While I partially agree with Michael, I don't think "love is the absence of evil".

Love just Is - it's not dependent on the presence or absence of anything and I don't think it has an opposite. It's the only thing that's real.

As for evil, I think it's just an illusion we create to excuse our own fears - it's easier to blame them on something or someone outside ourself rather than accept sole responsibility and stop stunting our own growth.

People have choices in life, so it is the choices that they will make that will be determined, as either good, or evil. So, my point is evil is a conscious choice we make, and if, and when, we do make the choice to do evil, then we will have to accept the consequences thereafter! If evil exist that is because we choose to give life and rise to its existence of our own free will!

Also, since we create our own reality, why do we need to give life and rise to evil into our reality?

We create evil that we see, hear, and talk about, without us to create it into our life, there would be no evil. Therefore, evil is in the mind of the beholder, and it does not exist, it is created into ones' self belief for self action! So, in essence, evil does not exist unless we create it into our own reality!

in some respects what is typically labeled evil should be called ignorance,
a misintrepretation of life, yet a fully consciouness decision,
that may attract baser elementals, who revel in separateness.

Yes, evil does exist because God created it so that mankind would have something to choose from since he gave man free will to choose to serve and love him but if there is nothing else to choose from than you would automatic choose God by default for their is nothing else to choose from.

Now, when I first read that in the bible that God created evil that through me for a loop for a long time and I would re-read it to that point and stop and could not go any farther. But after several more tries I was able to read on and get an understand from God that was why he created evil. Sorry I can't give you the verse and chapter but I will search and try to find it for you and place it here later.

But Einstein was correct evil is just merely the absent of God so very true indeed!!!!

Einstein was never involved in any conversation like this in any record. This story was made up in 2004. Einstein said many things about religion (things he REALLY said). Why don't you people take the trouble to read it?

"A human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive." (Albert Einstein, 1954)

He had far more Buddhist in him than biblical Christian.

Hello…

QUESTION:

Does EVIL exist??

ANSWER:

‘Evil does NOT exist, sir, or at least it does NOT exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is not like faith, or love that exist just as does light and heat. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.’

BIBLICAL ANALYSIS:

If you choose to confidently mention the name of GOD in an analysis pertaining to the existence of ‘EVIL’, then you had better make SURE that you have some knowledge of GOD’s Words concerning ‘EVIL’. If not, GOD will expose your IGNORANCE! The answer above is a prime example. According to the Scriptures, the person responsible for the answer above knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about GOD and the Bible. The answer above is a beautiful example of the ego-driven statements which are declared when a man attempts to intellectualize the contents of the Bible to match his own pre-conceived ideas using non-Biblical allegories, metaphors, and similes. The answer above stinks of RELATIVISM and erroneously invokes the name of GOD. Why?? Because GOD deals with ABSOLUTES! GOD does NOT deal with RELATIVISM!

RELATIVISM is any philosophical position which MAINTAINS the existence of ‘truths’, ‘values’, and ‘morals’ but DENIES that these ‘truths’, ‘values’, and ‘morals’ are ABSOLUTE. There exist [2] branches of RELATIVISM:

(1) Epistemological Relativism

Epistemological Relativism was first defended by Protagoras and asserts that all ‘truth’ is necessarily(!?) relative. In this type of philosophy, when a principle is pronounced as being ‘true’, it is NOT absolutely ‘true’. Rather, the principle is ‘true’ for a specific individual, society, or conceptual framework.

(2) Ethical Relativism

Ethical Relativism was upheld, among others, by anthropologist Ruth Benedict (1887-1948) and comprises [3] teachings:

a. Cultural Relativism is the anthropological HYPOTHESIS that different societies have fundamentally different views about ‘values’.

b. Normative Relativism is the thesis that there are no ABSOLUTE ‘values’ valid for all societies.

c. Meta-Ethical Subjectivism is the teaching that there can be NO objective decision mechanisms or procedures for resolving disputes concerning ‘values’.

Definition methods which use this type of worldly, philosophical logic are NOT Biblical and, therefore, should NOT even DARE to invoke the name of GOD. The Bible clearly defines its own terms irrespective of a man’s personal OPINIONS, FEELINGS, or PHILOSOPHIES.

Now, let us examine the FUTILITY of this person’s definition method regarding the existence of ‘EVIL’:

This person begins with the following declarations:

• ‘Cold’ does NOT exist. ‘Cold’ is the ‘absence of Heat’!

• ‘Darkness’ does NOT exist. ‘Darkness’ is the ‘absence of Light’!

