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Is labeling things that cause us to cringe evil, a cop out? Why, or why not?


Where is the line between deprived human behavior, and "evil influence".

How do you respond to people that profess to be evil?

I don't talk to people who say they are evil. I don't know who would say that, lol. I know that as a society most of what we think of as evil is derived from religion. It would depend really on the law and the deviding line between knowing what is right and wrong and having no conscience due to a mental health issue. My idea of true evil are people like Hitler and some of his associates and Charles Manson. We have to have some dividing line where we can keep society from killing each other over a slight as they did in the past. Man is feral until taught what is right and wrong. I also don't condone religion as an excuse to commit mass murder such as the crusades and 9/11 and other incidents. I consider that inspired evil. Obviously there was a cause behind it but what happened in the end was "morally reprehensible." Now if you are saying crimes committed attributed to influence of demons well I would not be as likely to believe the person because it is based on a religious perspective that to me has yet to be proven...that would be a cop out to me because it is a belief and nothing more. Would it be ok if the person truly believed they were being influenced by demons? For instance say they got it into their head or heard voices (schizophrenia) urging them to kill certain children because they were born to aid the antichrist and they killed a number of children because of this, I would say lock them up and throw away the key. I don't think it is wrong to label that evil with or without mental health issues.

1 a: morally reprehensible : sinful , wicked b: arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct
2 aarchaic : inferior b: causing discomfort or repulsion : offensive c: disagreeable
3 a: causing harm : pernicious b: marked by misfortune : unlucky

i think that a lot of people want to CLAIM they are evil. people like to label themselves for others... for a reaction. maybe i am generalizing in some capacity here but i think people who want to tell others how they are "evil" are likely confused, and at best petty and mean.

to me, REAL evil is Hitler, Bush, Stalin, someone who serial rapes and murders women, etc. I think it is an extremely small fraction of the population that is on this level.

calling yourself evil is sure to get a reaction. people like attention - be it good or bad. many of us (humans in general and weirdos on VR) seem to recognize planet earth as a pretty fucked up place. people are cruel and petty - there are ugly institutions in place - there is little we can do as individuals - many of us have tasted the ugly of it all.

so rather than embrace the bright, many people feel the need to sink self in negativity... drugs, drink, self harm, talking shit, superficial bullshit. we spin in a cycle of repetition and frustration. we feel small and as if we have no purpose so deciding the world sucks drives us to proclaim "I AM EVIL". i think these people are probably more lost, scared, scarred, and ultimately CONFUSED over anything else... but like i said people like labels - so "evil" pops up...

honestly, most people who call themselves EVIL make me laugh... they don't have the soul of BIN LADEN/BUSH. they just like the way it sounds...

Dabbler...

"Where is the line between deprived human behavior, and "evil influence"."

I'm not entirely sure how to answer that question...I guess depending on how you define "depraved"? (If that's the word you were going for..)

Some humans act in a pretty malicious manner towards others, my personal definition of evil is not taken from religious texts, I just consider it to be an act of maliciousness, manipulation, domination and/or destruction of another against their will. I dont believe people like that are necessarily "influenced" to be that way, some of them just are.

"How do you respond to people that profess to be evil?"

I'm with Bat7777 on this one..I think most people are confused on what constitutes "Evil", maybe doing it for shock value. From my experience, when pressed, they're best reference for the definition is that which is given by major Religions, and they consider themselves "Evil" out of a sense of rebellion against those religions.

As for how I respond...usually with a lot of questions. I've yet to meet anyone who would be a Hitler, Stalin, or Dahmner...they just tend to be reacting in opposition of those who claim to be "good" yet, they see as being anything but.

I personally don't see a difference in the two. It is the "vile behavior" that in some way is inspired by something and if it is very vile then they are dubbed evil.

Here is an example:

Vile and despicable behavior is apparently a subjective term. I'm seeing a lot of racist and sexist remarks.

This is a remark from a forum.

