Defining Evil: A Discussion

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of Christian AnarchySomeone who follows Christ as their only authority—rejecting institutional control over their spiritual life.. Today, I'm accompanied by my ever-loving host, Steve, and the ever-intelligent Ethan. I might have slipped up, calling myself unintelligent, but that’s beside the point.

A Lighthearted Start

We begin with a bit of banter about hair. Ethan is currently mocking my hairdo, not that he's wrong about it. Steve, on the other hand, is proudly sporting a mullet, a result of his Nazarite vow for the year. He hasn't cut any of his hair, neck beard, or facial hair since January 1st. Meanwhile, Ethan seems to be influenced by a mix of Budweiser sponsorship and a touch of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" style.

Diving Into the Topic

We gathered some intriguing comments from our viewers, some of which weren't so kind. But today, we're focusing on last week's question pulled from the jar: "Define Evil."

Steve's Perspective

My initial thought on defining evil is that it's when you live backward. It's a tough topic because it raises the question of whether evil has changed over the years. From the first humans to now, has evil transformed, or is it the same? I believe evil is consistent and fundamentally about disobeying God. Scripture states there's nothing new to man; we are not inventors of new evils.

Ethan's View

Ethan adds, "I think evil is anything that is sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace.." Recalling his Good News Club teacher, he describes sin as anything you think, say, or do that is against God's commands. Society's standard of evil changes, like how segregation was once acceptable, but God's perspective on morality remains unchanged.

The Complexity of Defining Evil

While churches offer varying definitions of evil, if evil is indeed anything sinful, we must distinguish what constitutes a sin. However, everyone's definition varies, leading to disagreements about what evil truly is.

A Different Perspective

I propose a different perspective, focusing on the commands of Jesus in 1 John, where he emphasizes believing in his son and loving others. Evil could be defined as anything that opposes faith and agape loveSelfless love marked by patience, mercy, and humility—central to living in spiritual liberty., making it the antithesis to love and life. It's about missing the mark set by God's desires for his children.

Further Considerations

A question arises: Are some things more evil than others? This query opens up another layer of discussion as we explore the nuances of evil in our contemporary world.

The Spectrum of Darkness

It seems like there is a spectrum of darkness. I agree with this because there are actions that are not loving, as simple as a toddler hitting their sister. However, there are also horrendous acts that anyone would clearly acknowledge as evil, and these are undoubtedly worse.

Hierarchy of Evil

I'm wondering if there is a hierarchy in how God views evil. Does God see all evil on the same playing field and give it the same punishment, or does He view some things as more evil and others as less so? I think He definitely sees things as more evil, as Jesus suggested when describing the punishment of those who went to Sheol, saying some will be beaten with few stripes and others with many. It seems there is a hierarchy of evil in God's mind.

The Unforgivable Sin

What if someone commits a ton of tiny, barely evil things, and another person does one really bad evil thing? How would these be compared? I don't know the answer, but it's interesting. Wouldn't blasphemy against the Holy Spirit be considered the worst thing one can do since it's the unforgivable sin? There are significant differences in interpretation about what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit means. Personally, I think contextually it's not merely saying Jesus did miracles by demons. I believe blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is going against the primary Christian command to believe. It is faithlessness that is not forgivable in this world or the world to come, but when you believe, it is forgiven. It's the state of non-belief which coincides with Christian commandments to believe and love that marks the existence of evil.

Belief and Forgiveness

It's not forgivable if you're in a state of unbelief, which makes sense. As soon as you believe, it's forgiven, and the unforgivable sin is effectively undone. Some people claim it's never forgivable, but this can be taken to an extreme. Calvinists might argue that not believing means you never truly believed in the first place.

Comparing Sins

Regarding evil on a spectrum and hierarchy, within the church, we often say it's evil if someone sleeps with their girlfriend. Sins of the flesh are against God, who desires marriage. Is there a difference between that kind of evil and someone who teaches against faith or claims God is a myth? Surely, teaching that God is a joke is worse, yet people don't always act like it's worse. They often react more severely to personal sins like premarital sex.

When we consider the impact, acts causing confusion and affecting others' faith are more significant. While sleeping with your girlfriend might affect others indirectly, spreading disbelief affects people's spiritual lives much more seriously. I agree that spiritual consequences are more important than physical ones. When you sleep with your girlfriend, it's a personal decision between the two of you that doesn't influence anyone else's belief unless you're a significant leader in a church.

Understanding the Concept of Evil in Relation to God

The discussion begins with the complex subject of evil in relation to God. This dialogue explores the nuances of good and evil, particularly in the context of divine influence and human choice.

