The Problem of Evil

Would you agree that there are only evil actions?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Envy and greed as thoughts may well be wrong, perhaps even sinful, but also normal and if not acted upon, certainly not evil.But we may simply be playing semantics as to what evil is. However, since the topic is "Problem of Evil", at least for this thread we have stated that it exists.So, given the assumed existence of Evil, and given that thoughts, while they may well be wrong, perhaps even sinful, are not within my definition of eveil, would you agree that there are only evil actions?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Please understand that I can only give you my opinion.IMHO, the difference between Sin and Evil is in the degree and intent.While evil is always sinful, sin may not be evil.We, whether Christian, Atheist, Agnostic or just about any other condition, are imperfect beings. Things like what you have mentioned, rage, envy, jealousy, anger, are unfortunately part of being human.One of the things we all try to do, Atheist and Christian alike, is to not act on such thoughts. This goes back to my basis on the two commandments. Remember, the second commandment is a two parter, love others as you love yourself. That implies that you actually must love yourself and is an important consideration. It provides the standard, the baseline for behavior.So within that set of bounds, we try not to do things that we would not want done to us.If you look at one of the Prayers of Confession from the BCP, it reads as follows: Notice that it follows pretty much what I've been saying. It includes thoughts, words and deeds, things we have done and those we have left undone, love of GOD, others and ourselves.But it also recognizes that we can and will try to do better.Evil though is a willful disregard of all of that. It is actions without remorse, in fact taking pleasure in doing wrong with no intent to behave otherwise.edited to add requesite spelling errors.This message has been edited by jar, 08-11-2004 12:56 PM

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

That's also very close to the Christian viewpoint as well.The Christian response is through recognizing such failings, repenting, contrition (trying to do better) and forgiveness. But there are remarkable parallels between Christianity and Buddhism.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

I agree that we disagree about what constitutes sin and evil.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Some might believe that but not all Christians. For example, I personally believe GOD is capable of being all knowning yet most likely is not all knowing. I believe GOD got things started, created a few basic rules and is sitting back watching what happens. I don't think mankind is some special creation, some favored child. Rather, GOD has been as excited, surprised and amazed by evolution and what has happened as we are.As to evil, I imagine that it dissappoints GOD just as it would any of us.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Why not?How could that be determined?What does that have to do with the Problem of Evil?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

You seem to be confusing several things.Indicting Christianity does not mean indicting each individual. You also have some misconceptions about the Crusades.In reality, the call to the Crusades was taken to each parish, and the congregation gathered to hear the proclimations and exhortations being made. So yes, pretty much everyone was involved.Second, while we may not indict each individual Christian for the crusades, Christianity can most certainly be indicted, just as the United States most certainly can be indicted for the Iraq war.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion