If There Were NO Devil, How Would You Rationalize Evil?

Answer 1

Assuming that it was universally accepted that there was no devil, every person evil would be their own devil. A person full of pure resentment and envy. Not regret, for regret assumes redeem ability. Not loneliness, for loneliness craves companionship, even as it might shun it.

A truly evil person must hate him/herself most of all. Contrary to popular entertainment culture, evil takes no allies. There are no comrades in arms doing evil. For evil has absolutely no loyalty whatsoever. Organized cooperation among evils is fleeting at best, as long as all goals remain congruent. Evil must also be ignorant of the very concept of itself.

I could have a long discussion with you over this, but the concept of the devil - from all the religious works - plays on resentment and envy. Lucifer, the brightest star and greatest of the arch-angels - envied God's power but also believed that humanity did not need God's guidance to survive. Religious scholars often preached that Lucifer should not be hated - but pitied.

Lucifer knows pity after his banishment. But he never knew love. He could not have. He is lauded for not accepting second best. He is given all the glory and admiration not piled on God himself. He must eternally be satisfied with second place. Only ONE is greater. No one can surpass him - but neither can he ever surpass his one and only eternal superior. His ambition surely renders him eternally competitive. With no possibility of achievement or supreme championship, no possibility of experience of victory following risk. He resents his lot, even though he has near infinite largess. He has everything but possibilities. Because the one prize he lacks was never and will never be his.

He starts at the pinnacle of everything he has to achieve. Even achievement itself is seductively unknown to him.

The most ambitious of all angels, created with nothing to achieve, he never has to struggle (though he ultimately chooses to), and neither (in his eyes) can he ever win.

Created with an existence that quite literally begins at the end.

Little is said about the life of the first of the four arch-angels prior to his being cast from paradise, but we can assume he wanted for little. In his existence, there was no need for fear or insecurity. His position and rank were guaranteed for all eternity. And yet he surrendered it all. He spitefully rejected seemingly the greatest of all possible gifts. The price for such ignorance was banishment and absolute isolation.

But in their parting - God told Lucifer - if you repent - if you say you are sorry - you will be returned to me. I will forgive you.

Power or Love?

Where one is abundant, the other is scarce.

One ideal regarded as the most elusive and coveted of all prizes - worth everything to some to have for just a fleeting moment. But love's value cannot be known to any who have never felt it.

The other ideal ends up being coveted to fill a void universally loathed without exception.

Lucifer remains an outcast, according to the texts. Was he denied love? If not - did he EVER feel love?

I have lots of thoughts on this, but I won't share them here. Too much to debate. Hit me up on 360 if you want to debate - reference this question if you do. I get real philosophical, but also curious. I love hearing other opinions.

Answer 2

There is no devil, every one is capable of evil.

Answer 3

Evil is just another word for uncontrollable anger.

Answer 4

There isn't, but I have the descriptions and actions of my fellow humans to show me what it is

Answer 5

nihilism