just laziness or physical tiredness, but also spiritual apathy or indifference towards one’s duty and growth – this same impotence as Kasey describes it. He explored how sloth can manifest as a reluctance to do good or make an effort in one’s spiritual life, often disguised as complacency or comfort with the status quo. Lewis considers sloth a subtle but serious obstacle to spiritual development, warning that it can lead to a sort of despair or loss of purpose if left unchecked.

Another line, “Indifference seals your chamber” suggests that apathy or lack of concern can trap or confine someone mentally, emotionally, or perhaps even physically. I interpret “Chamber” here as a personal space or inner world, and “seals” to imply closing it off or sealing it shut. Together, it conveys the idea that indifference—either from oneself or others—can create barriers, preventing growth, understanding, or change. It highlights how neglect or emotional detachment can imprison a person within their own feelings or circumstances.

This indifference is not the physical laziness form of sloth, but the gradual wearing away of devotion. Jill, in C. S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia), fails because of sloth. She fails to remember the four signs given to her by Aslan. Aslan told her:

But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the signs and believe the signs. Nothing else matters. And now, daughter of Eve, farewell—” ~ Aslan to Jill in C. S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia), p. 20

When arriving in Narnia, Jill gets caught up in all the happenings and very quickly loses sight of the importance of what she was to remember and do. Sound familiar? We all do it. All of us, like Jill, become weary with the daily grind. Jill, because of sloth, was failing to persevere, but Aslan helped her find her way.

Finally, Kasey’s line “You’ll pay the price of arrogance” masterfully connects to sloth in a very symbolic way. While arrogance is typically associated with pride and overconfidence, it often leads to complacency or a lack of action—traits linked to sloth. In the context of the song, Kasey, in my mind, has suggested that arrogance may cause someone to neglect their responsibilities or ignore warnings, ultimately resulting in negative consequences. It highlights how overconfidence or stubbornness can foster complacency, allowing problems to grow or worsen due to an unwillingness to act or change. Essentially, the song draws a parallel between arrogance and laziness or inertia, implying that such attitudes can be self-destructive if not checked.

Remember, overcoming sloth is about building momentum and maintaining discipline. Small consistent efforts often lead to significant long-term results.