• ‘EVIL’ does NOT exist. ‘EVIL’ is the ‘absence of GOD’!

Then, this person declares the following:

• ‘Faith’ and ‘Love’ exist as does ‘Light’ and ‘Heat’!

REALLY?? How can this person confirm that ‘Faith’ and ‘Love’ exist?? According to this person’s own definition method, can I not say that ‘Faith’ does NOT exist because ‘Faith’ is the ‘absence of tangible EVIDENCE’?? And, can I not say that ‘Love’ does NOT exist because ‘Love’ is the ‘absence of HATE’?? But, why stop there?? Observe the following:

• ‘Poverty’ does NOT exist. ‘Poverty’ is the ‘absence of WEALTH’!

• ‘Failure’ does NOT exist. ‘Failure’ is the ‘absence of SUCCESS’!

• ‘Sickness’ does NOT exist. ‘Sickness’ is the ‘absence of HEALTH’!

• ‘Sadness’ does NOT exist. ‘Sadness’ is the ‘absence of HAPPINESS’!

• ‘War’ does NOT exist. ‘War’ is the ‘absence of PEACE’!

• ‘Death’ does NOT exist. ‘Death’ is the ‘absence of LIFE’!

If all definitions were founded on the sliding-scale of RELATIVISM, then where would this LUNACY end?? Definitions based on RELATIVISM are completely ABSURD and are NOT Biblical. The Bible deals with ABSOLUTES! This is yet another example of the mess that people get themselves into when attempting to tackle Biblical issues using non-Biblical language, irrelevant circular reasoning, and an UNBELIEF in the existence of Biblical ABSOLUTES!

Firstly, if this person defines ‘EVIL’ as being the ‘absence of GOD’, then this person is logically conceding that GOD exists as does ‘Heat’ and ‘Light’. Now, if GOD exists, then why does this person’s definition of ‘EVIL’ contradict everything that GOD’s Words teach concerning ‘EVIL’ as found in the Bible?? Secondly, how is it then possible for the absence of ‘something that exists’ to produce ‘something that does NOT exist’?? Logically, the absence of ‘something that exists’ must produce an EFFECT or RESULT which also EXISTS! Thirdly, how can an answer pertaining to the existence of ‘EVIL’ not have any mention of ‘GOOD’, especially since GOD Himself(!) informs the world that Man acquired the Knowledge of both ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ when ingesting the fruit of that specific Tree [Genesis 3:22]?? Why does this person completely avoid any analysis of ‘GOOD’?? Is this person suggesting that ‘GOOD’ does NOT exist?? What is this person’s definition of ‘GOOD’?? Obviously, debating the existence of ‘EVIL’ without concurrently analyzing the existence of ‘GOOD’ leads to an incomplete, lop-sided, and deluded conclusion. As you can plainly see, after some minor logical scrutiny, the answer above concerning the existence of ‘EVIL’ quickly becomes AMATEURISH, ILLOGICAL, and NONSENSICAL!

Since Man will NEVER be able to understand ‘EVIL’ without the light of Biblical revelation, let us totally abandon the FOOLISHNESS of man’s opinions, feelings, and philosophies. Instead, let us examine what ALMIGHTY GOD and the BIBLE have to teach concerning ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’:

(1) GOD is THE Creator and Infinite.

(2) Lucifer was a created cherub and finite.

(3) Lucifer desired a ‘Kingdom’ and a ‘Throne’ of his own. Thus, when Lucifer chose to rebel against GOD, he became Satan (The Adversary).

(4) ‘GOOD’ is an ABSOLUTE which has always existed and is defined by the morally-perfect character of GOD.

(5) ‘EVIL’ is an ABSOLUTE which only originated with the Fall of Lucifer and is defined by the morally-imperfect character of Satan.

(6) The Fall of Lucifer occurred BEFORE the Fall of Man.

(7) ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ existed BEFORE the Fall of Man.

(8) ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ were defined BEFORE the Fall of Man.

(9) From the Fall of Lucifer, ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ have existed unto themselves and continue to operate concurrently.

(10) From the Fall of Man, mankind acquired and continues to possess the Knowledge to distinguish and choose between ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’.

(11) GOD created Lucifer. GOD did NOT create the ‘EVIL’ in Lucifer. Of his own FREE WILL, Lucifer chose to rebel against GOD and introduced ‘EVIL’ into GOD’s Creation. However, according to His Prophetic Time-Line, GOD has allowed and permits ‘EVIL’ to exist. GOD uses and manipulates the existence of ‘EVIL’ in order to (1) contrast, display, and magnify His goodness towards a world in darkness, (2) bring down the reality of His righteous Judgments on disobedient mankind, and (3) display and confirm His power and authority over ‘EVIL’ by exposing its existence and promising its eventual destruction according to His Prophetic Time-Line.

