The Dichotomy of Good and Evil: A Philosophical and Theological Examination of Free Will

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The Dichotomy of Good and Evil: A Philosophical and Theological Examination of Free Will

William W. Collins
August 25, 2024
essays.williamwcollins.com


Abstract: The interplay between good and evil, free will, and the human experience is a subject of profound importance in both philosophy and theology. This essay delves into the intrinsic moral compass within humanity, the distinction between religion and God, and the choices that shape our lives. By examining these concepts, we aim to understand the inherent struggles of mankind and the ever-present influence of good and evil in the world. This essay explores these themes, incorporating metaphorical references, scriptural insights, and the nuances of human morality, to present a comprehensive reflection on the human condition.


From the dawn of time, humanity has grappled with the concepts of good and evil, forces that have shaped civilizations, cultures, and individual lives. These dual forces infiltrate every institution of mankind, creating a perpetual struggle that defines the human experience. This essay explores the intricate relationship between good and evil, the role of free will, and the moral compass embedded within each person, providing a detailed examination of the philosophical and theological dimensions of these timeless issues.

The distinction between religion and God is crucial in understanding the choices that individuals make. While religion is a construct of human society, subject to the imperfections and interpretations of its followers, God represents a transcendent truth, an absolute moral standard that exists independently of human institutions. Mankind, endowed with free will, can choose to align with this divine standard or to deviate from it. This choice is analogous to the way good parents can raise both good and bad children, with the outcome often reflecting the child's decisions rather than the parents' intentions.

The metaphor of parental guidance illustrates the complex nature of free will. Just as parents, despite their best efforts, cannot control the choices their children make, so too does God grant humanity the freedom to choose between good and evil. This freedom is a double-edged sword; it allows for the highest expressions of virtue and love, but also for the deepest acts of vice and hatred. The biblical concept of free will is rooted in the belief that humans are created in the image of God, possessing the ability to discern right from wrong and to act accordingly. However, this ability does not guarantee that individuals will always choose the path of righteousness.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

This scripture underscores the paradox of human nature: the innate moral compass that guides us towards good is often overshadowed by the darker inclinations of the heart. Despite knowing what is good, people frequently act in ways that are undeniably wrong. This dissonance between knowledge and action highlights the complexity of human morality and the ever-present struggle within the human soul.

The concept of an innate moral standard written on the hearts and minds of men suggests that, regardless of religious belief, there is a universal understanding of good and evil. This moral law, often referred to as natural law, is believed to be inscribed by God into the very fabric of human consciousness. It is this law that guides human behavior, compelling individuals to seek justice, truth, and goodness. Yet, the presence of this law does not preclude the possibility of evil; rather, it makes the choice of evil a conscious rejection of the good.

“For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them” (Romans 2:14-15).


Here, Paul emphasizes that even those who are outside the formal religious law are still subject to a moral law that is inherent in their nature. This reinforces the idea that humanity, regardless of religious affiliation, is guided by an internal sense of right and wrong, which reflects the moral order established by God.

In this context, the distinction between religion and God becomes even more pronounced. Religion, with its rituals, doctrines, and institutions, is a means by which humans attempt to connect with the divine and to live according to the moral law. However, religion is not synonymous with God, and its followers are not immune to the influence of evil. History is replete with examples of religious institutions that have been corrupted by power, greed, and hatred, demonstrating that even those who profess to follow God can fall prey to the darker impulses of the human heart.

The phenomenon of individuals acting contrary to their moral understanding is not limited to those who are religious. Even secular individuals, who may not subscribe to any particular faith, are subject to the same internal conflict. This universal struggle is a testament to the complexity of the human condition and the pervasive influence of evil in the world. No one is immune to this struggle; it is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human.

The metaphorical references to good parents and the innate moral standard serve to illustrate the broader themes of this essay. Just as good parents cannot guarantee the choices of their children, God, in granting free will, does not compel obedience. Instead, humans are left to navigate the moral landscape, guided by their conscience but often led astray by their desires. The presence of evil in the world is not a reflection of God's failure, but rather a consequence of the freedom that He has bestowed upon humanity.

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19)

Paul’s struggle, as described in his letter to the Romans, is emblematic of the human condition. Despite the desire to do good, the pull towards evil is strong, and even the most devout individuals find themselves acting against their own moral convictions. This internal conflict is a direct result of the free will that allows humans to choose their actions but does not prevent them from choosing wrongly.

The Old Testament also speaks to the nature of free will and the consequences of choosing evil. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses presents the Israelites with a choice between life and death, blessing and curse:

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

This passage underscores the importance of choice and the responsibility that comes with it. The freedom to choose is a gift, but it is also a burden, as the consequences of those choices can have far-reaching effects on both the individual and their descendants.

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the theme of choice and its consequences is a recurring motif. From Adam and Eve’s decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, to the Israelites’ repeated cycles of obedience and rebellion, the Bible presents a complex picture of humanity’s struggle to align with God’s will. This struggle is not merely a historical or religious narrative but a reflection of the ongoing battle within each person to choose good over evil.

In conclusion, the essay reflects on the inherent dichotomy of good and evil, the complexities of free will, and the distinction between religion and God. It emphasizes that while humanity is endowed with an innate moral compass, the choices individuals make are influenced by a multitude of factors, both internal and external. The presence of evil in the world, despite the existence of a divine moral standard, is a reality that every person must confront. In this struggle, no one is immune, and each individual must ultimately choose their path, guided by the moral law written on their hearts.

Author: William W. Collins
URL: essays.williamwcollins.com
Copyright © 2024 William W. Collins. All rights reserved.

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