On the Existential Struggles of Our Time, Part III

By Stu Cvrk, Retired Naval Officer, Constitutional ConservativeM arch 20, 2019

What may lead to the ultimate demise of the United States of America? Can the country’s future demise be prevented with fore-knowledge and action? This is the third of a three-part series that examines the three main existential struggles ongoing in the Age of Trump. Part I defined the phrase “existential struggle” and examined Globalism versus Nationalism. Part II elucidates the ideological conflict between Individualism and Collectivism.

This part delves into the eternal struggle between Good and Evil in the modern world. What is Evil? The dictionary defines evil as “morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked.” wicked The concept of evil has been defined by many cultures through the ages. American culture was derived from Judeo-Christian tenets developed over millennia. Suffice it to say that most Americans (and I daresay most people in general) have an innate understanding of what is good versus evil on a personal level. Some refer to that understanding as a conscience.

The subject of evil as it expands beyond the personal level is so complex that it deserves its own treatment. My next article will explore some of the apparent evils in modern America, as well as why evil has been on the rise over the past several decades. On to Good. The dictionary defines good as “morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious.” While that may be the current definition, Mankind has been arguing about, defining and redefining “good” for millennia. The Ancients defined good in terms of “normal versus different,” “knowledge versus ignorance,” and later “right versus wrong” in the context of defining laws and justice. Some useful context on the evolution of Good is found here.

 

Good versus evil – or “right versus wrong” – was defined differently depending on the cultural norms of the particular time period and country or empire. Eventually, various religious philosophies crystallized definitions of good versus evil over time – varied by race, culture and the specific religion. Those definitions have translated into different cultural norms for areas of the world as greatly simplified here:..........To Read More....