Post by KNOs1s on Jan 30, 2010 21:27:54 GMT
I'm currently reading a book on the nature of evil and the devil. 'The devil' here is meant in an objective observation of the thoughts of ancient and modern people's attempts to give a 'face' to evil, as every culture has had some sort of embodiment of evil; both supernatural and natural. I personally put no supernatural values on evil, though many still do. The belief in a real devil has gone up significantly since 1934.
The book suggests the definition of evil is; "The abuse of a sentient being that can feel pain." Erich Fromm is quoted in the book that evil is "life turning against itself." Fromm also suggests there is a distinction between positive aggression and wanton, destructive aggression, the later being 'the heart of evil'.
I think evil is a complex issue, and its designation is sometimes based on subjective notions. The definition is not one I fully agree with, yet it is useful to generate discussion. The following description I quite agree with:
"Evil is meaninglyess, senseless destruction. Evil destroys and does not build; it rips and it does not mend; it cuts and it does not bind. It strives always and everywhere to annihilate, to turn to nothing."
Madeline L'Engle is quoted concerning evil, "By destruction I do not mean "destruction of illusion" or "destruction of the undesirable" or "purification". I mean absolute destruction; annihilation.
The abuses fitting this description escapes few religions (or non-religious thought systems), philosophies, genders, races, or governmental systems-either through cynical dishonesty or irrational fanaticism. Christians, Pagans, Atheists, &c have all taken part, as have members of all races.
Our culture sometimes celebrates serial killers and even takes some pleasure in voyeuristic displays of torture. I admit personally to taking fascination in watching the FACES OF DEATH series when I was younger. There are several examples of evil that I hesitate to re-display here. Many of these pre-date Christianity, and some examples of destruction seem earlier than written language. Everyone is capable of great good and great evil, though evil seems infinitely easier to commit than good. Evil is often enough committed in the name of some perceived good. Evil is even committed because people are angered by some perceived 'greater evil'. I think the examples are obvious; Ramirez, Manson, Dahmer &c.
So, what is the ACTUAL good that can diminish the evil around us? Kierkegaard said, "Boredom is the root of all evil." I think he has something there. The 'evil' as described is the apparent problem, so what are some suggested solutions-or disagreements with the definition of evil as stated?
The book suggests the definition of evil is; "The abuse of a sentient being that can feel pain." Erich Fromm is quoted in the book that evil is "life turning against itself." Fromm also suggests there is a distinction between positive aggression and wanton, destructive aggression, the later being 'the heart of evil'.
I think evil is a complex issue, and its designation is sometimes based on subjective notions. The definition is not one I fully agree with, yet it is useful to generate discussion. The following description I quite agree with:
"Evil is meaninglyess, senseless destruction. Evil destroys and does not build; it rips and it does not mend; it cuts and it does not bind. It strives always and everywhere to annihilate, to turn to nothing."
Madeline L'Engle is quoted concerning evil, "By destruction I do not mean "destruction of illusion" or "destruction of the undesirable" or "purification". I mean absolute destruction; annihilation.
The abuses fitting this description escapes few religions (or non-religious thought systems), philosophies, genders, races, or governmental systems-either through cynical dishonesty or irrational fanaticism. Christians, Pagans, Atheists, &c have all taken part, as have members of all races.
Our culture sometimes celebrates serial killers and even takes some pleasure in voyeuristic displays of torture. I admit personally to taking fascination in watching the FACES OF DEATH series when I was younger. There are several examples of evil that I hesitate to re-display here. Many of these pre-date Christianity, and some examples of destruction seem earlier than written language. Everyone is capable of great good and great evil, though evil seems infinitely easier to commit than good. Evil is often enough committed in the name of some perceived good. Evil is even committed because people are angered by some perceived 'greater evil'. I think the examples are obvious; Ramirez, Manson, Dahmer &c.
So, what is the ACTUAL good that can diminish the evil around us? Kierkegaard said, "Boredom is the root of all evil." I think he has something there. The 'evil' as described is the apparent problem, so what are some suggested solutions-or disagreements with the definition of evil as stated?