But, What is Evil?
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Lucinda Alton, RScP, with Chris Netto, RScP.
Video Chapter Index
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| 26:05 | Guided Meditation | |
| 50:00 | Conscious Conversation |
Taizé
Call to Awareness – 3 Bells
Chris – Opening Prayer
Lucinda – Welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning, my name is Lucinda Alton, and I am a Prayer Practitioner here at Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, following the Common Threads of Truth that run through the world’s traditions. Let our time this morning lead you inward to the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.
We settle into the flow of Taizé by joining our voices in musical prayer.
Congregation – Taizé Chants
- Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- Namaste, written by Eric Hansen
Lucinda – Taking a deep breath, allow yourself to relax…Letting go of everything that has come before this moment…feel yourself relaxing into the chair…Allow yourself to feel the love…the peace that surrounds you…lean into that feeling of love and feel how it feels to be loved…now, take that feeling of love and feel it expanding…flowing outward from your heart to fill you entire body…feel the love expanding beyond your body into the room…the building…feel the love flowing through you to touch an ever expanding area around you…as you feel your loving self-expanding outward, feel your connection, your Oneness with every being…the human beings, the animal beings, the rock and mineral beings…feel our connection to one another as we all expand outward…feel the importance…the rightness of each of us in this place at this time.
As we feel our Oneness, we breathe in the Peace and Presence of Spirit, we sense the Grace of that fill, surrounds, and sustains us right now…knowing that these qualities Guide and Govern all that unfolds.
As one human family, we acknowledge our personal responsibility and our role as caretakers…in Sacred Service to one another…to all life forms…and to the planet that sustains us all. This is our time of Celebration and Communion. In consciously establishing our connection with one another, and with all beings, we empower our work here. Our prayer, meditation, and communion ripple out and touch lives in ways we may never know. Just breathe that in for a moment.
Grounded in our Oneness, we call to mind the theme for October…See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil…and today’s contemplation, But, what is Evil?
The word “evil” originates from the Old English word yfel, meaning “bad” or “wicked,” which comes from the Proto-Germanic root ubilaz. Ultimately, it is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word possibly meaning “to mistreat” or “to exceed proper boundaries”. The word evolved to its modern meaning of moral badness during the Middle English period.
Shakti Gwain states that “Evil (ignorance) is like a shadow. It has no real substance of its own, it is simply a lack of light. You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it, stamp on it, by railing against it, or any other form of emotional or physical resistance. In order to cause a shadow to disappear, you must shine light on it.”
Pause
In his Science of Mind Textbook, Ernest Holmes stated,” One of the most illuminating things that mysticism has revealed, is that evil is not an ultimate reality. Evil is simply an experience of the soul on its journey toward Reality; it is not an entity but an experience necessary to self-unfoldment; it is not a thing of itself but simply a misuse of power. It will disappear when we stop looking at, or believing in, it. We cannot stop believing in it as long as we indulge in it; so the mystic has always taught the race to turn from evil and do good.”
Many Buddhists do not believe that human beings are evil, but they generally accept that humans create suffering through their greed, anger and ignorance.
In Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita presents evil not as an independent cosmic force, but as a fundamental misunderstanding of reality itself. That evil isn’t an absolute force but a profound ignorance – and that liberation lies not in fighting darkness but in awakening to light.
In Christianity, evil is often defined as a conscious choice against God and His rules, actualized through sin. The free will defense suggests God allows evil because it is necessary for human free will, which is seen as a greater good. Some interpretations also see evil as the perversion or corruption of good.
A word that goes hand in hand with evil is sin. In the New Testament, the word for sin is the Greek hamartia. Hamartia is an ancient archery term that means “to miss the mark” or “to miss the bull’s-eye.”
So what does evil mean in daily life? If someone were to ask you how you personally define evil, what would your answer be? You might define it as a former fiancé of mine did when he told me that dancing was evil. Or you might say that causing deliberate harm to another is evil. When I looked for definitions of evil, I found greed, hatred, delusion, idealism, threatened egotism, instrumental pursuit of selfish gain, and sadism. There were more, but I think that to try to list them all would be at least one other talk.
If we go with what we have, we might say that evil is any action that is not in the highest and greatest concern of others.
