It's a dead word as far as I'm concerned. And don't give me any rambling about Hitler or Stalin. An entire nation committed genocide not one man.
2007-02-02 17:48:36 · 23 answers · asked by poke 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't think evil has to have any ties to god or satan in order to be relevant. The definition is "morally bad or wrong." That's what it means to me.
2007-02-09 01:10:03 · answer #1 · answered by greecevaca 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe "evil" is a man-made concept, but that doesn't make it meaningless or dead. (Other man-made concepts: beauty, honor, art.)
People definitely tend toward some ideas as good/evil, and it makes sense that it's biological. We aren't the only creatures that look out for one another, or are especially protective of children. And it's biological because it's functional: we all do better when we aren't mean to each other.
So that is where I think our concept of "evil" comes from. We're wired, then socialized, to be disturbed by suffering and violence.
"Evil" would have to be, loosely, something that causes suffering.
I don't believe there is any such thing as an "evil person," though. The more we learn about psychology and neurology, the more it seems that violent, sadistic people have something abnormal going on in their brains. Maybe someday we will be able to treat it?
2007-02-04 19:33:52 · answer #2 · answered by Zandze 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Evil is hurting/killing other innocent people. Especially babies and children. Sometimes I can't take how evil this world can be and it overwhelmes me. You're lucky. You have the benefit of thinking that "God called those murdered children home" and that "God has a plan" and "They're in heaven now" but I do not have the privelage of being so ignorant.
2007-02-03 01:54:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I suppose the word evil to an athiest must mean something along the lines of "ill intentions towards a fellow being"...perhaps
2007-02-03 01:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by rihannsu 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
From a religious standpoint it would not mean anything. Evil carries connotations of the supernatural, therefore it would be rejected.
2007-02-03 01:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by Wisdom in Faith 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actions done with an intentional negative impact on others. And other things along that line. NOTHING to do with the supernatural.
2007-02-03 02:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by =_= 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Evil = Bad for me or humanity
2007-02-08 21:56:59 · answer #7 · answered by jetthrustpy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't evil be the act of cruelty toward another person, not even having anything to do with religion.
2007-02-03 01:52:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think in the popular context, even for an atheist, it means extreme malfeasance. I think even Christians don't think of it much in a religious context.
2007-02-03 01:55:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not an atheist, but I think the question is really interesting. I would like to know myself.
2007-02-03 01:51:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