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Defining evil?

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Dave in Tenn:

--- Quote from: Porter on January 30, 2017, 04:28:48 PM ---I thought it was also interesting to note that not only do we define words (like "evil") by their usage, but that through the use of evil by God, it can be defined as a temporary "good" tool that shapes us into His image.
--- End quote ---

Me too.


--- Quote ---Is it safe to say that when men do evil, it is out of some sinful, selfish and carnal lust or desire of the heart that was already there? Can I therefor also say that sin is only one consequence of evil? As opposed to say an evil like a tornado that maims or kills 20 people? I guess my point is that evil has many forms, and it's not always related to sin.
--- End quote ---

That first part may be true, but I also think that when men want to and try to do "good", the results may be "evil".  Life is full of unintended consequences for those of us without the wisdom of God.  (That's everybody but God.) 

GOOD and BAD are the biggies.  They outweigh every other adjective we can apply to anything.  Whether something is GOOD or BAD (and to what degree and in what ways) are things we have to learn by experience--even if it is an experience of empathy and compassion.  Giving alms is GOOD, and the spiritual reward is GOOD, even if the temporary reward is BAD.  Making a big show of it is BAD, and the spiritual reward for it is bad, even if the temporary, carnal reward for it is GOOD.

Is that helpful?  Or just mud?

       

--- Quote ---Good question mikeincanada, and I hope I didn't confuse you. Dave gave you an excellent answer, and you might be better off thinking about that more than my babbling.  ;D I'm just trying to figure this all out like you.

--- End quote ---

...and me too.

Porter:
Yes it is helpful, thanks Dave.

StevenL:
Can a particular occurrence be both 'good' and 'evil' at the same time? Since the partaking of the fruit in the garden was against the command of God, I assume the act was 'evil' and also was a sin. However, since the partaking of the fruit was actually the will of God, I assume it was also 'good'. Is that nutty? If so, please smite me.

I cannot completely define evil. Too ignorant so far. Scrambles my brain.   ;D  I'll have to be satisfied with the fact that the righteous have a Shield against evil, whatever it is.

Porter:
Hi StevenL, and welcome to the forum :)

I guess it depends on who created the "particular occurrence" right? God did say in Genesis that everything He created was good, which includes evil, but that's only because of the benevolent purpose for which He created it for. If men do evil I can't see how that could ever possibly be for a good intention. God means it for good, but man doesn't and is incapable of using evil for a good purpose like God.

Dave in Tenn:
These three are a good beginning, I think, to a deeper study of "evil" as far as what the word means.  It can be just as much a struggle out of church-speak to understand what "good" means, as well.   

Ecc 12:14  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it (the work) be good or whether it (the work) be evil/bad.

Heb 5:14  But solid food is for those full grown, having exercised the faculties through habit, for distinction of both good and bad.

2Co 5:10  For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive the things done through the body, according to what he did, whether (the thing be) good or (the thing be) bad.

 

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