(12) ‘GOOD’ will continue to exist AFTER the start of Eternity.

(13) ‘EVIL’ will be destroyed BEFORE the start of Eternity by GOD.

The principles of ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ exist unto themselves and are clearly defined because both these principles are NOT arbitrary, relative, intellectualized, self-created, or fictitious. According to the Scriptures, the origin, definition, and existence of ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ are directly related to two REAL, DISTINCT, and ABSOLUTE beings: GOD and Satan. In the Bible, ‘EVIL’ is NEVER measured in relation to the ‘absence of God’ or ‘absence of God’s love in the heart’. The Bible teaches that ‘EVIL’ exists because of the REALITY of Satan and the actions, words, and thoughts of DISOBEDIENT men who choose the WAYS of Satan. In contrast, the Bible teaches that ‘GOOD’ exists because of the REALITY of GOD and the actions, words, and thoughts of OBEDIENT men who choose the WAYS of GOD. The ways of Satan are WRONG and ‘EVIL’, whereas the ways of GOD are RIGHT and ‘GOOD’. Having the Knowledge of ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ gives mankind the full responsibility of choosing what is RIGHT and ‘GOOD’ (ie. the profitable things of GOD) or choosing what is WRONG and ‘EVIL’ (ie. the unprofitable things of Satan).

Now, it is plain to see that any belief system or definition which declares that ‘EVIL does NOT exist’ is CONTRARY to GOD and the Bible. By teaching that ‘EVIL does NOT exist’, these types of belief systems and definitions attempt to (1) trivialize the literal existence of Satan, (2) re-define the definition of SIN, (3) denounce the clear distinction between RIGHT (‘GOOD’) and WRONG (‘EVIL’), (4) remove from Man any responsibility of CHOICE, (5) eliminate the reality of GOD’s righteous Judgments, and (6) elevate Man to the status of ‘GOD’. If you do not believe my claim, then observe the conclusion of the following irrefutable logic which originates from the belief that ‘EVIL does NOT exist’. When applied to the Bible, this is the result:

• If ‘EVIL does NOT exist’, then Satan does NOT exist!

• If Satan does NOT exist, then the Temptation in the Garden of Eden NEVER happened!

• If the Temptation in the Garden of Eden NEVER happened, then the Fall of Man NEVER occurred!

• If the Fall of Man NEVER occurred, then Sin NEVER entered into the world!

• If Sin NEVER entered into the world, then GOD has NOTHING to judge!

• If GOD has NOTHING to judge, then Man can conduct himself in word, deed, and thought without ANY fear of CONSEQUENCES!

• If Man can conduct himself in word, deed, and thought without ANY fear of CONSEQUENCES, then Man is ‘GOD’!

Do you not see how pathetically convenient this thought process becomes to a DISOBEDIENT man who wants to institute his own moral standard?? If a man does not want to believe and accept that ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ are ABSOLUTES, then that man will use any half-baked, circular-logic, relativistic, ego-stroking strategy to cater to his PRIDE and UNBELIEF! However, be forewarned that the Bible is clear concerning the following ABSOLUTES:

• GOD exists!

• Satan exists!

• ‘GOOD’ exists!

• ‘EVIL’ exists!

• ‘RIGHT’ exists!

• ‘WRONG’ exists!

• ‘TRUTH’ exists!

• ‘ERROR’ exists!

• Man’s FREE WILL to CHOOSE exists!

• The exclusive and absolute AUTHORITY of GOD’s Words exists!

• GOD’s JUDGMENTS exist!

• HEAVEN exists!

• HELL exists!

• YOU exist!

Therefore, take heed and carefully scrutinize what YOU choose to believe because the eternity of your SOUL is in play.

