EVIL

One issue that I am continuously forced to question my beliefs on is evil. Its not so much issues of divine providence or theodicy but rather what I believe evil is. What one defines evil as influences all of ones beliefs as to what is good, how God is good, and what sin is. So many issues are influenced by evil that I believe it is an essential first step to theology to determine what you believe evil is. A relativist point of view would define evil as different for everyone or could say evil doesn't exist. Others believe that evil is caused by the influence of fallen angels, spirits, or demons. I firmly believe that evil does exist. I also firmly believe that there is no such 'thing' as evil. I believe evil to be a negative state of existence. It is like the cold or darkness, neither of these actually exist. The cold is merely a lack of heat (or lack of movement of particles if you want to get picky), the dark is just a place that is without light. So if God is all good is evil a thing that occurs when God is not present? well, seeing as God is omnipresent thats kinda hard to believe as God is everywhere. I believe that evil is created when the will of God is not present. So then, if God created everything did God create evil? yes, and no. God is all good and can not create evil, but i believe God can create the possibility for evil. By giving man freewill God created the possibility for his will to be ignored, and when God's perfect will is not followed evil is created. So basically that summarizes where I am at my beliefs about evil at the moment, they'll most likely change, this is not the same view i held a few years ago, but then any thoughts to do with God, theology and spirituality are always likely to change, we can never fully grasp all of their content and as we gain fuller understanding our thoughts and views change accordingly. I think everyones definition of evil is slightly different and I think we can grow by listening to and considering the views of others, and so to those reading this on my blog (and Prof. Frick if you want you can leave a comment in the margins while marking this) I would like to hear what your own personal definition of evil is.