Evil is defined as the absence of good or its extreme opposite. Evil activity is recognized as very harmful, even destructive. We often visualize evil with the face of a mischievous person or as a red hot heinous type of imagery. Evil activity in this world generally comes from the actions of people.
The attitudes and the actions of evil are expressed in many ways: by a ruling dictator, a mindless mob’s intent on destruction, the abuse of people, and by divisive slander. These and other actions are evil expressions that come from men and women. So we ask, what is the ideology behind evil?
The First Evil Idea
Ideology is a collection of thoughts that promote a specific line of reasoning. The ideology behind evil is a cohesive system of ideas, beliefs, and values that seek to undermine stabilized areas by disrupting the strength that holds unified groups together. When we realize what the ideology is that motivates evil’s destabilizing activity, we can more effectively counter it.
Jesus equated our good intentions and activity as righteousness and bad activity as being unrighteous. “For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (a) [see end notes for Scriptures] Our good activity is righteous while evil is unrighteous.
Scripture tells us the first evil idea started in the Garden of Eden. The deceptive thought was “as you partake of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (b) To our immature parents, this destructive idea appeared to be “good…delightful…and desirable.” (c)
The tempting idea was to ignore God’s guidance and act as though they were God, as if they could be in charge. The idea formed an inflated self-centered approach about the power of control. As the thought was accepted, the planted seed sprouted roots and ill actions began to follow, as bad fruit.
The Apostle Paul spoke of the same Garden error as stirring people in his day. He cautioned about being “led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (God’s guiding presence).” (d)
In time, the idea developed into an ideology of “controlling power.” The strongest in mind and body began to take control over others, even making many into slaves. As a seed of thought in humanity, the subjugating power of control was accepted. This began creating society’s two-class system.
While God charges us to care for our children and manage the land and animals, we are not charged to rule over one another. Since people considered this to be normal, they yielded to the controllers. When power is exercised, control is achieved, and it eventually corrupts into the extremity of evil.
Our good activity is righteous while evil is unrighteous.
The Ideology of Control
God gave our first parents the task of tending the Garden of Eden. This Garden-like perception of life included a responsibility for cultivating the natural land and keeping an interactive communion with our heavenly Father. (e) The pristine atmosphere included receiving and responding to God’s insight so the earthly environment with its natural good and evil variables was not overwhelming.
When Adam and Eve accepted the deception and turned from God’s insightful guidance, they lost the sense of intimacy they had with our heavenly Father. When Cain, their firstborn became angry, he ignored God’s insightful direction and did an evil thing. (f) The flood of Noah’s day was because “the wickedness of man…the thoughts of his heart was only evil.” (g) Evil activity comes from man.
We all know how the only appearance of 
power in extreme cold and dark is the ability to remain out of heat and light. This is true for the ideas that motivate us. When we refuse to ponder or accept God’s inspiring insight, we remain captivated by the confusing extremes of our natural perceptions.
As offspring of God and man, we are designed to grow, develop, and mature both naturally and spiritually. We do not have to live captivated by nature or be servants of controlling powers. God’s guidance helps us find a balance between the extremes that tend to defile and complicate this life.
It was this tainted ideology in Judaism that caused Judas to betray Jesus. The Hebrew people of that day looked for a Messiah that would take control and deliver them from Roman overlords. (i) Judas knew Jesus was the promised Messiah and reasoned that if death was threatened, Jesus would be forced to exercise his ability to be in control. When it did not happen, remorse resulted in his death. (j)
Our good thoughts and beliefs are sources that stir “good and righteous” (h) words and actions. Evil activity comes from the debilitating ideology of controlling power. As the idea of control wreaks havoc in our consciousness, our activity will continue to create destructive effects.
The “ideology of control” inspires many of our governmental policies, business monopolies, news and social media outlets, and religious groups. When people assume they are in control, many evil side effects happen. These functions are not coordinated; they are just driven by the same ideology.
There is a proverb that says, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is what happens when people are in control; authoritative power tends to corrupt them. Pride settles in and becomes a corruptive force that abuses areas of authority, so they can maintain or gain more control.
When people assume they are in control, many evil side effects happen.
What God Offers
John’s book of Revelation shares how Jesus, as the presence of God among us, came to reform our perceptions, saying “He shall rule them with a rod of iron.” (m) This sounds like His rule will be a forceful control. However, the Greek translated ‘rule’ is poimaino. It means “to lead as a shepherd.”
John used the term ‘rod of iron’ four times to speak of the stabilizing strength of God’s oversight. The shepherd King David said, “I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (n) The Message Bible puts it this way: “Your trusty shepherds crook makes me feel secure.” God’s rule is not by force but is for all that are willing. It comes as loving kindness. (o)
As a loving Father and Good Shepherd, God offers to lead and guide us through all our trying times, so our response to evil is motivated by positive, good, and righteous energies. We are called to be sub-lights of God-Light that draws people into a more interactive relationship with the Eternal One. We do this by allowing our light to shine and encourage changes in perceptions and actions.
The salvation God provides works from the inside out, by delivering us from controlling ideologies and changing minds and hearts. (k) The Kingdom reign of God has always been available. God’s freeing reign is experienced “in our midst,” and “as righteousness, peace and joy” in the presence of God. (l) Jesus said God’s insightful guidance is for all who are responsive.
We are encouraged to entertain, accept, and “stand firm…with truth…righteousness…good news… peace…faith…salvation…and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” (p) It is our words and actions that defy and resist or glorify and exalt God and His ways among us.
So, how do we deal with the ideology of evil? We want to personally see and gravitate to the greater light that God provides. As we adjust our understanding, we can be better expressions of His light.
We overcome evil by shining light into mistaken perceptions and doing good to everyone. “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” (q) “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (r)
Our expressive light, even in its partiality, is a positive and powerful force that can enlighten and draw people away from the controlling and destructive ideology of evil.
We overcome evil by shining light into mistaken perceptions and doing good to everyone.
a) Matthew 5:45) b) Genesis 3:5; c) Genesis 3:6; d) 2 Corinthians 11:3; e) Genesis 2:15; 3:8) f) Genesis 4:5-7; g) Genesis 6:5; h) Matthew 12:35; 1 Timothy 6:18; Proverbs 2:20; i) Luke 17:20; 19:11; j) John 14:22; Matthew 27; 3-5; k) Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; l) Luke 17:21; Romans 14:17; m) Revelation 2:27; n) Psalm 23:4; o) Psalms 103:1-4; 85:4-7; p) Ephesians 13-17; q) 1 Thessalonians 5:15; r) Romans 12:21
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder