The thing is, the word "evil" has been thrown around so
casually over the centuries that it has basically lost all
meaning.
In addition, a lot of what might be considered "evil"
behavior is simply the result of chemical imbalances in
the brain. These meat-suits we're running around in can
really mess with our heads -- literally. I merely
("merely" -- HAH!
) struggle with depression on
occasion, and yet can say for a fact that there's a world
of difference between how I am -- and how I see others
around me -- when my serotonin levels are depleted and
when they're not. It ain't demons and it ain't the devil.
It's s-e-r-o-t-o-n-i-n. Plain and simple.
So before getting all Frank Peretti with the Good-vs-Evil
mentality, one needs to first consider what biochemical,
physiological, and psychological influences might be
involved. Then -- and *only* then -- can "woo" (in this
case, "woo" of the Christian variety) be considered a
possibility. IMO, of course.
And I say all this as a huge fan of "magical thinking" and
a love of the supernatural and the spiritual aspect. I
could probably follow my own advice above in some
things I'm experiencing (but the "woo" angle is,
admittedly, such fun, so I really can't fault others too
much for indulging in it!
)
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