Does anyone else find this a ridiculous notion? Nothing can be absolutely good or absolutely evil. Without one, the other cannot exist. Therefore, anything pure good or pure evil must be pure fantasy. Who agrees with me here?
2006-08-20 05:48:08 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And please, nobody quote the bible when answering. I don't believe in it, so if you disagree, just say that you disagree.
2006-08-20 05:57:17 · update #1
Another point: if either good or evil were completely destroyed and the other became absolute, then it could not exist because the other is no more, and existence itself would cease.
2006-08-20 06:05:05 · update #2
Good and evil are only the human perception of what another does, and if it is something they see as acceptable or unacceptable in life. Seeing as perception changes from person to person, there can be no singular notion of good or evil. one person might see smoking marijuana as being wrong, but to the person smoking it, they may see it as being ok.
Reality is only the sum of the day to day perception and experiences that everyone goes through.
Thank you for your time,
-- Twitch
2006-08-20 06:00:25 · answer #1 · answered by Twitch 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Shenken said it best "The notion that absolute evil exists is the same as the notion that absolute truth exists neither can be subjected to scrutiny and with stand the preponderance of good that exists in a civilized society. Never underestimate the worth of those who have gone before to argue the virtues of mankind within the bounds of reality, it doesn't exist"
2006-08-20 05:58:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When someone uses the word "absolutely" it most likely is used just as an expression to give more meaning to what they are saying. I wonder why people think good cannot exist without evil? Why not? Too simplistic? Too bad we will never know since we will never have just one or the other. At least I hope we will never have all evil!
2006-08-20 05:56:02 · answer #3 · answered by papricka w 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with JT that the concept of good and evil depends on the situation. First you have to define good and evil.
From the Christian perspective, God is the epitomy of good and perfection. Anything that would separate us from a deep relationship with Him would be considered "sin", or "evil" whether it's something as small as telling a white lie or something like killin your neighbor for lookin at you funny.
They are not polar opposites by any means, and Good does not need evil. Good is the absolute, the measuring stick for universal morality. Evil is the description given to the choice to sway from that. The first verse in the Bible starts out with "In the beginning, God..."......He came first, along with the standard for what is right. He does not need Satan to exist or "balance" Him out like eastern philosophy would tell you.
That is the Christian perspective and the one I hold personally. :)
2006-08-20 06:19:17 · answer #4 · answered by Daniel K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do and so do pretty much the whole Wiccan/Pagan communitity. In Nature, there is no absolutes. Water for example can be healing or destructive.
The idea of absolute outside source of all evil is to not make you responsible for your actions.
The idea of absolute outside source of good is to not look inside yourself for answers but to that source and that source only.
You are a pretty smart person to break free of that concept. I'd like to continue conversing about your philosophical ideas I would enjoy that.
2006-08-20 06:18:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no absolute evil, there is only rebellion against God and His absolute authority and power.
Claiming absolute evil would be associating absolute power to that individual and that is just stuff of hollywood. Satan has been defeated at the cross, his days are numbered and he knows it, that's why he's trying to deceive as many naysayers as possible before that day comes.
The Lord God Almighty existed far before angels or man were created and that sin entered Lucifer and then man. Sin only represents God's willingness to give his creation a choice, to serve Him or to follow their own path, the only thing absolute about that is their eternal destiny apart from God.
2006-08-20 06:00:59 · answer #6 · answered by foxray43 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are correct. There is plenty of evil but it is never pure evil. There is plenty of good but it is never pure. There is always a trade off. The best we can do is choose the least evil and the most good.
2006-08-20 05:54:51 · answer #7 · answered by Kenneth H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is absolute good and absolute evil, anything other than that is inconsistent philosophically.
2015-05-05 08:54:40 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the case of good and evil, yes it's possible to have absolute good (Jesus for example) and absolute evil (Satan for example). It's just hard to to recognize one if you dont know what the other look and/or acts like.
2006-08-20 05:58:35 · answer #9 · answered by Maurice H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Morals are subjective and require a viewpoint.
The concept of "good" & "evil" is totally dependent on the situation.
2006-08-20 05:53:29 · answer #10 · answered by Left the building 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