What Is Evil?

While they were enjoying themselves, a crowd of troublemakers from the town surrounded the house.  They began beating at the door and shouting to the old man, “Bring out the man who is staying with you so we can have sex with him.” [Judges 19.22]

So, is the world as evil today as it was in the time when this story took place?

I took a few moments this day to look up the word 'evil' on Wikipedia.  I won't even attempt here to define what I found, but I will encourage myself and others to know and understand what we believe about evil.

Do 'we' believe the actions demonstrated by the men in Gibeah were evil?

Is evil simply the absence of good?

Are evil and good both imbalances that just need to be brought in harmony?

Are all men (as in mankind) 'fallen' and in need of redemption?

What did the Levite's concubine think was evil?

What did the Benjamites think was evil when their army was defeated and their city was destroyed in retaliation?

Father, as I consider 'evil' today, I realize that the opinions of what constitutes evil vary wildly.  Unlike some world religions however, I believe You are good and, as such, are worth pursuing.  I believe You are loving because even as good as You are, You still pursued man when he was incapable of good.  Thank You.