So, from this point of view, how would we fulfil see no evil? Rev. Diana has already talked about taking more care with what we choose to view by way of tv shows, movies, news, etc. But, what do we see when we look at others?
When you look at another person, do you see them with love? When you are looking at someone you don’t know well or with whom you might not be entirely happy? Do you see them through the lens of your anger, something someone might have said about them, or someone they remind you of? Or do you see the face of God looking back at you?
How do you define hear no evil? We have discussed the importance of not repeating gossip to others. Just last week, we discussed THINK. Is it true? is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind? But what about if someone came to you and wanted to tell you some juicy story about someone you both know? Might the qualities of THINK be just as important a consideration when we listen as when we speak? Is it possible that just listening to this story might cause a change in how we view both the person who is the subject of the story as well as the person who is telling us the story? Or maybe we just find a way to change the subject?
And, speak no evil? How often do we consider the question in the acronym?
And to expand on it…how often do we fall into “ain’t it awful?” thinking? Are we more likely to walk into a public place such as a business office, grocery store etc. and talk about the bad things happening in the world or are we more likely to walk in and describe the beautiful park we visited over the weekend? Sometimes, it just feels easier, especially now to fall into a conversation over politics, right? And please understand that I am not saying that we should just ignore what is happening around us. We need to be aware of what is going on and where we stand. But, I am saying that to ignore the beautiful parts of life to concentrate on the negative is maybe not the best way to go.
(1 minute of silence)
Chris – Guided Meditation
Musical Meditation – How Could Anyone, by Shaina Noll
Let’s close in prayer… There is One ever creative, always present, abundant Source of everything that I see, touch, feel, hear, taste. And I know that that the energy of that Source also flows through me and through each one here as each of us. Knowing that, I take the time to take a breath before I give into the temptation to view the world around me and my fellow manifestations of the One Source in any way that does not see them in the highest and greatest way possible. I release preconceived ideas and see each person with love and wonder. I actively avoid situations where I know that I will hear unkind things about another person. And even though I may vehemently disagree with almost everything that another person might stand for, I look for the good in that person as well. When I look at someone who is from a different perspective or culture, I look for places where we might also agree. I take another deep breath and give myself time to think about something I might be tempted to say and consider whether that would be the best possible thing for me to say.
I listen to my inner guidance and consider whether my actions might cause harm to another – even when that is not my intention.
To quote a song that is running through my mind, I look for the good in everyone. With deep gratitude for all of the blessings in my life, I say thank you, father, mother, God…And so it is…Amen
Bringing our awareness back into this space, we open our eyes. Take a look at who is here celebrating with you this morning. This is your Spiritual Family…one of your support systems. These are some of the people who care about you, who are there for you if you need anything.
Love Offering – As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do should you choose to do so.
If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org.
We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.
Offertory Music Video –
As we support our Mystic Heart Gathering Place by joining in the sacred Practice of Circulation, as we enjoy Marsh singing Love Sweet Love.
Lucinda– Blessing for the Offering
- State of the Heart Gathering Invitation
Congregation – Closing Song
A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson
Conscious Conversation
Chris – Opening Prayer
Lucinda – Good morning and welcome, or welcome back…if you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Lucinda Alton, and I a Prayer Practitioner for Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, following the Common Threads of Truth that run through the world’s traditions. I pray that this morning you are discovering the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.
Congregation – Opening Music
- Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
- Wholly Holy Way
One way we can serve in a Wholly Holy Way is to join in the Sacred Practice of envisioning a Love-Soaked World.
We enter the imaginal realm together, finding ourselves in a world where all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom and Generosity…their most Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, on the community, and on the planet…
This is a world without greed…where there is abundance in having enough…where all needs are met gracefully and easily…where nutritious food, clean water, and pure, sweet air are readily available to all, no matter where you live or which family you’re born into…
…where warm, comfortable, and affordable housing is a given…where all beings feel a sense of safety, belonging, and contribution…where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity, honesty, and Wholeness…
A world where children are celebrated as the unique individuals that they are. Where, from a young age, they are encouraged and guided to make choices based on their own preferences. A world where children aren’t taught what to think and how to act but instead are encouraged to explore all information available and make informed choices.
