The Root of Evil

[Giveara]

Ok, this was brought up by one of my friends at school...actually a long time ago but we just started talking about it again today.

My friend believes the root of all evil is, as the hackeye expression goes, money. For a while I took that as the simple answer--money corrupts men, men become evil, end of story. But...I'm the kind that searches for something deeper, and I believe I've found it, but he doesn't totally agree.

My view is that the root of all evil is knowledge. Knowledge is what allowed us to create the concept of mathematics and numbers, which ties in with the concept of equivalent exchange for goods or labor, which ties in with money. But he still didn't buy it, for what reason I have no idea as he doesn't really back his opinions up, but I wanted to know what yall thought.

What is the root of evil?

[Shade]

Well this probably only makes sence to me, but I think good is the root of evil, if there is no good there can no be no evil, therefore good is the root of evil...

[Jane]

**** me its definitely not knowledge. If anything its the opposite.

Ignorance and misunderstanding are what cause conflict the majority of the time. We argue with people because we do not understand why they act as they do.

[Rosebud]

I think that this is a question that can't really be answered... Everybody is going to have a different view of what the root of all evil is, it won't be the same for every person you come across. The root of all evil lies within yourself, and only you can define it for yourself.

I can't really define what I think the root of all evil is, to me it comes from many different places, not from just one source.

[homer pimpson]

Well, it isn't money, that's for sure. Money is just a medium used to attain possesions. If there was no money, people still kill and steal for whatever it is they were going to use the money for.

[Dragon_Master]

The root of evil is life..

We are born
We gain knowledge
Make money
then become corrupt XD

[Maria]

the root of evil, and beginning of 'sin' is religion. Every war EVER has some sort of conflict with religion.. or different groups of people.. being different because of their beliefs taught through religion. Why did adam and eve get kicked out of paradise? sin.. god.. religion. Voi lah. Pandoras box? Religion.. greek belief. Stories passed on orally through history.. the telling of 'evil'. I uno.. I could be wrong, but so could everyone else : )

[Jane]

You can't blame every conflict ever on religion. Again it just boils down to ignorance and poeple not understanding other peoples beliefs and why they have them.

[Maria]

True that, but one of the problems..
Honestly.. the root of evil is not only one thing. Thats my speel

[homer pimpson]

Originally Posted by Maria

the root of evil, and beginning of 'sin' is religion. Every war EVER has some sort of conflict with religion.. or different groups of people.. being different because of their beliefs taught through religion. Why did adam and eve get kicked out of paradise? sin.. god.. religion. Voi lah. Pandoras box? Religion.. greek belief. Stories passed on orally through history.. the telling of 'evil'. I uno.. I could be wrong, but so could everyone else : )

The Revolutionary War, the Civil war, World War 1, Vietnam, Korea, etc.

None of which were religious wars, and that's just this century.

And the myths/biblical stories you refer to are specific on the origin of evil and sin and none of them state that religion is responsible, only explain where it came from.

[Maria]

if you delve deeper into it, you'd see. But I don't feel like argueing right now.

[homer pimpson]

If you don't feel like debating or discussing, you're in the wrong forum. Either elaborate or don't post anything.

[Shade]

Ignorances makes sence, its the only true one I can think of that I cant make redundent....like if there wasnt good there couldnt be evil but if there wasnt evil there couldnt be good...

[ether]

buddha said it was greed
some say it's money
i think it's fear and arrogance

[Maria]

Well fine. I didn't expect people to be so rude here.
Anywho..
We're talking ancient history here.. the roots always start in the beginning.. all of those people back then believed in some sort of higher power. People split into different groups, think they're right.. ect. Wars. Holy wars in Israel for example. Thats been going on for ages.
If you're talking currently.. or more recent, then that is caused.. deep down by religion. World war one.. started because some assassin guy shot a leader somewhere in austria I believe. BECAUSE of believes.. they get angry... blah blah, the whole world has some sort of excuse to fight.
Do you understand?
This is my belief and you don't have to shun me for it. We all know the rules.
Besides.. its the freaking net

[homer pimpson]

The purpose of this forum is serious discussion. Posting you're right but don't feel like discussing why is rude.

Originally Posted by Maria

We're talking ancient history here.. the roots always start in the beginning.. all of those people back then believed in some sort of higher power. People split into different groups, think they're right.. ect. Wars. Holy wars in Israel for example. Thats been going on for ages.

OK, some wars were fought over religion. But, let's not forget that the ancient people have a vested interest in controlling a large amount of territory and resources. Religion is a good motivator in some cases, but it's ignorant to think it's the only motivator.

If you're talking currently.. or more recent, then that is caused.. deep down by religion. World war one.. started because some assassin guy shot a leader somewhere in austria I believe. BECAUSE of believes.. they get angry... blah blah, the whole world has some sort of excuse to fight.
Do you understand?

Franz Ferdinand was assassinated to prevent governement reforms which gave the Slavs a voice, having nothing to do with religion. So, no I don't understand how every single war is a result of religion.

[ether]

yea most wars were over oppression from governments or rulers wanting more power. the crusades were pretty much the only religious wars, but those were put in place by the catholic church. not any real heads of state. religion is usually a propaganda tool. or a division line

[Maria]

Do I have to repeat myself? I did not say that religion is the ONLY factor. Just a main one. Therefore I am not ignorant : ).
I just believe that religion is a driving factor in introducing evil into our society...
kapeish?

[Lemon]

I'm no intellectual thinker but I believe Shade has a point though but like plants there isn't one root, there are multiple ones so knowledge, good, money can all be roots or different sections of a root. Does anyone get what I'm saying?

[homer pimpson]

Originally Posted by Maria

Every war EVER has some sort of conflict with religion..

No need to repeat yourself. Perhaps if you would stick to what you say earlier in a topic this wouldn't happen.

However, for your theory to have any scrutiny, atheists would have to be evil free, because they are not of any religion. Which is not the case. You'll find that atheists commit the same crimes and the same evils as any other group, so it's not logical to say that religion is the primary motivator behind evil when people who don't participate in any religion are just as evil.