UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO HUMAN EVIL: A MULTICAUSAL APPROACH

Author: Peters, Karl E.

Source: Zygon, Volume 43, Number 3, September 2008 , pp. 681-704(24)

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Abstract:

One task of religion is delivering human beings from evil within and between themselves. Defining good as well-being or functioning well, evil as impaired functioning, and doing evil as impairing the functioning of others, this essay explores how religions in consort with other social institutions might understand and respond to evil in light of contemporary scientific knowledge. To understand evil I use a multicausal approach that includes both biological and sociocultural environmental causes. I illustrate the use of this approach by analyzing how we might understand and respond to human rage and violence.

Keywords: anger; brain; evil; evolution; good; Melvin Konner; limbic system; Andrew Newberg; rage; Sacred center; violence; well-being

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2008.00948.x

Affiliations: 1: Professor emeritus of philosophy and religion, Rollins College. His address is 30 Barn Door Hills Road, Granby, CT 06035;, Email: kpeters396@cox.net.

Publication date: 2008-09-01