Tonight, 6 PM, Sky Blue Dreams, Oxford The Question of Evil The problem, expressed in traditional Western terms, is this: If God is both all good and powerful, why is there evil in the world? Or, put in more Theosophical language: If the ultimate divine Principle is everywhere and in everything, and if everything in the universe has that for its origin and purpose, why must we go through a long process of evolution to reach perfection? Why should we experience limitations, pain and evil at all? Why do bad things happen to good people since each of us is said to be a microcosm or little world, a reflection of the macrocosm or great world? Surely everyone, in some way, has pondered the question of evil and the reason for pain. Religions and philosophies have addressed the question in a variety of ways. Some have postulated the existence of an absolute evil force (the devil) coequal with God. Others have supposed that the world is the result of an imperfect and bungling creator. Still others have denied that evil really exists at all. A Theosophical approach to the question is rather different. H.P. Blavatsky said that we need to keep in mind two truths. First, what we call evil-pain, suffering, harm, selfishness, exploitation-does indeed exist. No one can deny it. But she also said that no one and nothing is inherently evil. There is no absolute evil, but only relative evil in the world. …taken from Theosophy an Introductory Study Course Questions for Consideration 1. What is your definition of evil and what do you think is its origin? 2. What is the purpose of adversity and temptation? 3. What should be our attitude be toward (a) evil in our conditions or surroundings, (b) evil in others, © evil in ourselves? 4. Do you think people ever deliberately do what they know to be wrong?
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:09:53 +0000
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