Therefore this person sees vile behavior as racist and sexist remarks. It would be different for each person. I find it vile that people are abducted and put into slavery, especially young girls. I find it vile that people use themselves as physical bombs having been so indoctrinate in fanatical beliefs life has no meaning to them. I find it vile that some countries commit genocide. What inspired them? Greed, beliefs and numerous things that from someone else's perspective would be evil. I think this is what causes people to be inspired to commit those things we think of as truly evil or I don't understand the question, lol.

I follow those last two post well, thank you both.

Lacking humane regard for humans is part nurture part nature, if a child grows up seeing a sibling physically abused, and perhaps gets picked on for being socially inept, possibly poor.

That child has a " reasonable" indication that humans are objects for venting on. React before you are defeated ( and humiliated).

Deception was mentioned, pretense, and intent reveal flawed nurture, and nature.. Not that those are the only factors.

But thinking that praying for "evil" things to be exercised alone.. Is denying
Man kinds Psychopaths, Sociopaths, and megalomaniacs who pursue notoriety, with disregard for humanities.

let me start out by saying this is just my opinion. Now, on with it.
People are neither evil or good they are just people, we learn our behavior from others who learned theirs from others and so on. For the most part the bad things that are done in this world is the work of human inspiration as with the good things as well. Demons get far too much credit for doing nothing really. Once in a while something will happen that is so far outside the norm or so beyond what we would do that it may be inspired by demons but there is no way of really knowing unless you are that person. In how to deal with it, be sure you know what you are doing before even addressing an entity you know nothing about.

The evil of one is the good of another. Who is to say what is truly evil?

Are humans evil or the acts in which society dictates is evil.

For things we think cause humans to potray as evil here, many other cultures deem them sane.

We are neither good or evil the intentions in which we do with our lives deem are actions evil.

I believe there are two things that address evil: there is no force called evil, there is only free will; and that negative behaviors are as contagious as positive behaviors.

Someone who is more exposed to people who choose negative behavior is likely to exhibit those negative behaviors themselves; but ultimately everyone chooses GvsE, even if they believe they have been influenced by evil.

Positive behavior is also an influence, and with the aid of the covenant, humanity is slowly progressing toward ever less evil choices (as a whole); although as society progresses what we deam to be evil also changes.

everything is perception. how the individual sees 'evil' will automatically let them label good vs bad, decent human behavior vs vile human behavior.

we all see evil in varying amounts. it just depends upon who you ask.

JenovaX has made exactly the point I would - it is all about perspective. The whole concept of whether something is 'evil' (or 'good' for that matter) is based on one's own morals, beliefs, and tolerances. When groups of like-minded individuals form you end up with societal definitions of 'good' and 'evil' - with those who conform being 'good' and those that do not being 'evil'.

The reality is: there is no 'good' or 'evil'. There is only perspective, and whether or not you accept something within your own moral ideals.

On a personal level, I wouldn't make the equation that 'vile' = 'evil' either (even if they are an anagram of each other). There are a number of human behaviours that I would consider 'vile' - as in, it is unacceptable, and dare I say repulsive, to me (faecal-play would be an example), yet I would not label this behaviour, nor those who partake and enjoy it, 'evil'.

People try to tell us what is good and what is evil but what if you have to do something that they consider evil to get to something good. the people that can classify their own beliefs on evil and not evil really no themsleves because you dont have to liston to what a higher up power tells you. We all see things different and we shoudlnt listen to what others tell us to think about it.

Thanks LH well summarized.

Along with an example from Clementia..

"Evil" in some established religions even accounts for what is not done by a person ( non-convert, or convert).

Most people agree whether or not they have a subscribe belief, that something are vile, ie Child Rape..

I think on some level you have a choice to be evil or not.. It also could be influance from friends etc... I say if you concider yourself evil then you are.. but why aim to be evil.