We live in a world where all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…all are valued and respected for their inherent Goodness. Authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcomed but celebrated. The Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of violence, hatred, or indifference. The Love that we are here to share is given freely to whomever our hearts are called to love. We have moved beyond all lines of separation, and live as one human family, caring for one beautiful planet with the reverence she deserves.
By the Power of our collective intention, powerful imagining, and inspired action, we have undergone an amazing transformation…we are living in a world that works for all beings. Giving no power to appearances, we live according to our highest aspirations…we do not lower our Vision no matter what the world may say. We are at Peace with our families, friends, neighbors, and other nations.
This Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family…it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love, as we are Guided to the Truth that lies within every heart.
Giving thanks for the Beauty of our world and trusting that a prayer spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, my Word is acted upon here and now. In full Acceptance and great Joy, and with the deepest humility, I release this Prayer to the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen!
If you were here at Taizé, you’ll remember what we spent time contemplating…a variety of definitions of evil. Shakti Gwain described evil as a shadow with no substance. Ernest Holmes described evil simply not a reality, but an experience of the soul on its journey toward Reality. We discussed the backgrounds of the words evil and sin and the fact that the word evil did not begin to evolve into its current meaning of moral badness until the middle English period of history.
By the way, one of the things that I love about having a book on Kindle is that I can look for specific words. And while the word evil appeared 654 times, the name Lucifer only appeared once.
So let’s go a little more in depth with some of the words and thoughts from this morning.
Ok, so let’s start with our own personal definitions. How do you define evil? What is a sin? And how do you handle this in your daily life?
When you are going about your daily life and you look at someone who is being rude, how are you most likely to see them?
Let’s talk about idealism. What are ideals? How might they cause harm for others?
Another term we used was threatened egotism. According to the National Institute of Health website, threatened egotism is “a theory suggesting that aggression stems from a conflict between a person’s inflated sense of self-worth and a challenge to that belief from an external source, such as criticism or rejection.” How might that show up in daily life? And how might it be the cause of physical harm to others?
How about instrumental pursuit of selfish gain? How might we unintentionally cause harm to others in pursuit of our own gains? And how might we go about this in a way that is in the highest and greatest interest of all around us?
Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary and are not explained by a person’s cultural background. How might that look in our daily lives and how do we handle it?
Let’s go ahead now and close in prayer…
Good morning, God. I thank you for the blessings you have given me that I sometimes take for granted. For the breath in my lungs. Thank you for the beauty you put before me each day in the form of plants, animals (including the sometimes-noisy chickens in my neighbor’s yard), and the absolutely awesome variety of people that I meet as I go about my days. Thank you for your guidance in knowing when I am tempted by opportunities to see or hear things that won’t bless me or others in my life, or when I am tempted to speak without thinking first. Thank you for guiding me in knowing when some work or action of mine might harm another person so that I might find a different path. I ask for forgiveness for any harm that I have unintentionally caused to another, and I forgive any offense caused unintentionally by another.
Speaking my words into Law and knowing them to be true in the present, and with deep gratitude, I say thank you, Father, Mother, God. And so it is…Amen
I invite you to bring your awareness back to your body, to your senses, to the atmosphere in the room. And when you are ready, open your eyes to re-enter the space. Welcome back.
Love Offering
As we close our time in Conversation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. If you are at home, you can go to our beautiful website mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.
We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.
We also have a Gracious Giving Program for those who would like to make a heartfelt monthly commitment of support so that we can more effectively plan for our growth.
As we support our Mystic Heart Gathering Place by joining in the sacred Practice of Circulation, please enjoy a video with Nimo Patel and Daniel Nahmod.
Offertory Music Video – Grateful, by Nimo Patel & Daniel Nahmod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2o98Zpzg8&list=RDsO2o98Zpzg8&start_radio=1
Chris – Blessing for the Offering
Chris – Invitations
There is more information available in the new October Bulletin. Remember to take one home with you. Or check online at MysticHeart.org.
Information Cards ONLY if new people
Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in the Practitioner Prayer room or if you like, fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.
Closing Song – Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein, RScP, & Gary Lynn Floyd
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Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.