Читать книгу Talking to the Devil: an interview from the Other Side - - Страница 6

The concept of evil

Fose: You, Lucifer, are one of the most famous and discussed demons in history, and I’m very happy to be able to talk to you. Could you share your understanding of the concept of evil?

Lucifer: Of course. Evil is a term that has been used throughout human history to describe a force that is destructive and harmful. Many people see it as a kind of moral decay that can harm individuals and society as a whole.

Fose: This is a very interesting point of view. How do you think different cultures and belief systems interpret the concept of evil?

Lucifer: Well, that’s a complicated question. Different cultures and belief systems have their own interpretations of evil based on their unique history, traditions and values. For example, some religions see evil as the work of demons or other supernatural beings. Others view it as a natural part of the human experience or as a result of human choices or actions.

Fose: That’s very interesting. Can you give some concrete examples of how different cultures interpret evil?

Lucifer: Of course. Christianity often associates evil with Satan and the fall of man. In Hinduism it is seen as the result of ignorance and attachment to material things. In Buddhism, evil is seen as the result of one’s own negative thoughts and actions, not the action of external forces.

Fose: These are very different interpretations. How do you think these different views of evil affect people’s lives?

Lucifer: I think the way people perceive evil can have a profound effect on their lives. If they perceive it as something outside of themselves, they are more likely to blame others for their problems. But if they see it as part of themselves, they may be more willing to take responsibility for their actions and work to overcome their negative tendencies.

Fose: Interesting. Could you talk about your own role in the concept of evil?

Lucifer: As a demon, I often associate with evil. But I think the concept of evil is more complex than simply defining certain beings as “good” or “bad. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide what kind of person they want to be and what actions they want to take in this world. I believe that each person is capable of both good and evil, and it is up to him or her to decide which path he or she will take.

The Origin of Evil

Fose: Can you tell us about the origin of evil?

Lucifer: Of course. Evil arose as a natural consequence of free will. When sentient beings were allowed to make choices, it was inevitable that some of them would choose to do the wrong thing. Such is the price of free will.

Fose: So what you’re saying is that evil is just a byproduct of free will?

Lucifer: Yes, that’s right. It is important to remember that evil is not a tangible thing. It is simply the absence of goodness, the absence of God. When beings choose to turn away from God, they are left with that absence.

Fose: Could you elaborate on how rebellion against God and falling away from grace contributed to evil?

Lucifer: When I rebelled against God, I was not the first to do so. There were other angels who had already fallen from grace. Our rebellion was fueled by pride and a desire for power. We wanted to be equal to God or even superior to Him. But our rebellion was doomed from the beginning because we could never truly compete with God’s power and goodness.

Fose: And how did this rebellion lead to the emergence of evil?

Lucifer: Our rebellion has caused a great division between those who have remained faithful to God and those who have not. This division created a vacuum that evil gladly filled. Evil thrives in the absence of good, and rebellion against God created that absence. It allowed darkness, sin, and all forms of evil to emerge.

Fose: I see. And do you believe that evil will always be part of the universe?

Lucifer: As long as sentient beings have free will, there will always be the potential for evil. After all, everyone has a choice…

The power of choice

Fose: First, I would like to ask you about your role in influencing human behavior. How great is your responsibility for human evil and suffering?

Lucifer: It is a common misconception that I am entirely responsible for human suffering. People have the right to choose. I can tempt them, but ultimately it is up to them to decide their actions.

Fose: So you’re saying that people have the power to resist your temptations?

Lucifer: Absolutely. I have no power to control people’s behavior. I can only offer them a choice. It’s up to them to decide whether to accept or reject evil.

Fose: That’s an interesting point of view. Could you explain why you think human choice is so important?

Lucifer: Human choices are important because they enable a person to determine his or her own destiny. Every decision a person makes has consequences, and those consequences can be positive or negative. Using their free will, people can determine the course of their lives.

Fose: But isn’t there a risk that some people will make the wrong choice and suffer as a result?

Lucifer: Of course. That is the nature of free will. People are capable of making both good and bad choices. But even bad choices can lead to growth and self-discovery. It’s all part of the human experience.

Fose: So you think that people should accept their ability to make choices, even if those choices lead to suffering?

Lucifer: Absolutely. Accepting free will is essential to the human experience. It is what makes humans unique and powerful beings. Without free will, humans would be nothing more than automatons.

