What is the Nature of Evil?

I was at a neighborhood meeting the other night, after finishing my work day. A neighbor noticed my blue necklace, which has a couple little glass evil eye amulets. This symbol is from the ancient Mediterranean/Near East and is meant to ward off bad intent from others, literally to protect one from an evil glare or look. The neighbor giggled and thought it was cute. I assured her that I run into dark things from time to time, working at a community hospital. A talisman may seem simple-minded, but I have always been a superstitious person, and I believe any little bit of positive intent helps.

In this age of dependence on science/technology for our physical survival and psychology/neuro-physiology for self-understanding, it can be easy to believe that there is no such thing as evil. Many very smart people believe that we can explain the darkness within ourselves and others through purely rational means: the unexplored subconscious, environmental impacts, or genetics. All of these things have influence. However, there is more to human behavior than that which can be explained in a study. There are things in us that defy understanding, and must be experienced to be believed, like evil.

In my work, I have cared for young people seeking medical attention after being sexually assaulted. I’ve accompanied people who had been beaten. I’ve comforted and witnessed the suffering of victims who nearly died from attempted murder. I can tell you what they have told me: that the person or people who attacked had “that look in their eye”. When one has seen that look in another person, they never forget it.

Shock and disbelief are often the reactions we have when we are touched by evil. “How can this be real? How can this person who I trusted be doing this to me?” Those thoughts are often followed by self-incrimination. “How did I miss this? How did I not see what this person was capable of?” Evil is adept at convincing the victim that they are somehow at fault for its actions. This form of manipulation is often affirmed by our culture, which historically blames victims, especially marginalized people.

What I have learned about evil is that humans who are capable of it are also capable of being affectionate and giving. People who commit heinous crimes can also be the source of creativity, hard work, and progress. Humans are complex and evil is tricky. Evil uses the complexity and brokenness of the human condition as its entry point. Being aware that it exists is the first step to protecting oneself from it, as well as one can.

It is the nature of evil to blow in like a storm, hold on as long as possible, and flee when it is met with the powerful resistance of goodness. Once defeated, evil is a whiny little shit that makes excuses, lies, and attempts to avoid accountability by blaming others. Evil is, in the end, a coward.

Though the darkness within can be supernaturally strong in some people, justice, protectiveness, healing, and love are more powerful. There is an Ultimate that is stronger than evil, and it is Divine Love. This Love is where we come from, it is how many of us choose to live, and it is where we return to once our lives are over.

Encouraging the fruits of Divine Love (justice, accountability, generosity, mercy, kindness, care) in our society diminishes the power evil has over us because Love leads to wholeness and the simplicity of inner peace. Evil cannot overcome a person who loves what is good. Evil cannot defeat a society that is committed to justice and human flourishing.

I do not believe that humans can get rid of evil. The tricky bastard is always inventing new ways of infiltrating people and communities. However, we can diminish its power by putting our energy into self-responsibility, compassion, and justice. Finding meaning and purpose in our lives fills in the space evil seeks to hold. Reigning in our selfishness by being self-giving is an antidote to darkness. Holding each other accountable is a restraint against evil.

Figuring out evil’s latest tricks and coming up with ways to defeat it is critically important. This work is done in our hearts, personal relationships, communities, and nations. Working from the inside out, we heal our wounded world from the darkness that persists.

If there is one thing I want everyone who has suffered something terrible to know it’s that after evil things happen, though we are forever changed, there is soul medicine that soothes. Goodness restores us eventually; with patience, Divine Love cures.