Evil

Evil is a term describing that which is regarded as morally bad, intrinsically corrupt, wantonly , , or wicked.

Evil as a religious concept

In a number of religious traditions, "evil" is widely considered to be a mystery; that life and its rules are "governed" by an innate bent towards selfishness and pride. These behaviors would directly contradict "good nature" is a reprocussion of disobedience. "Evil" characterizes and describes aspects of human beings that exists in the Jewish and Christian doctrine believed to have been given to Moses through the 10 Commandments. This doctrine explains the root of moral existence and the act of evil is directly correlated to disobedience to what was set forth to be moral truth. This Law was instituted as a guideline of what "not to do" and to show human beings shortcomings of perfection. In the forms of malice and selfishness, evil represents the socially weakening and destructive behaviors that lead directly to a fruitless life and death.

Related Topics:
Mystery - Life - Rules - Death

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In the originally Persian religion of Zoroastrianism, the world is a battle ground between the god of good Ahura Mazda and the god of evil Ahriman. This dualistic belief system had a heavy influence on the Abrahamic religions.

Related Topics:
Persian - Zoroastrianism - Ahura Mazda - Ahriman - Abrahamic religions

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The Abrahamic religions, as well as others, are largely centered around the concepts of good and evil, and this has led to much religious debate. Many cultures and mythologies personify evil. Despite this, however, there is a common misconception that in Christianity evil is personified in Satan, but the Christian theodicy is based on the condition of the human heart believed to be bent on deceit and striving for good and that human beings are responsible for their choices. Others describe evil spirits or demons as the inciters of acts and have been recorded to have possessed human beings and animals.

Related Topics:
Christianity - Satan - Theodicy - Spirit - Demon

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Note that "self" does not necessarily have to mean "one's self," but also to the various units, groups, and demographics to which one belongs (for example: family, school, team, generation, nationality, race, or religion). The Israelites asked for national repentance of sin while the Christians focus on individual sins. Jewish beliefs and Christian teachings say each person will give an account of all their actions, including faith and obedience.

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Evil without meaning or reason is derived from neo-Platonic philosophy called surd evil. Christianity in general does not adhere to this teaching of evil as they believe in what is unseen through faith versus the theories of cause and effect in the universe. The story of Job in the Hebrew Scriptures is a bold example of how evil exists and seems at times to be victorious, although Christianity teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the perfection of God and the wages of that missing the mark of that perfection (sin) is death. It is believed that God is in control of all things, especially as its teachings show that Jesus conquered this evil, resulting in death, by being raised from the dead.

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