The Difference between Evil and Good
Reason
I`ll use the example of Christ, as that is currently what generates the most discussion on my comments sections.
The innovation in thought that Christ brings to Old Testament-ism is Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the cure for vengeance, and the Old Testament is full of War creating vengeance as I`ve described in:
Normally I think of forgiveness as a good thing. That was until I saw how it was applied in a group chat that had a number of devoutly Christian Doctors.
The reason Christ`s forgiveness was invoked was this:
A Christian doctor decided not to disclose that many vaccines have not been tested for long term side effects, especially when a number are given all at once. The parents who brought their child in for immunization seemed like vaccine Nazis who would report any Dr. who they even suspected of being “Anti-vax”.
This Dr. had a family, to feed, a mortgage to pay and a career to keep, and decided to say nothing.
I made the point that it is still wrong to say nothing, especially if it is out of fear of retribution. Even something as simple as saying “You know, they`ve never tested the long term safety of giving all of these at once. Are you sure you want to do this now? Perhaps you should take some time to make an informed decision. I hate to rush when it comes to the health of children.” And then WALK AWAY.
What followed was a heated discussion with petitions that Christ`s grace and forgiveness made her choice OK because all doctors in Canada live in fear of losing their license for being “anti-vax”.
In the case of the Doctor, Mortgage (money), Career (money), and Feeding the family (life) was more important than the child of another.
The context is that this was Canada, and starvation is rare (so far).
Going to a food bank may be injurious to pride, especially for a Doctor`s family, but it`s not lethal… but neither is giving half a dozen vaccines to a child all at once (most of the time).
If this was the case, then the equation is that a Doctor`s pride is more important than the health (or possibly the life of) the child of another. (is this right?)
Does this seem like a good use of a life giving, war ending gift of forgiveness?
For clarity, let`s increase the magnitude of the situation by a degree.
What about a career criminal, a hitman, a mercenary, or a soldier. They beg for forgiveness on Sunday for all the people they have killed, and then go back to killing on Monday.
Is that right?
Do they deserve forgiveness?
Maybe the soldier “believed” he was killing for a good cause. Maybe something “good for the world” like killing Amalekite children for disobeying “God”.
What is the difference between GOOD forgivness and EVIL forgivness?
Reason.
That`s all.
This might be the only post where I make the conclusion for the reader. However, as always, the only thoughts more important than my own, are yours, so please comment.
Every word that is your own is valuable to me. But if you decide to use words that aren`t yours (e.g. quoting scripture) be prepared for an interpretation that might be far different from yours.
Many Christians say, “The Devil quotes scripture!” I would tend to agree, but I would add to that “Sheep also quote scripture, and so do reasonable humans”.
Why do I say this?
Because reason is all that separates the Devil from the sheep, from the good; just as reason separates a good use of forgiveness from an evil one.
Wrong does not become right just because you ask forgiveness. We all make mistakes and if we did not know then asking forgiveness for harming another should be asked and given. But if one has zero curiosity to find out if an action is causing harm or knows it causes harm to another and does it anyway, no matter the excuses we give ourself, that is not forgivable. It’s also not right to use Christianity Jesus and God as a defence for wrong behavior.
If you know, and say nothing, that’s evil PERIOD. Children, that’s a special kind of evil. I believe God has tasked adults ( this includes doctors that people have been propagandized to trust) harm. Asking for forgiveness does not get you get out of jail card.
Humans are imperfect even in reading, listening, interpreting, analyzing, judging, proving, justifying, forgiving, asking for forgiveness, providing retribution, reciprocating, lying or telling the truth in the moment. A "good" reason for one may not be "good" for another. A "good" reason at one point in time may not be "good" in another. A "good" reason in one way may not be "good" in another. God can see in our hearts. He sees trials our tribulations and self justifications. We all have them, and do this, whether we recognize it or not. We can only try our best in all regards, including trying to right wrongs, whether our own or others.