Five Faces of Evil

I wasn't intentionally doing any research on "evil" lately, but an article, two books and a film and a book of the Bible have all presented a perfect storm of insight on evil (and how God deals with it):

First, N.T. Wright's wonderful little book, Evil and the Justice of God, explores the theodicy issue in a very readable manner. The core truth I came away with: Evangelicals (and political figures, when it's convenient) have a habit of talking about "evildoers" as the others ... a category separate from us as good people. Yet, this marginalization of evil is incorrect and unbiblical. God is clear that the thread of evil runs through every culture, government, institution and individual and must be addressed straightforwardly as my problem. ...

Next, Elephant, an independent film inspired by the events of the Columbine shootings, explores the last day of two teenage killers--and their victims. It's not an enjoyable movie, but it unflinchingly demonstrates how the narcissism and cliques in high school culture can become a breeding ground for appalling evil. I was struck again with admiration for the youth pastors and teachers who reach out to kids on the brink of such rage and self-destruction. Who knows what evil they hold back!

I wouldn't recommend reading this article in the Dallas Observer, about a demon-possessed "pastor" in Fort Worth who abused countless women for 25 years. Suffice it to say, it's disturbing to be reminded that evil of this magnitude can be found in the place where people should be going for safety and restoration.

Another great little book is Forgiving the Dead Man Walking, by Debbie Morris. Andy and I both read this and were inspired by the author's account of being kidnapped and raped by two escaped inmates--and her harrowing journey to wholeness. It was amazing to see the power of forgiveness to overcome the effects of evil.

Finally, in reading through the minor prophets, it's clear that God often sends unlikely voices to stand up against evil. It's almost comical to imagine that anyone took Amos seriously at the time--a shepherd/prophet from the backwater village of Tekoa, in Judah, railing against the injustice and immorality of the neighboring kingdom of Israel, recounting visions of earthquakes and disaster in a time of unprecedented prosperity.

"Who does he think he is coming up here and talking like this to us ... ?!"