When Evil is an Evil Word

The words we use when speaking of another person or another nation must be chosen carefully, especially when we consider that entity our “enemy.”  In many instances, words which may accurately describe the other side are also words that escalate hostility, and therefore are ineffective at bringing about a resolution to, or reduction of, the problem. 

Such is true of the word evil.  Several years ago, President Bush named Iran and North Korea among the nations which formed the “Axis of Evil.”  We are told that these two countries have a hostile agenda, and therefore they must be prevented from acquiring technology which could lead to the development of nuclear weapons.   

While this may very well be true, it is not effective diplomatic language because it demands not just that we believe they are evil – they have to believe it, too.  Otherwise, how can they accept that the United States (or
Israel) has a legitimate right to possess weapons of mass destruction and they do not? 

Humans don’t like being told they are wicked.  I had an American literature professor in college who began the two courses I took from him with a lecture on American Puritanism, which he referred to as the Age of Hypocrisy.   I’ll never forget his contempt for one of the precepts of Calvinism – total depravity.  “Are you totally depraved?” he would ask students.  His tone of voice confirmed that this description of human nature offended him.   

Perhaps even those of us who accept Reformed theology cringe at the words like evil and depraved when we hear them in the Sunday morning liturgy.  Sometimes I do. However much I may believe “I am evil, born in sin,” in a culture which emphasizes a positive self-image acknowledging this truth can feel like self-betrayal.   

On the other hand, we would pity the child whose parents were constantly telling him, “you are evil.”  Why?  Because by themselves, the words are hurtful.  To talk about the evil nature of humanity without talking about the completely holy yet completely good nature of God and the sacrifice of Christ would be telling only half the story and leaving out the best parts.  We only accept that we are evil when we also know there is forgiveness and redemption.  Without Part II of the story, our responses are depression and despair or bitterness and defiance. 

What also makes us willing to say, “I am evil” is the understanding that everyone else is, too.  Authenticity comes when we recognize that we are all equal in our need for salvation.  The poor thief or the unwed mother is not more sinful than the man who boasts in his riches or the woman who worships her family rather than God.  When we confront one another, it should be in humility; we say, “yes, you are evil, but so am I.” 

So let’s come back to foreign policy.  When we approach the enemy from a position of superiority, when we claim innocence for ourselves, labeling our enemies as evil will likely only provoke bitter defiance.  Are we prepared to acknowledge our own wrong?  Are we able and willing to offer forgiveness and redemption?  If not, how should we expect the enemy to respond?

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