People choose their own evils. The choose to partake in them or to not but to them what they are doing may not be as evil to them as it is to others. Its like some people say that hunting is evil and so they choose to not do it and be against it while others think it is needed for conservation purposes so they do it but they dont believe it is evil. It is all aout how you as a person precieve a certian action.

I disagree the post above, we don't accepts.choose any evil or wish for any evil, those comes with your development through many variables in the life of the individual, you are not born "evil", you don't choose: "today im goin to kill three grannys, steal 2 banks and take over the world"... those are things that involve many things during a child/adolecent developmental process. Now what is evil? well thats another case and you hold a point, we make what is evil or what is not, in some places cannibalism is a ritualistic and normal practice in a group/tribe; here in the States or other "developed" countries is not permited and viewed as deviational behavior. Or in Wallachia they see Vlad as a national hero, while you ask anyone and will surely say he was insane and evil for the atrocities, its all in the eye of the beholder to define "evil" and nobody are made evil are carried from childhood.

Revenous states:
SNIP...you don't choose:"today im goin to kill three grannys, steal 2 banks and take over the world...

I reply:
Actually, the people who commit those crimes do choose to commit them. Yes, perhaps these choices are the result of something that has been developing in the individual(s) since childhood, but the actual commission of the crime is a choice. We are all humans here, even those who identify as vampires, and as humans we all have free will. We do choose whether we are going to be good or bad, morally upright or morally lacking.

We are all created with the abilty to choose to be sinful (evil) or godly (good), yet we each consciously sin every day and consciously are godly every day. The label of being evil only describes the more horrific acts commited from one to another by the perception of such an act. We all are evil and sinful and if others could read our minds they would know our true nature.

Some though Doro are not subscribed to evil, and godliness, to assume such is Idealisticaly Ego Centric, as I state, some accept Vile degrated human behavior. The Dicotomy is rather retired Good Vs Evil.. Your blanket statement is rather insulting to the general population actually , remember those who so insist that their is Evil, and Godliness are a minority.

It is my opinion of human nature. Everyone commits evil every day no matter how subtle, (i.e. rude comment (such as yours), looking down on someone less fortunant, looking the other way instead of helping another in need, ect...) Evil is not always horrific, it is subtle actions towards another that causes harm, no matter how slight.

I think it is a cop out when people blame 'The Devil'. Totally takes ownership off the person and puts it on 'something' else. People need to own their deeds.

Imagines said it well, it is a cope out to blame it on the devil or music or heck some sort of faith or culture.

We all are incontrol of our actions, thus the actions should not control us but us control it. so with that said evil is the persons actions and evil is the term in which society has given to show mockery against the norm rules and structure.

Clearly people are influenced by many things in their social culture; internal and external dimensions of social interaction. There are many things that can guide people to do evil, as we perceive "evil" to be, without believing that act to be evil. Then, of course, we must evaluate their mental stability. We do not all yield to the same ability to reason. Therefore, cannot be held to the same standard of reason without first knowing how they established their perception of good and bad.

Those that act on illogical, irrational conclusions, or are compeled by fanatical ideaology, are often defaulted as evil, but if we are to expand societies capacity to intervene with such people we will have to stop allowing
generic terms around.

True dabbler but we see what determines evil or good is the structure in which society has given us. against what the norm deems right or play along with the others much like followers.

So in this idealogy we term the phrase evil or not. a good interpetation of this is a Movie called pleasantville, shows breaking from the norm and the onset of ratical actions against those and evil tendencies.

people can also be tricked or brainwashed into being evil so the real question is are they evil or the people brainwashing them evil.. or are they both evil?

Trained would be more acceptable, for the military uses this tatics for their soldiers to go into war situations with.

Yet my thought is those can be brainwashed, would it not show in some way. altering the regular concious of a person, moods, actions etc.