The Nature of Evil

One participant expresses the need for divine intervention by stating, "I need Jesus' blood for this one." This highlights the belief that speaking directly against God and attempting to turn people away from Him has a more significant and eternal impact. Such actions are perceived as substantially worse in terms of how God defines evil.

The "Once Saved, Always Saved" Debate

The conversation shifts to a theological discussion, specifically the Calvinist concept of "once saved, always saved." However, a participant challenges this by suggesting, "once not saved, you were never saved." This perspective suggests that if someone falls away from faith, the claim is often that they were never truly saved to begin with.

The Origins of Evil

The dialogue then delves into the origins of evil. If evil is seen as the antithesis of God and His commands, where does it come from? The idea that God created evil is brought up, referencing Psalms. One suggestion is that evil arises by the very existence of God, who is light and love. Hence, darkness, as the opposite of light, embodies evil.

There is also an agreement that by creating beings with free will, God inherently created the possibility of opposing His will. This possibility for evil is seen as an outcome of God allowing individuals the choice to follow Him or not. A participant adds that before any creation, such as angels or humans, evil existed not as an entity but as an absence of God—pure light and love.

The Misunderstanding of Satan's Role

A compelling viewpoint is shared regarding Satan's role in evil. Instead of viewing him as the originator of evil, one participant views it as a misunderstanding to attribute the creation of evil solely to Satan, suggesting instead that it is more about the absence of God.

Reflections on Revelation

The discussion then turns to the Book of RevelationA symbolic prophecy fulfilled in 70 A.D.—not a prediction of future global events.. Chris Crockwell comments on Revelation being about Christ's conquest and overcoming. Another participant expresses appreciation for this, emphasizing that the book is a revelation of Christ's ultimate victory and essence.

Personal Reflections on Revelational Fears

Kenny Mendes reflects on growing up in a church with a futuristic and legalistic view, describing it as a frightening experience. The constant fear of not adhering to laws and anticipating the second comingChrist’s return, fulfilled in 70 A.D., ending the old covenant—not the world. led to nightmares. The vision of others ascending to meet Jesus while feeling stuck on the ground was terrifying, exacerbated by thoughts of persecution and everlasting hell.

The conversation rounds off with a lighter note, evoking memories of looking forward to Jesus' return with childlike anticipation, reminiscent of a scene from "The Simpsons" where Ned Flanders ascends to heaven.

Reflecting on Perspectives: A Discussion on Faith and Interpretation

Different Views on Faith

The conversation began with a reflection on how faith perspectives can vary widely. One person shared their anticipation of being taken up to Jesus while humorously noting how others would be left behind as a form of vindication. They were candid about their personal doubts, questioning their own worthiness and the fear of not being "good enough" to ascend. This led to broader questions about whether living in fear or pride aligns with the concept of God achieving victory through Christ. To some, it seems contradictory to the ultimate message of faith.

The Dynamics of Discussion

A comment was made appreciating how the show’s host, Sean, often allowed others, like Steve and Ethan, to delve into debates more extensively. It was noted that this format made the discussions more engaging, offering a richer tapestry of perspectives. The commenter suggested that longer discussions could lead to deeper insights, allowing for more comprehensive exploration of topics.

Hosting Challenges and Wisdom

Sean himself acknowledged the challenges of hosting, particularly managing lulls in conversations. He appreciated the feedback and noted the value of interjecting to maintain the discussion flow. Despite the challenges, his perspective was valued for its wisdom and experience, often steering conversations back on track when they veered off course.

Handling Sensitive Topics

The group discussed a previous episode on the transgender topic, highlighting how Sean saved a fellow speaker from a potentially tricky situation. They humorously recalled an analogy about calling one’s wife fat, which pointed to the importance of mindful and respectful dialogue.

Exploring Christian Faith and Salvation

The conversation shifted to Ethan’s analysis of Christian faith and the question of why Christianity remains relevant if Christ has already come. Ethan was praised for his intelligence but critiqued for being short-sighted when pondering the purpose of being a Christian. The discussion acknowledged that many seek meaning and cosmic intimacy through their faith, which transcends the fear of damnation.

This led to a deeper exploration of salvation, questioning the significance of accepting Christ if there is no longer a threat of hell. The point made was that understanding one's need for salvation isn't solely about avoiding eternal torment but about recognizing one's sinful nature and finding fulfillment in faith.

