Are we evil?
Is there really a tiny bit of evil inside that can temporarily control our thought process and make us commit acts that would be considered wrong?
I often wonder what it is that drives someone to take the life of another person. Whether we like it or not these kinds of people exist. Some commit acts such as this and it can simply be a genuine case of losing one’s mind for a moment then realising what they have done in the cold light of day.
There are others however that would think nothing of taking a life without a moment’s hesitation. No matter how you look upon it, it is still something that cannot be considered just and fair.
Is there any situation where an “eye for an eye” should be used as a valid excuse? I think sometimes we have physical and mental strengths that we cannot understand, something can take us over and make us do something out of character; whether being out of character can describe something as sadistic as a murder remains to be seen.
Can murderers change? Will they always feel little for what they have done or will the reality of their situation finally kick in and they will not be able to live with themselves? Many of us will have read in the tabloid newspapers how Ian Huntley apparently cannot cope with what he has done.
If the newspapers are to be believed, Huntley has tried to end his own life on at least three separate occasions and is constantly being watched by prison guards. Does this mean he will seek forgiveness for his actions when the time comes? More importantly can the families of Holly and Jessica search deep inside themselves and find a way to forgive him for what he has done?
On most occasions, I would read stories about people who have taken the lives of others and think to myself that there would be no way I would even consider doing that. However I never have had to, and hope to never, be in that situation and as the saying goes about “walking a mile in my shoes” maybe I would react differently if I found myself in that position.
I’m not for one minute suggesting I condone that kind of violence or anyone who commits acts like this. What I am saying is that it is very easy for us to judge those we do not know, because more then likely we will never meet them in our lives.
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 and is filed under Thoughts & Questions, Views on News.
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Ann Says:
Thank God, that on the Day of Judgement, the judging will be in God’s hands only.
To answer your question, I would say we are not evil, but yes, there is evil in us, just as there is good.
Evil should abhor us, we should want to rid ourselves, our lives and our neighbourhoods of it
And the most powerful weapon against it is good.
And goodness comes from God, and while we cannot expect to live without evil, we can pray and ask God for the graces necessary to at least protect ourselves and those we love, which includes our brothers and sisters in Christ.
From what we read there are many factors that can lead to evil action, just as there are many life situations that lead to prayerful actions.
There but for the grace of God go I, is a kind of prayer in itself - a reminder of our weakness and dependence on the love and mercy of God.
November 15th, 2007 at 5:00 pm