‘The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding THE EVIL and THE GOOD.’ [Proverbs 15:3]

‘The face of the Lord is against them that do EVIL, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.’ [Psalms 34:16]

‘Abstain from all appearance of EVIL.’ [I Thessalonians 5:22]

‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from EVIL.’ [Proverbs 3:7]

‘Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of GOD endureth continually. Thou lovest EVIL more than GOOD; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.’ [Psalms 52:1,3]

‘And I will PUNISH the world for their EVIL, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.’ [Isaiah 13:11]

‘Depart from EVIL, and do GOOD; and dwell for evermore.’ [Psalms 37:27]

‘As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth EVIL pursueth it to his own DEATH.’ [Proverbs 11:19]

The spiritual lessons in these verses are just a tiny sample of how the Bible deals with ‘GOOD’ and ‘EVIL’ as concurrent ABSOLUTES. The Bible teaches that ‘EVIL’ has a discernable appearance which can be visually observed. Also, the Bible teaches that ‘EVIL’ can be chosen to be acted upon, departed from, avoided, embraced, or pursued. The consequences of choosing the ways of ‘EVIL’ results in a man’s DEATH! If ‘EVIL does NOT exist’, then how can ‘EVIL’ have ALL these observable, discernable, and defined LITERAL effects and characteristics??

Since Jesus Christ is so ‘admired’ and ‘respected’ on this site, let us examine the following spiritual lesson from His recorded Words:

He (Jesus Christ) answered and said unto them, ‘Well hath Esaias prophesied of you HYPOCRITES, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their HEART is far from me.’ And He (Jesus Christ) said, ‘THAT which cometh OUT of the man, THAT defileth the man. For from WITHIN(!), out of the HEART of men, proceed EVIL thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an EVIL eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: ALL these EVIL THINGS come from WITHIN(!), and defile the man.’ [Mark 7:6,20-23]

These Biblical verses quoted from the Gospel of Mark are written in 5th Grade English. I am quite convinced that the great majority of you have the capability of reading and understanding text written at this level. Before proceeding, go back and READ these Biblical verses again. Now, be completely HONEST with yourselves: According to His own Words, did Jesus Christ (GOD in the Flesh) believe in the existence of ‘EVIL’?? ‘YES’ or ‘NO’??

If your answer is ‘YES’:

Congratulations! You are one step closer to fully discerning and understanding (1) the sinful nature of Man, (2) the reality of GOD’s Judgments for SIN, (3) the redemptive work of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross at Calvary, and (4) the ABSOLUTE necessity of PERSONALLY accepting the BLOOD-ATONEMENT of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of SINS while you still have the breath of life in you.

If your answer is ‘NO’:

Beware! Are you suggesting that Jesus Christ is a LIAR?? I guess you don’t ‘admire’ and ‘respect’ Him as much as you thought you did. What’s that!? As one of many ‘Ascended Masters’(!?), Jesus Christ would never have declared that Man is ‘EVIL’!? Only the New Age Thought Movement has the correct interpretation of Jesus Christ’s Words!? Jesus Christ’s Words don’t ‘RESONATE’ with you!? Jesus Christ’s Words aren’t a ‘VIBRATIONAL’ match with your ‘Higher Self’!? Jesus Christ surely made a mistake and was probably OUT of the ‘VORTEX’ when He said these Words!? According to your vast Biblical expertise, Jesus Christ’s Words are only allegorical!? These aren’t even Jesus Christ’s Words!? What Jesus Christ REALLY meant was that ‘from WITHIN(!), out of the HEART of men, proceedeth the Law of Attraction’!? Mark was probably stoned or drunk when he wrote his gospel!? Jesus Christ’s Words were perverted and corrupted by Man, Religion, and Philosophy!? Alas, poor GOD is so weak, so limited, and so powerless that He wasn’t able to correctly preserve Jesus Christ’s Words on the earth for future generations!? Jesus Christ’s Words must be re-interpreted only through the enlightenment of modern-day scholarship and Wikipedia!? Concerned Citizen is such a dramatic, proud, arrogant, conceited, disrespectful, insulting, vain, and self-righteous man who believes that only he is RIGHT and everyone else is WRONG!? Need I continue this farce?? Obviously, you can choose to perpetually run around in circles and invent all sorts of FALSE CLAIMS in a desperate attempt to appease your conscience. However, regarding His Words, you will NEVER be able to escape THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH of Jesus Christ’s WARNING:

‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but MY WORDS(!) shall NOT pass away.’ [Matthew 24:35]

In conclusion, RELATIVISM belongs to the teachings of the New Age Thought Movement and the belief systems of Eastern religions, philosophies, and mythologies. RELATIVISM does NOT belong to the teachings of GOD and the Bible. GOD and the Bible teach ABSOLUTES! Therefore, if a person’s definition of ‘EVIL’ is based on RELATIVISM and proudly invokes the name of GOD, then that person’s definition is totally WRONG, and that person’s LACK of BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE is clearly exposed.

Thanks for reading.

Concerned Citizen