[RPG] For a 1st level human warpriest, what is the point of using a melee weapon if I can cast Divine Lance cantrip spell

cantripsclericmelee-combatpathfinder-2espells

I am trying to familiarize myself with Pathfinder 2e, which is also my first role-playing game in which I will be actively participating in live sessions. I am interested in creating a 1st level human Warpriest of Sarenrae, but I am having trouble figuring out the advantages and disadvantages of melee combat, since a cleric can provide assistance either through his weapon or through his divine magic.

Specifically, my deity's favored weapon is the scimitar, which for my character deals a damage of 1d6+2 (my strength's ability modifier). I have a +5 in a d20 roll for that weapon (my strength's ability modifier plus "trained").

On the other hand, I have also chosen Divine Lance as one of my cantrip spells, which is explained on page 331. Also, my Spell (Divine) DC is 17 (Wis +4, Prof +3):

Traditions divine

Cast [two-actions] somatic, verbal

Range 30 feet Targets 1 creature

You unleash a beam of divine energy. Choose an alignment your deity has (chaotic, evil, good, or lawful). You can’t cast this spell if you don’t have a deity or if your deity is true neutral. Make a ranged spell attack roll against the target’s AC. On a hit, the target takes damage of the chosen alignment type equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier (double damage on a critical hit). The spell gains the trait of the alignment you chose.

Heightened (+1) The damage increases by 1d4.

My question is, since I can cast that spell as many times as I want during a fight, why bothering using my scimitar? I imagine that being a Warpriest, using melee in combat would provide some advantage at least under certain circumstances, otherwise I see no point in selecting this particlar Doctrine instead of Cloistered. I would love to play a cleric of the kinds of Kyra but I am struggling to find a decent build suited for that role.

Perhaps it's due to my total lack of any experience with RPGs that I am overthinking it too much. However, If someone could point me in the right direction I would highly appreciate it.

Best Answer

Divine lance deals aligned damage

The spell's damage is effective only against certain enemies, those that have an alignment that conflicts with your deity's (see Core 452 on damage types). For example most beasts (likely foes at low levels) are neutral in terms of alignment and thus will not be hurt by the cantrip at all.

Divine lance is a ranged attack

As a ranged attack, the cantrip will provoke Attacks of Opportunity if cast at melee range.

There are magic weapons

This is mostly about higher levels, but I will include it for the sake of completeness. As the cantrip will gain damage as you level up, you will most likely have access to better and better magical weapons too, so they will not lag behind. Magical weapons might also have other desirable properties that can make them a superior choice.