A friend asked me “why are houses get broken into?” I explained to them that houses, by their design, are meant to be entered into. Likewise, I added, homes are meant to be a place for people to store their possessions. I said that since houses have doors and windows were built they are places intended for people to enter and leave. Their very design and purpose created the susceptibility of not only break-ins but theft as well.
Humanity, in its inception, is built with an inclination to take advantage of its environment. Throughout history, one set of humans have taken advantage of the work or resources of other humans.
The nature of Human interactions can run from benign to sinister. At one end of the spectrum, there fair and negotiated exchange of goods or services; on the other end of the spectrum, there is murder, theft and violence. Pirates are a perfect example of the end of the spectrum and its success. Many Humans view the acts of murder, theft or violence to be “negative” or “evil”.
In essence, Humanity’s positive traits leading to success if often what produces evil.
With this assertion in mind, it is worthy to re-visit a prior post, the Ten Commandments Further Defined, in which the Israelite Deity pronounced in the Book of Isaiah, 45:7, that, as the creator, there both good and evil were made. The reality is that Humanity, and its successes, is largely based upon Human’s ability to interact. The by-product of this ability, however, is evil. Thus, there is simple logic as to why the creator of Humanity must be credited not only with creating good but also with creating evil.
The seeming simple tale of Cain and Abel illustrates this. A by-product of Abel’s success in his positive interaction with God made Cain jealous. To prevent his brother from having a positive relationship with God, Cain killed Abel. With this evil act occuring, and Abel out of the way, Cain captured all of God’s attention.
Thus, one can assert that the Ten Commandments’ and the Torah’s role for Humanity is to impose laws tempering Human interactions. The imposition of justice, limitations on conduct and requirement of proper treatment of fellow human beings all work toward tempering interactions. This tempering is directed towards reducing the by-product of evil.
In sum, the Isaiah’s further definition of the Israelite Deity should not be considered something shocking or disturbing. The reality is that elements of the the Human condition are the basis for evil. Without Humanity, it does not exist.
Be well!!
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The Ten Commandments Project 