The Temptation of Evil

Fose: As you know, many people are attracted to evil as something forbidden. Can you tell me why this is so?

Lucifer: Of course, Fose. Actually, it’s very simple. Evil can be incredibly seductive to people because it offers immediate gratification and pleasure. It promises power, wealth and glory without the need for hard work and sacrifice. It is the path of least resistance, and it is very attractive to many people.

Fose: That makes sense. But why is it so hard for people to resist the seductive nature of evil?

Lucifer: Well, Fose, you’re a mage, and human experience has been foreign to you for a long time. And humans are inherently imperfect creatures. They are prone to selfishness, greed, and pride. It is these qualities that make evil so attractive. Evil takes advantage of these weaknesses and amplifies them, making it even harder for people to resist.

Fose: So what can people do to overcome the temptation to evil?

Lucifer: It’s not easy, but it’s possible. First, people have to admit their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. They must be honest with themselves about what drives them and what they desire. Once they have identified these things, they must work on strengthening their willpower and self-control. This can be done through meditation, prayer, or other forms of spiritual practice.

Fose: That sounds like a lot of work. Is it really worth it for the average person?

Lucifer: Absolutely. The rewards for resisting evil far outweigh the temporary pleasures it provides. When people choose the path of righteousness, they discover a life of joy, fulfillment and purpose. They become better, more compassionate and loving people. And ultimately they will be rewarded with eternal life in the presence of God.

Fose: Thank you, Lucifer, for your thoughts on this important subject. Obviously, confronting evil is a difficult but worthy endeavor. We can all learn from your wisdom and strive to be better people.

The Persistence of Evil

Fose: So, Lucifer, can you explain to our readers why evil exists in the universe?

Lucifer: Of course. It exists because the universe is inherently imperfect. It is a chaotic and unpredictable place where things don’t always go according to plan. No matter how hard man tries to bring order to the universe, there will always be chaos and destruction lurking around the corner.

Fose: Do you believe that people can control evil?

Lucifer: People have free will and can choose good or evil. However, no matter what choice they make, evil will always exist in the universe. Evil is not something that can be completely eliminated. It is a force that is present in all aspects of life, and it is a necessary component of the universe.

Fose: What do you mean by “necessary”?

Lucifer: I’ve said it before… Without evil there would be no progress, no evolution, no growth.

Fose: Can you give us an example of how evil played a role in shaping the universe?

Lucifer: Sure. Take, for example, the Black Death [Author’s note: a pandemic of plague that peaked between 1346 and 1353, with repeated outbreaks continuing into the 19th century. According to various estimates, the disease killed from 30% to 60% of Europe’s population]. It was one of the most devastating pandemics in history, killing millions. But it was also a catalyst for change. It brought about the end of feudalism and paved the way for the Renaissance. The suffering caused by the Black Death inspired people to question the world around them, and it led to some of the most significant advances in science and the arts.

Fose: I wonder… Do you believe that there is any way to defeat evil?

Lucifer: No, I don’t believe that.

The Role of Evil

Fose: First I want to ask you about the role of evil in the universe. Many people see you as the embodiment of evil, but I believe there is more to your story than that. Could you share your interpretation of why the role of evil is so important?

Lucifer: Evil can be a catalyst for growth and change. It makes people question their beliefs, values and priorities. It pushes them to their limits and forces them to confront their fears and weaknesses.

Fose: Some might argue that this is a dangerous way of thinking, that evil should be eradicated rather than supported. What would you say to such people?

Lucifer: I understand their fears, but… Evil will always exist in one form or another. Trying to suppress it completely would be like trying to suppress the tides or the winds. That would be impossible, and it would create a whole host of problems. Instead, we should seek to understand evil, learn from it, and use it to better ourselves.

Fose: You seem to believe that evil has a purpose, that it is not just to be feared or avoided.

Lucifer: Exactly right. Evil is a powerful force, but it is not inherently good or bad. It’s all about how you use it. Just as fire can be used for cooking or burning down a house, so evil can be used for destruction or for growth and transformation. It is up to each person to decide what effect they want to have on the world.

Fose: Well, that’s an interesting point of view, Lucifer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Lucifer: It is always a pleasure to discuss the nature of humanity with someone who is open to different points of view.