Full Idea
The rule of the Catholic church is 'punishing the heretic, but indulgent of the sinner'.
Gist of Idea
Punish the heretic, but be indulgent to the sinner
Source
Max Weber (The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism [1904], 1)
Book Reference
Weber,Max: 'Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism' [Routledge 2001], p.4
A Reaction
Weber cites this as if it is a folklore saying. It seems to fit the teachings of Jesus, who is intensely keen on unwavering faith, but very kind to those who stray morally. Hence Graham Greene novels, all about sinners.