Hi Sorin, yes, I think that's basically right. In many verses from God's word it is apparent that some people have been given to these sorts of actions. However, in other, different verses of Scripture, such as God creates evil, etc., [see next paragraph for verses on this] which are
good to know, we as readers of the Scriptures are able to put the idea together that these actions of people such as witchcraft, etc., as much as God has indicated He
abhors them, are part of His overall Plan, and are ultimately of benefit to us His children.
Related verses about God and His creation of evil: Isa 45: 6-7, Lam 3: 38, Eccl 1: 13, 2Sam 12: 11, Jer 4: 6, 26: 3, Josh, 23: 5, Job 1: 8-12, 2: 10, Amos 3: 6, 1Kings 22: 21-23, 2Chr 18: 20-22, Rom 9: 21-23, Judg 9: 23, Psa 105: 24-25, Amos 3: 3-6.
I have a very thin children's book with beautiful drawings that helps depict this general concept of God's evil entitled
The Little Soul and the Sun. And although it has nothing whatsoever to do with God's word directly, it does so in principle, and I have found it a great resource, especially in sharing with others who couldn't give a flip about Scriptures at all... but they like this pretty picture book and grasp the concept. It goes like this...
The scene starts out in heaven with God (the BIG light) and all the souls He's created around Him (the little lights), and everything is nice and
VERY BRIGHT. One soul/light steps forward and says something like "I
know that I am light, but I want to
feel what it
feels like to be light. God says sure, but there's only one thing... there is nothing else
BUT light... you are like a candle in the sun... and since you can't see yourself as light in the light, I'll surround you with
darkness! The little soul got excited and exclaimed it wanted to become the light that experiences FORGIVENESS.
So another little soul/light stepped forward and volunteered to cloak himself and become
dark so the little light could SEE and FEEL HIMSELF AS LIGHT, and the cloaked one did something BAD to the little light, so he could experience FORGIVENESS after the bad act. And the first little soul was so happy for soul who became dark out love for his friend, but the darkened one simply asked
not to be forgotten as to Who and What He Really Was (underneath!). They were
both SO HAPPY going into this pre-arranged arrangement. You get the idea.
So, that's my take on it. Enjoy! Janice