Can goodness be known apart from evil?

[Tooks]

I find in nature that there needs to be an antithesis for anything to be known. Hot/cold, sweet/sour, wet/dry, light/darkness. I find that the same dynamic exists within myself: peace/fear, joy/sorrow, love/rejection.

This paradoxical requirement leads me to the conclusion that perhaps there was some Divine thought behind the topsy-turvy world in which I live. It almost makes sense!?!

There seems to be a lot of criticism towards a Higher Power that would have designed/allowed a universe where we suffer. Isn't it possible that the very inclusion of evil/suffering, actually testify to a loving Presence at the head of this thing? Perhaps even more-so that this very Presence has extended an invitation to us all to join Him in an eternity without tears?

Perhaps my 80 odd years of up and down does not seem so absurb.

 

[darkbeaver]

Welcome Tooks. No pain no gain.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

I Isn't it possible that the very inclusion of evil/suffering, actually testify to a loving Presence at the head of this thing?

No. A loving Presence, whatever you conceive it to be, is certainly possible, but the existence of evil and suffering is not evidence for it. Neither is the existence of goodness and joy.

 

[Sal]

Welcome Tooks.

Can goodness be known apart from evil?

Goodness and evil are relative.

I do not believe God intercedes nor chooses not to intercede in our world...therefore I do not seek to understand why it would allow bad things to happen to good people.

No I do not believe that:

it possible that the very inclusion of evil/suffering, actually testify to a loving Presence at the head of this thing? Perhaps even more-so that this very Presence has extended an invitation to us all to join Him in an eternity without tears?

We are a piece of God, we choose to be here. We choose our path. We will return to it....that is home in a manner of speaking.

 

[L Gilbert]

There's certainly nasty stuff to go along with the nice stuff, but there's nothing that points to any Grand Poobah of Magicians except for the feelings of the faithful. If there was evidence, there would not be any need for faith.
I think that looking for a reason behind why bad things happen to good people (and vice versa) is silly also. The universe is indifferent is why.

 

[petros]

Some don't need faith or belief when you know there is more.

Evolutionary useless emotions are behind good and evil. The so called magician in the sky has nothing to do with what happens in this world.

 

[Said1]

Maybe the existence of evil is simply necessary in order to recognize the existence of good.....

 

[petros]

Why do we have the evolutionary useless emotion to distinguish good from evil?

 

[Twila]

Being athiest myself, I don't think in terms of good and evil. I don't think we'd be able to experience the various levels happiness if we never experienced the other.

It might just be that with out pain we may NEVER feel happiness. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head?

 

[Cliffy]

Being athiest myself, I don't think in terms of good and evil. I don't think we'd be able to experience the various levels happiness if we never experienced the other.

It might just be that with out pain we may NEVER feel happiness. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head?

Yup, it is all a judgment call. It is all a product of separation mentality, duality. There is no such thing. Everything and everyone is part of the greater whole. Our bodies are nothing more than replicating DNA but our minds are what connects us to everything else. Unfortunately, those who believe in duality and separation think that the whole is here for our exploitation. There are consequences to that mind set.

 

[JLM]

And then there was the Little Moron who loved beating his head against the wall because when he stopped it felt good.

 

[Twila]

And then there was the Little Moron who loved beating his head against the wall because when he stopped it felt good.

wow, way to take that to an extreme.

 

[L Gilbert]

Some don't need faith or belief when you know there is more.

Evolutionary useless emotions are behind good and evil. The so called magician in the sky has nothing to do with what happens in this world.

Knowing implies facts and evidence. Like I said, whatcha got is feelings and wishful thinking.

 

[Locutus]

I know my wife loves me. How can I prove that to anyone? I just 'know'.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

Presumably you have evidence for that in her behaviour towards you that anybody else could observe and come to the same conclusion.

 

[Sal]

I know my wife loves me. How can I prove that to anyone? I just 'know'.

it's easy to prove

loving someone is black and white when you begin to analyse it... boiled down...she treats you well...she does things for you and says things for you that make you know you are loved

you can list them if you care to

that's the difference between a good relationship and a bad relationship...black and white

 

[darkbeaver]

I know my wife loves me. How can I prove that to anyone? I just 'know'.

I can help you prove it. Invite me over. I'm quite an eyeful eh, the women are unhinged by me pheromones as oft as not. Only true love can stop that. I'll bring the beer.

 

[Locutus]

My girlfriend also loves me.
Jesus says he does.
TV, radio and celeb-type people often say it to everyone too.

I'm so confused.

I shoulda just shut me yap. ;-)

 

[darkbeaver]

You seem hesitant to test your loves robustidity.

 

[Locutus]

Um, is that like turgidity?

'Cause, ya know...no hesitancy there. ;-)

Just sayin'.