Evil

If you view the world through the lens of the news media, its easy to assume a world overcome by evil. Mass murders, the horrific acts of despots, terrorism, individual acts of brutality and neglect. But I don't think evil is singularly black, but exists in many shades of gray.

What is evil? Does each of us have that seed of evil in us? Is this what original sin is? In how many life situations have we had to make a clear and conscious choice between good and evil? Is the battle between good and evil a humanly eternal one? Can good win only small and transient battles? If we believe in good, are we willing to fight for it? What do hero journeys tell us about good and evil? Is good as seductive as evil? Is good as rewarding as evil? Is good vs. evil a battle or a balancing act or a life lesson or a conundrum for philosophers and theologians?