FOCUS

We have reached the point where we must assign some value system to evil itself. Thus, we face the indomitable task of attempting a definition. Does this represent a cosmic case of hubris or is it a necessary step in understanding evil?

We gave narrowed our definition previously to the point of limiting it to an act of a person or group of persons against another person or group of persons. Eliminating the teaching or punishment to promote evil by the spirit world removed a great percentage of the historical treatment of our subject. We might term it “the great simplification.”

We are free to focus on human interaction, with perhaps some input from our biological cousins.

This will be difficult to the point of impossible one might say and that is true. Immediately, we find societal norms that define the same act as abhorrent to the point of capital punishment to an act that is lauded, even commanded by the polis.

Simply consider the act of same-sex love.

Or men’s dominance over women.

Or genocide.

Or the treatment of children, including the implanting of a vicious primal fear in the minds of the young by force-feeding the terrible prospect of being thrown into an eternal burning fire for the act of not following parental teachings.[1]

The last example becomes even more complicated by the teachings of the cult that promotes it. The punishment described, or the alternative—an eternity of undefined bliss—is not determined, according to some writings of the cult, by one’s interaction with living creatures, but by a consistent and fervent faith in an invisible being.[2] Complicating this particular instance further is the fact that the same teachings that govern this cult suggest that salvation (an eternity of bliss) is, conversely, obtainable by doing good.[3]

Let’s complicate things further. What about the fact that some historical icons of goodness began life immersed in evil?

What about the former slave runner who repented and fought against that evil trade, even to point of writing perhaps the most beloved hymn in the protestant faith?[4]

What about the rounder and royal companion in mischief who repented and gave his life in defense of his church?[5]

What about the Apostle Paul, considered by many to be one of the chief architects of Christianity, who by his own admission, first engaged in persecuting Christians before repentance?[6]

So it goes. And we have yet to touch the broad spectrum of evil. It runs from the murder of millions in an attempt to conquer the world to the suborning or absolution of evil in order to get a favored politician elected.

We have a rough road to hoe, as our rural ancestors would note. But, next we try.

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[1] For a terrifying example, but one that will sound familiar to many Americans who grew up in the so-called “Bible Belt, see the account of installing this fear by James Joyce. (Joyce, J., & Deane, S. (1992). A portrait of the artist as a young man. London: Penguin.)

[2] Ephesians 2:8-9

[3] Romans 2:7

[4] Celebration Road Show & Newton, J. (1970) Amazing grace Hymn .

[5] Thomas à Becket, Chancellor of England (1155-62) venerated as a saint and martyr in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican Communion.

[6] Galatians 1:13