Is it evil to have irrational behavior motivated by fear and preservation?

Answer 1

I thought that this was a very interesting question. Many people use multiple methods to try to influence the way that others act. Some people use kindness to try to make people like them and therefore follow his/her wishes. Others use intimidation or ostracism to try to make people follow them. It is my personal belief that it is evil to use fear and intimidation and other negative ways to influence others. This only adds to the confusion and pain that many people already feel on a day to day basis. Thanks for the interesting question. Best wishes. Donna

Answer 2

Good question for analysis. Let's see... Preservation is perhaps just instinctive, like the animals. Fear of some distant or future doom is perhaps only in the realm of the thinking animal - man. That same fear causes a man to act in desperation. He can not think about his brother, because he is too worried about himself. He can not give, because he is too busy hoarding for the future. He can have $50 billion and still it would not be enough. That same fear causes hatred of anyone or any system that is different.

Ah, so we see that fear motive causes us to do acts against humanity, society, the environment, even against justice and righteousness. Fear is prevalent in the violent history of mankind. Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear does not believe in God. The acts of fear are not love.

Yet still, fear is .....ignorance. If faith, courage, strength, wisdom and knowledge can be found then the fearful can become the hopeful. Is it evil for a person not to seek after these qualities?

Answer 3

Well, most behavior "motivated by fear and preservation" is usually quite rational. The other kind is generally forgivable, unless it comes to the point of harming others (e.g. the Salem witch trials, the Final Solution, etc). Kinda depends on whether free will exists, because if not, then we have no choice but to follow "fear and preservation".

Answer 4

Practically everything humans do revolves around fear. Because the body can be easily damaged. That is what started the first wars. Fighting over needs, when people could have just shared.
But they fear for the future. Will there be enough? Xenophobia, fear of immigrants is due to this.
Even our general behaviour, acting crazy on the street. Constant
criticism of others, is designed to keep others at distance. Out of our "personal space"!
But realizing that, can help us to overcome it!

Answer 5

No, thats probably just human instinct. Everyone does something irrational every once and a while and while though, right? If you do something too extreme, you may want to just step back, and reflect a bit. If need be, see a psychologist or psychiatrist--they're there to help.

Answer 6

I wouldn't call it evil, just fear-based actions. But keep in mind fear is just False Evidence Appearing Real

Answer 7

No it is not personal evil but it may well be a sign of demonic oppression and prayer and living to the Gospel values will fix this condition.

Answer 8

Even though the enemy uses fear to upset our faith, we are in the flesh, and we have those moments. In Romans it says we ALL fall short of God's glory. And we do. But if you confess and repent, God knows what is in your heart.

Answer 9

No, it's called common sense. Survival can take top priority in some situations.

Answer 10

No. Its just... irrational. Being afraid isn't a crime last time I checked - depends on if you do anything stupid because of it.