{"id":451,"date":"2011-10-18T08:52:39","date_gmt":"2011-10-18T12:52:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/everydayspirituality\/?p=451"},"modified":"2016-10-12T09:29:41","modified_gmt":"2016-10-12T13:29:41","slug":"serious-or-curious-about-evil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayspirituality\/2011\/10\/serious-or-curious-about-evil.html","title":{"rendered":"Serious or Curious about Evil"},"content":{"rendered":"

The word \u201cevil\u201d needs to be used thoughtfully. It is straightforward to classify Hitler with evil. However, when we fostered children, and some children appeared to be evil incarnate, I made it a point seriously to reject the word evil. Curiosity, as to the why the child\u2019s behavior tended to be evil, was moot next to the eagerness to win a victory over evil.<\/p>\n

Research shows that enlightened spiritual paths commonly involve a directive to fight off evil<\/a>, since evil always seems to be hurling crap at us. However, the approach to exclude, avoid, argue with, or point fingers at evil, is not nearly as effective as getting to know God. Seriously, to wrap myself up with the thoughts and love of infinite Love, God, is most successful to fight off evil.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t force myself to love a naughty child. We can\u2019t love that which God did not create. Divine Science taught me my ability and right to reflect the love of infinite Love, like the moon radiates light. And, when I was on top of it spiritually, that expression of love made it so the fear and confusion that came hurling at me from the child would not penetrate me. More wonderful, the fear and confusion also did not bounce off and go back to the child and evil loosened its grip on the children.<\/p>\n

With a mind full of an effort to love spiritual goodness, I was able to receive sensible ideas that helped us move forward in productive behavior. From 21st<\/sup> Century Science and Health, <\/em>\u201cAt all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good. Know yourself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil. Love is a protective covering. Wear it! Wrapped up in love, human hatred can\u2019t reach you. The confirmation of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The word \u201cevil\u201d needs to be used thoughtfully. It is straightforward to classify Hitler with evil. However, when we fostered children, and some children appeared to be evil incarnate, I made it a point seriously to reject the word evil. 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