Part Three - Good and Evil

“…beware the dark side…anger, fear, aggression.” ” Is the dark side stronger?” ” No…no….quicker, easier, more seductive.” -Conversation between Luke and Yoda

Is there such a thing as evil? Is there such a thing as good?

For over two-thousand years, the Judaic-Christian movement has governed what is ‘good’ and what is ‘evil’. Now with people moving away from the dogmatic faiths, and the Pagan beliefs becoming more popular, dogma has all but faded into an old-fashioned way of thinking.

So what applies as being evil? Is the new term for evil the ‘dark side’ ? Or merely a form of negative energy manifest into negative acts? One of the understandings, especially in Wicca, is that whatever energy is sent out returns to the sender three-fold. Typically, this is more of an Eastern philosophy adopted by Gerald Gardner when he modernized Wicca in 1954. Many Pagan philosophies ultimately place responsibility on the self, and not on an all evil entity, hence the disbelief in the Christian version of all evil - Satan.

Additionally, there is no place of eternal damnation known as Hell. Karma steps in here to impart justice rather than St. Peter at the golden gates, or the well known ‘Judgment Day’. Karma can effect retribution to a being in this life or perhaps the next. One never knows what will happen to him/her as a result of negative deeds or actions - or when.

Let me stop here a moment and explain a little about my understanding of good and evil. I believe there is evil in the world. This can manifest either as a living being or a spirit that decides to continue it’s negative or evil influences against the living. Ever heard of a Poltergeist?

This does not excuse nor explain the individual for his/her acts of aggression, violence or general nastiness against others. It is a choice. A choice for that individual, when they are perfectly aware of the consequences and possible legal ramifications that they are up against. Society has given many people an ‘out’ when it comes to committing evil acts against that very same society as have the Religious Right - the Devil made me do it! I had a bad childhood!

No matter what faith you belong to, there is an inherent abhorrence to violent acts. Even to those who commit those very same acts, the need for retribution is there. Some choose to use the justice system to gain reprisal, others attempt to gain vengeance through the same violent act - an eye for an eye. Still others see acts done against them as an excuse to hold society at fault and take it out on the helpless. Whatever the method, whatever the act, it is still a choice. After all, why do some choose not to commit violent or evil acts while others do? Not that we all at one point or another don’t at least think about it, but that is far as it gets. That is the true definition of stress….the driving desire to choke the living crap out of someone who desperately needs it!

But we control the urge. We need the ‘dark’ side as well as the ‘light’ side. It is a give and take on both sides. The positive, compassionate aspect of ourselves needs the more aggressive, stronger side of negativity to help create and carry out decisions. It is only when we choose to forgo one aspect over another that it causes problems in our lives.

For instance, pretend you are interviewing for a job. What are your immediate feelings? Are your scared? Lonely? Insecure? Nervous? Or are you self-assured, cocky, aggressive or even egotistical? Let’s take nervous for starters. You may feel very nervous being put on the spot for the potential job(who wouldn’t?), after all this is your career..isn’t it? It could be….what if he doesn’t like me? What if I say the wrong things? What if I throw up?

See how this can dominate what you may choose to do? You could easily convince yourself of the things above and run screaming from the office never to be heard from again!

Or….you can take the aggressive side, the ego or, if you will, the violent side, and let it work with the positive aspects. Shut up whiner! You’ll do great!

Anyone out there a Star Trek fan? (what good Pagan isn’t? hehe) There is an episode where Kirk is beamed aboard with a malfunctioning transporter and is split in two. One good, the other evil. As time goes by, each half is weakened by the separation between them. Eventually, even though the ‘evil’ Kirk likes where he is, and the ‘good’ Kirk doesn’t want the ‘evil’ Kirk back, they both realize they can’t exist as the Captain of the Enterprise, or even in society, without each other.

The ability to decide or make a choice, takes both sides of the coin. You can’t make a reasonable decision without the polarity. The positive, compassionate side, or good, takes the experiences and feelings centered around this aspect to decide who to choose as friends or to help a fellow human in need. The negative, aggressive or evil side uses caution and can lead you to mistrust new people. Combined effectively, this can bring about a decision based on experiences and instinct to form a long lasting relationship or the right way to help another without causing yourself harm.

Bottom line. It doesn’t take religion or laws to dictate one’s choice to be a good person or carry out evil acts or intentions. It is the responsibility of the individual how and when to act. Not from an outside influence. There are those who have experienced negative influences throughout there lives…who hasn’t? But there are many resources available to help you through the good times as well as the bad. If we continue to rely on an unseen force as a scapegoat and make the conscious decision to carry out evil acts, in the long run, we are only hurting ourselves. After all, St. Peter could be one of the gods.