Doru makes a very good point of choosing between good and evil, as I would imagine as to why the criminal process must first find if the purpitraitor of a crime is legally "Sane" to hold a trail. For the true mentally insane are not comprehendible at knowing the indifference between right and wrong. To them it was not so in their action(s).
There are some however, that when you look into there eyes, it is like looking into "Evil" it's self. They seem in appearance to have a vast hatered burning inside them for all living things.
Charles Manson being one of them.

Humans likes to do "bad" things, and for those humans that is something natural. But, If they get cut, then, they will be saying that evil forces make them do it. IE, the killer of Sandra Cantu, is using evil as her defense, to cover up her crime. evil or good, is just something to the eyes of the beholder. For some, evil can be good, for others, good can be evil.

I am sorry, but I have to agree with the comment that what is concidered "evil" is purely a moral issue. "Good" and "Evil" are purely moral concepts created by the human ego. This "moral" empowerment adopted by society has been what has caused much of the strife and devistation in the world as a whole. We label acts "Extreme", "Vile", Depraved" and yes even "Evil" because We have assumed We are above the baser instincts of nature. The same acts can be seen throughout the animal kingdom around the world. But because We hold Ourselves higher than Our animal brothers, these acts take on a negative tone, when in reality they are all part of checks and balances that are required inorder to maintain the ecosystem of the planet. We will recognize the need for "Predators" in the animal kingdome to keep the "Populations in check" inorder to maintain balance, but should those same behaviours show up in the Human race, it becomes acts of "evil." The unchecked Ego of Humans as a Race in ignoring the balance of nature and thierown role in it is what one should truely label as "Evil." "Evil" is the Ego of the comment, "I think, therefore I am."

only way i can seperat these is by example. 1 Ted bundy was evil but he looked liked evey one else, he did'ent were all black and show signs of devil worship but thier it is a man that troched and killed for pleasure. it's evil.

2. The coward in the middle east that go around choping peoples heads off. and whining about thier lifes. thay are potraying bad human behavior. are thay gonna go to hell, well one can only hope are thay evil no just misguideed.

I follow your reasoning B, though I would probley go with Richard Ramerez over Ted, Ted is a prime example of Psycopath.

To Ramerez Murder was synonomous with sex, his secondary thrill was mocking " the norm".

As for Taliban, and Jyhadist, they are on a holy war, in the discriptions of the acts of 911 Evil is in context. You show how the word evil applies in context.

Using "human bombs" is a tactical maneuver. Sorry to say it. Jyhadist aside. "Human Bombs" have been employed for as long as bombs have been around. One fights a "war" with the resources one has. It is not a new concept. And when it comes to "War" the words "Cowardly" and "Unhonorable" are subjective to the people fighting it. Sorry. It can not be used to describe what is and isn't evil or vile human behaviour. If so, then any fight, conflict, or war would be concidered vile human behaviour.

As for the people inquestion. Well....Humans are as humans do. What is concidered an evilperson today, may have been a hero before. Only Society Morals determine the fate of that.

Sorry just the realistic devil's advocate.

Deprived human behavior is what causes humans to do after their negative experiences, evil influences is the blame, the label.

We can surely choose, but one who is not in the condition to think clearly, can really choose? Are they conscious?

Evil is subjective. What might be ok for one culture is evil in another. One example is women who are uncovered in public. In Saudi Arabia it is unacceptable, when here in the western world it is actually encouraged.

The other aspect is human psychology. Some people are just broken minded. Socially they express themselves in ways that are not acceptable in ANY culture, so this might be something that is considered evil generally. BUT who says it is unacceptable? The moral majority liekly, which in turn is often broken in some way as well when it comes to individuals in that majority. Odd, but true.

OK I fully follow your reasoning, I mentioned that in context, the label evil applies well to Jyhadist, though I am more in the other camp of as voodoC states so well, evil is subjective.

DN well stated as well, would that make labeling something a coping device, for those that place faith in a greater good ( holy)?

Nothing better then throwing things that assault our accepted view of what is humane, and what is inhumane.

Labeling something evil puts in in the ethereal realm to be countered by
holiness.