12 Jan 05
Originally posted by KneverKnightEvil is what ever we define it to be. What is perceived by society to constitute an evil act is dependant upon the zeitgeist of the day.
What is the nature of evil? Does it include natural disasters such as the tsunami recently inflicted upon South Asia, or is it's definition more narrow, confined to the brains and deeds of Man? Or is it more than those choices, or something else again?
Defining non-human acts to be evil is to mis-apply the concept. Natural disasters are not caused by sentient creatures, thus there is no culpability or blame to be attached for the incident. (God does not exist).
Similarly, we do not call a shark evil for killing other animals: It is just following its instincts. Such acts are not premeditated murder, rather just acts of survival.
12 Jan 05
Originally posted by howardgeeBut if god did create the world, then he would be directly responsible for natural disasters in it. In that case natural disasters would be an act of evil.
Evil is what ever we define it to be. What is perceived by society to constitute an evil act is dependant upon the zeitgeist of the day.
Defining non-human acts to be evil is to mis-apply the concept. Natural disasters are not caused by sentient creatures, thus there is no culpability or blame to be attached for the incident. (God does not exist).
S ...[text shortened]... llowing its instincts. Such acts are not premeditated murder, rather just acts of survival.
12 Jan 05
Originally posted by KneverKnightI don't believe that evil is defineable. The dictionary says that evil can be anything from being morally reprehensible, to having a bad smell (an evil odor), to simply being unlucky.
What is the nature of evil? Does it include natural disasters such as the tsunami recently inflicted upon South Asia, or is it's definition more narrow, confined to the brains and deeds of Man? Or is it more than those choices, or something else again?
I don't follow the Bible as a rule book or even necessarily as a source of religion, but here's where I think the metaphor in the story of Adam and Eve rings true: it is the knowledge of good and evil which damns us. Whether you take that to mean a seperation from God, a running flaw in humanity, or something else, it is obvious that this is the main thing that seperates us from the animals. A fox doesn't think it knows evil; a bluebird has no concept of "good." If you are hungary, you eat, tired, you sleep. Never does the wolf loose sleep over concern that the wife of his brother's murderer is still free.
In the end, I guess, the only definition of evil that I can offer is that evil is whatever your addled mind tells you it is (no personal insult intended, all our minds are addled). If it tells you the tsunami is evil, then for you it is. Evil can only exist on a personal level. Unless you're talking about the B.O., in which case, go take a shower you evil smelling dude.
12 Jan 05
Originally posted by lucifershammerIf there is no god, then natural disasters are just naturally occuring phenomenon. If one kills you then it's just bad luck on your part. To call them evil makes no sense.
Who says natural disasters are evil?
But if there IS an omnipotent creator god, then natural disasters are a direct result of his handiwork. This god would be held directly responsible for all deaths that result from the natural disasters built into his creation. To cause such needless suffering, or to continually tolerate such needless suffering would be an act of evil.
In the first example, natural disasters just happen. In the second example, natural disasters are caused.
12 Jan 05
Originally posted by rwingettBut suppose from God's point of view that "death" is just a bump in the road and that the reason we were "placed" here in the first place was just to let us suffer a bit so we will appreciate "living forever"?
If there is no god, then natural disasters are just naturally occuring phenomenon. If one kills you then it's just bad luck on your part. To call them evil makes no sense.
But if there IS an omnipotent creator god, then natural disasters are a direct result of his handiwork. This god would be held directly responsible for all deaths that result from th ...[text shortened]... st example, natural disasters just happen. In the second example, natural disasters are caused.
Just playing "gods advocate" a bit.
In other words, you assume that pain, suffering and death are bad things. What if they are the point to the whole thing?
13 Jan 05
Evel is will you drink the last of the kool-aid and leave the pitcher empty!
Evil is when you try to get the first and last bite of my double burger!
Evil is when you take the biggest slice of pizza in the box and leave the little ones for the next person.
Evil is when you fart, move away from it, and act like you didn't do it.
That...that's some evil stuff to me!
The Great One has spoken.
13 Jan 05
Originally posted by thesonofsaulI agree with you that animals do not have a concept of good or evil. However, about the wolf losing sleep, I am unsure. We owned two horses, then one of them died recently. Before this the two horses did not like to be ridden alone. Then after the horse died the other horse went crazy for a while, even broke heavy chain and escaped from the stall. He still isn't the same, his head is often low and he is much slower about movement. If he were a human I would say he was grieving. I have also had the same thing happen with dogs.
A fox doesn't think it knows evil; a bluebird has no concept of "good." If you are hungary, you eat, tired, you sleep. Never does the wolf loose sleep over concern that the wife of his brother's murderer is still free.
I wonder what that could be about?
13 Jan 05
Originally posted by PeregriniI didn't say that animals don't grieve. I said that they have no concept of evil. The surviving horse did indeed experience grief, but I am certain that he never wished revenge on his friends killer, or sought to justify his stall-mate's life in any way. He simply missed his friend. My example of the wolf was about revenge--not only revenge, but senseless revenge. Revenge along with any justification belong solely to the human concept of good and evil.
I agree with you that animals do not have a concept of good or evil. However, about the wolf losing sleep, I am unsure. We owned two horses, then one of them died recently. Before this the two horses did not like to be ridden alone. Then after the horse died the other horse went crazy for a while, even broke heavy chain and escaped from the stall. He st ...[text shortened]... ing. I have also had the same thing happen with dogs.
I wonder what that could be about?