The Ongoing Journey of Faith

As the conversation continued, the participants shared their understanding that being saved isn't just about redemption from brokenness, but also about personal growth and transformation over time as a Christian. Each shared perspective added a layer to the multifaceted nature of faith, encouraging listeners to contemplate their own beliefs and the transformative journey that comes with it.

Reflections on Faith and Fulfillment

Seeking Critique and Understanding

In a recent discussion, we delved into the concept of receiving meaningful criticism, an experience quite different from the usual harsh judgments. It's refreshing to confront critiques that don't label you as entirely wrong or a heretic.

The Question of Fulfillment

Design Core suggests, "The concept that is spoken doesn't clean everything; it doesn't clean up everything. The pure of heart still has things to do." We can agree that while Christ fulfilled all, we can't prove that all is finished. If everything were indeed complete, what purpose would there be for Christians now? If he came back for his little bride and fulfilled both the Old and New Testaments, then why continue?

Embracing the New Age

If we accept that Christ didn't return in 70 AD and we are living in a fulfilled age, the purpose becomes spreading Christ's love, peace, and fulfillment. This belief helps us lead better lives and prepares us for His eternal kingdom. It's an insightful perspective, especially from someone who doesn't usually study these matters deeply. Many argue there's no point if Christ isn't returning, but it's essential to understand that love, especially agape love, is transformative. It brings peace both to ourselves and others, embodying what true faith is about.

The Quest for Truth

For those genuinely seeking the truth, a rare quality, questioning Christ's return leads to a profound journey of faith. If Jesus isn't coming back, understanding how to live this life in His name becomes crucial. The pursuit of truth is more about living in alignment with God's guidance, not merely expecting Christ's return as an escape from deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God.. Knowing the truth, whatever it may be, is vital for a sincere faith.

Motivation for Love

The argument that faith is stronger when not motivated by Christ's imminent return but by genuine love for God is compelling. It's not about loving because of fear or anticipation but because it aligns with God's will. This perspective leads to a purer form of living.

Insights from Byron of Calgary

Byron of Calgary draws a parallel between Christ's first and second comings, likening them to signing a contract and a housewarming party. Even though he doesn't agree that Satan is still present, he admits that enough evil persists to condemn us. If Satan’s role is to deceive and distract from truth, that remains relevant. Regardless of Christ's return timeline, the benefit of having Him in your life is undeniable.

Closing Thoughts

These conversations continue to shed light on various perspectives and insights in the Christian journey. There's always more to explore and understand, but maintaining Christ in one's life offers profound benefits, whether we anticipate his return or believe it already happened.

Examining the Timeline from Adam to Christ

From Adam to Malachi, the timeline is often misconceived as being as long as from Christ to now. According to Christian scholarship, the period from Adam to Malachi spans roughly 4,000 years. In contrast, the time from Christ to the present day is about 2,000 years. We briefly covered this in a previous episode of our show, "Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology.," and I apologize for the quick coverage.

When Christ cited scripture, the scripture was around 1,760 years old to Him. That timeframe accounts for when Moses wrote the scripture, not from Adam. Moses wrote the Pentateuch, and the first scripture, Genesis 1:1, was written 1,760 years before Christ. So, when Christ cited it, it was ancient to Him, and He trusted it. My point was not about the four thousand-year span from Adam to Christ; I understand that's the common belief.

The Marriage at Cana and the Wine

Stephen asked whether the description of the marriage at Cana illustrates the type and effect of the wine in Jesus' day. We agreed that it does. In the miracle story, the hosts generally served the good wine first and the bad wine later when the guests were inebriated. Yet, at Cana, the miracle provided the best wine last, leading to astonishment.

This method of serving—the best wine first—continues even today. Some might employ this technique, serving the high-quality wine up front, then following with the less desirable. And yes, laughter is a part of our show; if it bothers some viewers, they may choose not to watch.

Thoughts on the Dominion of the World

Michael Carr posited, "The world is not ruled by Satan." This leaves us questioning who or what rules the world. Could humanity's inherent evil suffice without the existence of the devil? The concept of spiritual darkness and light offers a way to understand this—a dichotomy of truth and error.

Viewer Comments and Interactions

Recently, a viewer named Daniel commented on my previous interactions with him. We were on friendly terms, but there seemed to be misunderstanding. Communication is crucial, and differing opinions are part of having a public dialogue.

Conclusion

Our show has covered various intriguing topics, and it's been a journey sharing these ideas. Questions on using talents for God and engaging with our audience leave us with more to explore next time. Thanks for joining us, and we'll dive deeper into these discussions soon.