Is anything in the natural world evil? As Christians, we espouse this world to be fallen, though in a state of reclamation by God’s redeemed. We know that when everything was made God said “... It is very good” (Gen 1). Does the event of the fall then corrupt all that was made? Does it only affect some things, leaving others to be good? Or does the fall result in all things that are good suffering evil, while remaining good themselves? Furthermore, what of things beyond created nature? What of circumstances? Can a person's circumstances at a given moment in time be classified as good or evil? As you may have guessed, this has been a favorite topic of the stoics.
Epictetus alleges that no circumstance in which one may find himself has any inherent moral value. It is neither good nor evil, it simply is. He goes on to explain that the concept of morality enters the scenario with the application of the will of the person undergoing the circumstance; whether they are willing or able to make the right use of things as they are.
“‘Health is a good: sickness an evil.’ No sir. But what? A right use of health is a good; a wrong one, an evil. So that, in truth, it is possible to be a gainer even by sickness. And is it not possible by death too; by lameness?”
(Discourses, 215)
As a Christian, this sentiment may bring many scriptures to mind. “... for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) or “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) or perhaps “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). Each of these passages have many applications, but all of them relate to the idea that our circumstances do not determine our actions. Furthermore they support the proposition that good and evil are found in action… in will, and not in circumstance.
In one of his discourses Epictetus exhorted his listeners, “Consider carefully, know yourself; consult the Divinity; attempt nothing without God; for if he counsels you, be assured that it is his will, whether you become eminent or suffer many a blow. For there is this fine character of a Cynic, that he must be beaten like an ass, and yet, when beaten, must love those who beat him as though he were the father, the brother of all.”
I can think of no greater shared interest between Stoicism and Christianity than this; To break free from the chains of circumstance. And if it was achieved by any among the ancient philosophers, how much more should we achieve it through the power and assurance afforded us by our heavenly father. This is the freedom God calls us to walk in. To be able to sing his praise in the depths of prison and forgive our enemies as they pelt us with stones.
Well said.