the bible says none of us are good. assuming this is true, does this necessarily mean anyone is evil? can't something be neither good nor evil?
2007-11-29 03:34:39 · 34 answers · asked by just curious (A.A.A.A.) 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There's neutral too.
2007-11-29 03:36:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are right to some extent. As far as our sinfulness, you are correct. Jesus said,
"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13)
He was talking to his Apostles at the time, so you can see that categorically sinful people are evil people (in whatever amounts) and therefore we all need to call upon God for salvation and forgiveness.
But generally speaking, something can be not good, yet not evil at the same time. My wife's cooking is not good, but I wouldn't say it's evil.
And historically, the church has recognized that some things can be neither good or evil. These are things that really depend on how they are used. Drinking for instance, while it may be thought evil by some rigid prohibitionists, it is not considered evil in the Bible except in excess. So to drink, or not to drink, is really a gray area with no moral quality attached to it. Such things are called "audiaphora" or "indifferent things."
2007-11-29 04:02:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The term "not good" is Subjective, relative to your point of view. The term "evil is a bit more, although not completely objective. If a tree fell on top of fifty people, all of them would say, "this is not good" If the same fifty people ate some cornflakes some would say, "this is good" others might say, "this stuff stinks". Your asking if something is neither good nor evil, inanimate abjects and animals who have no concept of the terms. Religious types tend to see evil where none exists. As for your God, it has no existence outside of your mind. Your God is purely subjective.
2007-11-29 03:53:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
This reminds me of a Bible quote I always liked. I don't recall where it was said though. It was Jesus talking about evil. Can't recall it word for word, but will do the best I can. "For what is evil but the thirsty drinking from dead waters." Something like that.
2007-11-29 03:40:25 · answer #4 · answered by An Independent 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think that being evil implies the worst kind of bad. A bad that is not tolerable.
There is "bad" all around us. We wouldn't see the good if there wasn't, as there would be no balance.
In answer to your question, I believe there is a definitive difference.
2007-11-29 03:39:51 · answer #5 · answered by glassesguru 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No... Evil is evil. Not Good is Not Good. Does that make sense? Probably not but... There is definitely a difference!
2007-11-29 03:39:50 · answer #6 · answered by g 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The bible is a classic work of pure fiction. The bible doesn't "say" anything. Books do not have the power of speech. Humans do, however, and so millions upon millions of them blab on and on and on about what the bible "says." Sheesh!
2007-11-29 03:44:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you can figure out how to avoid all the "shalt nots" and avoid all the "shalts", then you would do neither good nor evil by biblical standards. But who can do this? I don't think it is possible.
2007-11-29 03:43:04 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
evil has bad intent now good at all not good can be a Lapp's of judgment just because something is not good does not make it evil
2007-11-29 03:37:57 · answer #9 · answered by irish_matt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is good v bad
good v evil
right v wrong
2007-11-29 03:38:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
evil is a very strong word.so no its does not mean the same thing and came be used in a different context
2007-11-29 03:37:26 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