From a non-Christian perspective, why is there evil?

[dysert]

I know there some other threads about evil, but I didn't see one specifically looking for a non-Christian answer to the question. Christians have an easy answer to the question of why there is evil. I'd like to hear non-Christian answers to why you think there is evil in the world (deftly avoiding how a non-Christian defines what "evil" is). Thanks.

 

[GoldenBoy89]

I know there some other threads about evil, but I didn't see one specifically looking for a non-Christian answer to the question. Christians have an easy answer to the question of why there is evil. I'd like to hear non-Christian answers to why you think there is evil in the world (deftly avoiding how a non-Christian defines what "evil" is). Thanks.

Uh... there isn't.

At least not in the sense of some malevolent force that seeks to cause harm in the world.

 

[BL2KTN]

Define evil.

 

[TillICollapse]

I would probably say that a lot of what people consider evil, perpetuates, at least partially, because people are selfish.

 

[ananda]

In Buddhism, evil is anything contrary to the selfless natural order/laws found in the Universe, or the Dhamma/Dharma in Buddhist terms. Trying to fight against this natural order produces pain, suffering, disease, and all things negative. Also, doing things contrary to the connected, non-dual nature of the Universe (basically anything done that increases or divides "I, me, mine" from "you, yours" etc.) also produces the same.

 

[dysert]

Off topic.

Define evil.

(deftly avoiding how a non-Christian defines what "evil" is)

 

[durangodawood]

I know there some other threads about evil, but I didn't see one specifically looking for a non-Christian answer to the question. Christians have an easy answer to the question of why there is evil. I'd like to hear non-Christian answers to why you think there is evil in the world (deftly avoiding how a non-Christian defines what "evil" is). Thanks.

The only way to avoid that is for YOU to define "evil" for the purpose of your question.

 

[dysert]

I would probably say that a lot of what people consider evil, perpetuates, at least partially, because people are selfish.

Don't worry, I won't push forever. But why do you think people are selfish? Is it related to survival of the fittest?

 

[TillICollapse]

Don't worry, I won't push forever. But why do you think people are selfish? Is it related to survival of the fittest?

I think one of the reasons people are selfish (I'm not sure there is a single reason) is because they are self-centered. In a neutral sense, that is. Our main point of reference, is, ourselves. We are not the next guy, we are not the dog, we are not the rock, I am me, etc. My point of reference that is arguably always there lol, is "I".

Selfishness imo, doesn't only produce "bad". Selfishness can be a positive attribute. Context is important, as is the manner in which we respect others. I mean, look at the "Golden Rule". It's not, "Treat others good." It's, "Treat others the way YOU WANT TO BE TREATED" lol. It's using a self serving idea to apply it to others in consideration of them.

 

[dysert]

The only way to avoid that is for YOU to define "evil" for the purpose of your question.

Surely we can agree on some examples of evil. Maybe a tsunami that kills thousands of people? Maybe genocide?

 

[durangodawood]

Surely we can agree on some examples of evil. Maybe a tsunami that kills thousands of people? Maybe genocide?

A tsunami is not evil, for sure. It just happens.

 

[BL2KTN]

So defining the terms you wish explained is "off-topic"?

Have fun with stupor.

 

[dysert]

So defining the terms you wish explained is "off-topic"?

Have fun with stupor.

What I meant was that for me to define evil would be off topic. Clearly, if someone is going to contribute to the thread by answering the question, "why is there evil", they may want to define what they consider evil to be. I posed genocide as an example of evil. So far, no one has disputed that. So if we want to focus on that, why is there genocide?

 

[KnowtheSilence]

I typically define evil as something caused by an agent that creates unnecessary harm or suffering (especially if with intent).

People do evil because they are being irrational and/or are not sufficiently informed about the world or the consequences of their actions.

 

[jacknife]

A tsunami is not evil, for sure. It just happens.

yeah i agree. natural disasters aren't evil at all.

 

[bhsmte]

What I meant was that for me to define evil would be off topic. Clearly, if someone is going to contribute to the thread by answering the question, "why is there evil", they may want to define what they consider evil to be. I posed genocide as an example of evil. So far, no one has disputed that. So if we want to focus on that, why is there genocide?

Probably because non believers don't typically use the terms; evil and or sin, as nearly as often, as Christians do.

To me, harmful things happen in our world, whether it be natural disasters, or people bringing direct harm to others.

IMO, there is a natural reason for why disasters such as hurricanes, earth quakes etc happen and there are natural reasons as to why humans murder, rape or harm others, with their behavior and it is entrenched in the personal psychology of humans, which can become abnormal and motivate harmful behaviors. Desperation, is another cause of harmful human behavior.

 

[BL2KTN]

Probably because non believers don't typically use the terms; evil and or sin, as nearly as often, as Christians do.

To me, harmful things happen in our world, whether it be natural disasters, or people bringing direct harm to others.

IMO, there is a natural reason for why disasters such as hurricanes, earth quakes etc happen and there are natural reasons as to why humans murder, rape or harm others, with their behavior and it is entrenched in the personal psychology of humans, which can become abnormal and motivate harmful behaviors. Desperation, is another cause of harmful human behavior.

Yes.

 

[durangodawood]

Evil is the "reason" for bad things when we cant find the reason.

Chalk it up to bad-ness itself, as if there is such a thing.

 

[juvenissun]

I know there some other threads about evil, but I didn't see one specifically looking for a non-Christian answer to the question. Christians have an easy answer to the question of why there is evil. I'd like to hear non-Christian answers to why you think there is evil in the world (deftly avoiding how a non-Christian defines what "evil" is). Thanks.

They do not know the answer. Because they do not know what is evil.

 

[juvenissun]

What I meant was that for me to define evil would be off topic. Clearly, if someone is going to contribute to the thread by answering the question, "why is there evil", they may want to define what they consider evil to be. I posed genocide as an example of evil. So far, no one has disputed that. So if we want to focus on that, why is there genocide?

"We" killed "them" off because we want to survive. In that case, I don't see any evil on what we are doing.
Before I set the foundation of my house, I killed off ALL insects 20 feet away around the foundation. Am I evil?