Evil

[amyrouse]

A quote from the movie White Oleander that I really like.  I would like to know the thoughts of others on this.

It's good that you're trying to identify evil, Astrid. But evil is tricky. Just when you think you know what it is, it changes its form. Learning its nature  takes a lifetime of study.

[shernajwine]

Well, this makes evil sound like some sort of entity that has character and personality. Basically, evil doesn't change form, people's definitions of evil change in order to justify themselves.

[amyrouse]

Well, this makes evil sound like some sort of entity that has character and personality. Basically, evil doesn't change form, people's definitions of evil change in order to justify themselves.

The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he doesn't exist.  I've heard that quote several times.  Isn't the devil supposed to be the embodiment of evil?

(I'm playing the (hahaha) devil's advocate here  )

[Falconer02]

Isn't the devil supposed to be the embodiment of evil?

That would also be Giygas from Earthbound and Azathoth from HP Lovecrafts works.

Giving raw emotional qualities to an embodiment is always a cool concept if it's done right.

[shernajwine]

The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he doesn't exist.  I've heard that quote several times.  Isn't the devil supposed to be the embodiment of evil?

Evil is the devil's character but the devil is the entity, not his character. Now if you are using the term evil in place of the term "the devil" then the movie quote makes sense. The devil is always parading things that appear innocent to entrap people into something that is actually wrong. The devil is tricky and as soon as you think you have him figured out he changes his tactics to keep you confused.

[Falconer02]

The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he doesn't exist.

Evil is the devil's character but the devil is the entity, not his character. Now if you are using the term evil in place of the term "the devil" then the movie quote makes sense. The devil is always parading things that appear innocent to entrap people into something that is actually wrong. The devil is tricky and as soon as you think you have him figured out he changes his tactics to keep you confused.

How convenient of a superstitious belief. So everyone not believing in your fictional character is being fooled. Seriously? It's ridiculously obvious--OH WAIT! SATAN MUST BE TRICKING ME FOR THINKING OUTSIDE YOUR BOX!

Giygas > Satan

It's good that you're trying to identify evil, Astrid. But evil is tricky. Just when you think you know what it is, it changes its form. Learning its nature  takes a lifetime of study.

And even then, it changes with culture. The definition of evil one day may be different another. It's obvious there are basic evils (murder, rape, slavery, etc.) but then there are the technical evils (internet piracy). One thing that always interested me is the good coming from evil-- such as the Nazis in WW2 inspiring the space race in the 60's. I'll comment more later on this.

[amyrouse]

Many have said that that without knowing evil, one cannot know good.  Is evil purely the absence of good, or is evil a deliberate action that causes bad to come about?  And isn't it irresponsible to blame someone, i.e. the devil, for the bad that happens?  If we are given free will and can make a choice between good and evil, then why do so many insist that they do bad things as a result of the devil's temptation instead of taking responsibility for their own actions?

[Falconer02]

Many have said that that without knowing evil, one cannot know good.  Is evil purely the absence of good, or is evil a deliberate action that causes bad to come about?

THis would depend on the subject at hand. The lessons have been learned by others to apply their experiences to your own morals (example- don't drink and drive). This, of course, can change through time depending on the subject.

then why do so many insist that they do bad things as a result of the devil's temptation instead of taking responsibility for their own actions?

Life's a lot easier when you aren't responsible for your own actions. It's really that simple- you always have something else to blame it on. Whether it be THE MAN to THE DEVIL!

The greatest trick the Devil played on humankind was that you are of your own mind.

This translates to "I'm too stupid and scared to think for myself".

[shernajwine]

.

Eve did this by eating the forbidden fruit

According to the theory of evolution Eve never existed. Believe the bible or believe evolution....one or the other marie.

[amyrouse]

According to the theory of evolution Eve never existed. Believe the bible or believe evolution....one or the other marie.

Eve does exist...she is the mother of us and chimps, the link to our earliest ancestors.

This is not the same Eve, Marie.  Please do more research on this before you claim it as truth.  There is a difference between biblical Eve and Mitochondrial Eve.

[Falconer02]

Quit telling me to do freakin' reasearch...if you knew me, you would know that I have a very open mind.

*tries not to laugh*

Let's keep on topic, shall we?

[amyrouse]

Quit telling me to do freakin' reasearch...if you knew me, you would know that I have a very open mind.

I will tell you to quit doing research when you have demonstrated that you have done the research.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Mitochondrial+Eve  (I stole Falconer02's trick) 

[walksalone11]

The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he doesn't exist.  I've heard that quote several times.  Isn't the devil supposed to be the embodiment of evil?

 The devil is always parading things that appear innocent to entrap people into something that is actually wrong.

Sounds like Christians to me......

[shernajwine]

Well, if loving people and God is wrong then I don't wanna be right 

[walksalone11]

Well, if loving people and God is wrong then I don't wanna be right 

I am very impressed with your form of Christianity, its just that unless you have come across some new kind of Christianity(and man oh man I soooo hope you have) and you are loving everyone......you aren't doing it right.