BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality New Age The Nature of 'Evil'

In New Age circles, views on evil seems to be a mixed bag.

What are your thoughts on evil? Is there an "absolute evil"? Or is it an illusion? What is it's purpose?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts, especially in light of world events. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've just written an article about this topic: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art20222.asp

I'd love to hear your perspective. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I vote for explanations #1, 2 and 7 that you wrote about in your article. They come closest to my personal beliefs. I don't believe in absolute evil. Or absolute good either. Good and evil are just two sides of the same coin, like life and death.

I have thought this question over and over again several times during my life, and, no wonder, I still haven't come to any answer I would be 100% sure of. I agree with Mermaid - good and evil are just two sides of one coin. That's why Ying-Yang is my favorite symbol. It illustrates the idea that good and evil are interconnected, and that in every good there is a bit of evil and vice versa. I believe it's true, and that the notions of good and evil are subjective to a high degree. But I wouldn't go as far as to deny there are absolute good and absolute evil in this world... The only thing I'm personally sure of is that there is no Satan. All things in this world, whether good ones or bad ones, come from God and Him only.
Love,
Elena
P.S. Happy birthday, me! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Evil is defined as 'something that brings sorrow or distress'. If that is true, then yes, I believe that there is definitely "evil" in our world. I do not believe in a particular cosmic evil force, but I do believe in malevolent behavior (vicious intent, spite or hatred) displayed by people. That is all too apparent in the world

People's words can be especially evil/injurious
when directed toward others.

My thought is that people are born "good", a blank slate, and evil is inculculated by their interaction with others.

The Bible mentions:

"The tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil."

Shakespeare said: "Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word."

Some people believe that an evil doer will always be aware that he is committing an evil act. I believe that there are people without consciousness of their hurtfulness toward others because of a personality disorder. These people were probably damaged themselves by other people and/or their circumstances in life.

Maybe evil as a noun may not be a real concept, but evil behavior is certainly real in my humble opinion.

Hello all <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Been really busy these last few weeks and missed coming to the board....Looks like lots has been going on! Such a great place to discuss different ideas...I love it!

Janet, I'm still coming from a place where I believe there are spiritual unseen entities (call them fallen angels) that are evil in their intent. I've heard so many of the different thoughts on this, but it's hard to negate my personal experience. And I have personally, face to face, encounter some of these beings. It is NOT a stretch for me to believe in fallen angels, because I believe in Divinely energized angels as well.

I believe these fallen entities subtley contribute to the energy and actions of humans, just like the ones filled with love and light do! The recent revelations about the atrocities in Iraq at the prison didn't surprise me a bit. That place was never cleansed, and must certainly house so much awful, negative, hellish energy from the Sudam reign of terror that was administered there! There is no other explanation that explains adequately the DEPTHS of deprivation and horrific animalistic abuse that went on there. I believe the testimonies of the families of those accused speaks to this! These actions were SO out of character for these soldiers! However, if one understands that a person can be influenced by unseen forces, it makes perfect sense. Unless these soldiers had known what to expect, and how to protect themselves, I can see where the slowly progressing degeneration of their power of choice would be effected.

Fortunately, the power of God and is love is unconquerable and will not fail, regardless of the intents of Evil. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Can we learn from these things? Yep, you bet! But I don't believe God created evil. What was created were beings - human and otherwise - with free will. And the choices made utilizing that free will bring benefits or harm...the choice is ours.

Love,
Janey

Janet, I've missed your comment about the recent world events last time... Yesterday I've watched a TV report describing the actions of those American soldiers in Iraque. Some interviews with their relatives and friends were shown. These people don't believe these guys they've known for so many years were capable of committing these evil acts. They create all sorts of explanations, that sound totally unconvincing, just because they can't believe the obvious truth. In my mind, this serves as a good example of the way good and evil are interwined within one person's soul. I believe these American soldiers have a strong good side, that, for a long period of time, prevailed and determined their actions. But the war, being a totally inhuman and unnatural thing, brought out the evil side, and their major sin was letting this evil side take control over the good side. That's what we should all struggle with, since there are a lot of things in this world that can serve as catalysts (is this the way this word is spelled? <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ), and cause the evil in us to prevail.
Hope it makes sense,
Love, :love:
Elena

Hi all!

Actually, I had the beheading of Nick Berg in mind when I wrote the article, but the actions of the American soldiers was heinous as well. Unbelievable.

You know, I'm still perplexed about "evil". Everytime I start re-visiting these type of questions, I get a bout of the "existential angsts" as I like to call them. (LOL) It's so much safer and cozier for me to believe that there is black/white, good/evil, God/satan...but I've had enough paradigms blown out of the water over the years (as I mentioned in my article) that I do believe I'm a tad skittish about committing to an absolute anything anymore. Arggggh! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />