I have noticed that many questioners on this site lately have been trying to blame the evils of the world on 'otherworldly' (for lack of a better word) or intangible influences.
ie. Evil is the fault of the devil, evil is the fault of God, evil is the fault of religion, evil is the fault of the flying spaghetti monster, etc.
I tend to hold to the belief that the evil which plagues our world is largely of our own making, that it is often the result of actions taken by ordinary people, and that it is our responsibility (as mostly ordinary people) to deal with it.
Is evil the result of an outside influence, or is it simply the result of our cold hearts, our weak minds, and our general greed and unpleasantness?
(This question is open to all, christian, athiest, muslim, nihilist, taoist, agnostic, etc.)
2006-10-18 10:55:24 · 21 answers · asked by Murph 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As you suggest, I think "Evil" is a by product of human nature; specifically hatred, greed, and jealousy.
There is no outside force causing us to behave badly!
Or, in the immortal words of Michael Jackson..."if you want to make the world a better place, take a look in the mirror then make a change"
Good question!
2006-10-18 11:06:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Since the fall of Adam, the natural man is inherently evil in nature. It is Satan's will to keep us that way. It is for us through faith in God and with the help of God, to overcome the natural man and rise above the influence of Satan unto eternal life. This is why it can only be done by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives as our Savior and Redeemer.
2006-10-18 11:12:34 · answer #2 · answered by oldman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have each been given the right to choose, otherwise known as agency. We can choose good or evil. We can be influenced by others or by spirits which are either good (from God) or bad (from the devil). Our "conscience" is the spirit of good which comes over us. Those who choose to do evil are obviously not heeding the promptings of the spirit which is good. Although, some people can become possessed by a spirit which is bad and really have no idea what they are doing at a particular moment.
2006-10-18 11:01:46 · answer #3 · answered by becbec 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think you had it right that evil is from the flying spaghetti monster (LOL!).
Seriously. I believe as you do. Evil is in the hearts and minds of men and women not some outside force.
2006-10-18 10:58:26 · answer #4 · answered by Scotsman 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The concept of evil makes sense only as a binary opposite of the concept of good. These concepts and their relationship to each other are created by man, they do not have any kind of independent existence.
Evil is in the eye of the beholder.
2006-10-18 11:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by mad alan 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"IF evolution replaced into authentic why are there monekys and stuff round as we talk that replaced into we advanced from?" This statement proves that you do not actually have a difficulty-free idea of what evolution is and what the concept purports. also, Christians are those who pretend to carry close each and every thing. Atheists are those who are not afraid to admit that we do not comprehend how the universe got here to be...and actually some different issues.
2016-12-04 23:34:51 · answer #6 · answered by molder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure I like the word "evil".
But I agree with you....people are the reason the world is in the shape that it's in today.
Blaming something that's not concrete (evil) is a cop-out.
2006-10-18 10:59:49 · answer #7 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the root of evil is actually a combination of the factors you listed. The Devil plays upon mankind's cold hearts, weak minds, greed and such. These negative attitudes and behaviors give the Devil his power, and as a result ... the evil of our world is largely the result of mankind's inhumanity to mankind. I also believe that for every negative thing we think, say or do ... it comes back to us threefold.
However, good is just as strong as evil and that goodness also rests in the heart of mankind. Goodness in the heart of man gives God/Buddha/Allah/Etc their power. And, of course, for every positive thing we think, say or do ... it also come back to us threefold.
I, for one, would prefer a kindness to be returned three times over rather than evil visiting me three times.
2006-10-18 11:02:28 · answer #8 · answered by kc_warpaint 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is plenty of evil in the world but it's all man made and mostly do to bigotry caused by various religions.
Tammi Dee
2006-10-18 11:00:47 · answer #9 · answered by tammidee10 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe evil (sin) originates from Lucifer. However, I also believe that through our own weaknesses and faults we have fallen into the trap of evil (sin). As imperfect beings we stray from what is right and good and foolishly believe we are just fine. As long as man possesses his/her own ambitions and rejects the words of God in favor of their own desires we shall continue to see evil around us.
2006-10-18 11:05:14 · answer #10 · answered by You Ask & I Answer!!! 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