Series 1 - Lesson 2 - Annotation 19
Is there a power of evil? Explain fully.
19. There is only one power in the universe, the power of God, Absolute Good; thus there can be no real power in what man terms "evil." All belief in evil as an entity arises because of ignorance of or lack of understanding of Truth. A person always fears that which in unknown; fears which he thinks can subdue or master him. The support that the evil appearance has is in the consciousness (mind) of man who conceives it and gives it the substance of his thought, thus keeping undesirable conditions alive.
We cannot say that evil is the "absence of good," for God as good is omnipresent. The second denial statement given in Lessons in Truth reads,
"There is no absence of life, substance, or intelligence anywhere" (Emilie Cady Lessons In Truth 4:23).
So-called evil is some undesirable appearance that has come as a result of the wrong use of a perfectly good power. Our producing power in mind is thought. Many times through our lack of understanding we have used ideas wrongly by failing to combine them in their right relation (unrighteous use) or according to the laws of God. Thus wrong manifestations have resulted. For instance, we take from God Mind the idea of love, but if we do not relate it to good judgment, power, order, strength, justice, and the like, the power back of the idea may be brought into action as jealousy, inharmony, possesslveness, even hatred. When love is understood to be the idea of universal unity, it becomes for the one expressing it a magnet to attract blessings into his life and into the life of others. When love is fully and consciously expressed by anyone, all appearances of evil will disappear because there will be no thought of evil to sustain them.
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Preceding Entry: What is an "overcomer"?
Following Entry: What is the difference between real spiritual righteousness and morality? What is morality? What is spiritual righteousness?
