Angels and Demons 1 - Introduction to the concept of Evil and Good.
Evil:
The Jewish religion is very ancient, as you all know. However, it hasn't stayed the same since its birth; it has developed in various aspects, much as it may seem to us modern Jews that it is obsolete and inadequate. Among the things that changed is Judaism's concept of Evil. Long ago, when the idols were legitimate, they could not be seen as diabolical; when Jahovah became not just the god of Jews but also the omnipresent, omnipotent god of the universe, the idols became Evil. Satan, unlike in other religions, was always viewed as an obstacle in one's way rather than an embodiment of Evil.
As for Good, the obvious representation of it is God himself. His angels are messengers, errand-runners, soldiers and etc., but never forces in their own right.
Christianity is a fascinating religion. Not just because it's the largest in the world today, but because of its beginnings. Once upon a time it came crashing down into a pagan world, turning overnight from a small, illegal cult into the official religion of the world's greatest empire. As such it had to adjust itself to the pagan reality - to adopt, to a certain extent, some of the pagan symbols and rituals. But then the source of Christianuty was Judaism, and so it was heavily influenced by it. And so, with Paganism on one shoulder and Judaism on the other, the hunted Christianity had to make some choices.
Islam is the youngest of the three Monotheistic religions. Though from our point of view Islam may seem intimidating (if not downright evil), its perception of evil is actually not dissimilar to that of Judaism: God is entirely good, and if occasionally he allows the presence of evil, it is for a good reason which is not for us to know. Both Good and Evil are allowed to exist, and from there, as The Matrix adequately puts it, "Choice, the problem is choice." The Qu'ran does mention a creature named Iblis: he was in fact an angel, but he refused to prostrate before Adam. Therefore he was cast out of heaven, and became "Shaitan", an enemy.
Sources:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/evil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan#In_Islam
Of course I missed some of the sources, I forgot to copy+paste them... I hope I can find them again.
Most of this info was brought from various sites, and fat chance though it is that their owners ever see this, I'm sorry for forgetting to credit them.
- morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked
- that which is evil; evil quality, intention, or conduct
- the force in nature that governs and gives rise to wickedness and sin
- the wicked or immoral part of someone or something
- harm; mischief; misfortune
- the evil one, the devil; Satan
- morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious
- honorable or worthy; in good standing
- The Good - the ideal of goodness or morality
The Jewish religion is very ancient, as you all know. However, it hasn't stayed the same since its birth; it has developed in various aspects, much as it may seem to us modern Jews that it is obsolete and inadequate. Among the things that changed is Judaism's concept of Evil. Long ago, when the idols were legitimate, they could not be seen as diabolical; when Jahovah became not just the god of Jews but also the omnipresent, omnipotent god of the universe, the idols became Evil. Satan, unlike in other religions, was always viewed as an obstacle in one's way rather than an embodiment of Evil.
As for Good, the obvious representation of it is God himself. His angels are messengers, errand-runners, soldiers and etc., but never forces in their own right.
Christianity is a fascinating religion. Not just because it's the largest in the world today, but because of its beginnings. Once upon a time it came crashing down into a pagan world, turning overnight from a small, illegal cult into the official religion of the world's greatest empire. As such it had to adjust itself to the pagan reality - to adopt, to a certain extent, some of the pagan symbols and rituals. But then the source of Christianuty was Judaism, and so it was heavily influenced by it. And so, with Paganism on one shoulder and Judaism on the other, the hunted Christianity had to make some choices.
Islam is the youngest of the three Monotheistic religions. Though from our point of view Islam may seem intimidating (if not downright evil), its perception of evil is actually not dissimilar to that of Judaism: God is entirely good, and if occasionally he allows the presence of evil, it is for a good reason which is not for us to know. Both Good and Evil are allowed to exist, and from there, as The Matrix adequately puts it, "Choice, the problem is choice." The Qu'ran does mention a creature named Iblis: he was in fact an angel, but he refused to prostrate before Adam. Therefore he was cast out of heaven, and became "Shaitan", an enemy.
Sources:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/evil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan#In_Islam
Of course I missed some of the sources, I forgot to copy+paste them... I hope I can find them again.
Most of this info was brought from various sites, and fat chance though it is that their owners ever see this, I'm sorry for forgetting to credit them.