This is interesting.
The first Google graph below depicts the use over time "mentions" trend line for the word
evil.

The second one shows the same for the word
dehumanization.
The search above was partly inspired by
comments someone called "Unknown" recently left on William Wildblood's
blog in response to another comment (errors and typos edited by me): "The bifurcation of humanity continues apace, ultimately leading to the separation of the good and the evil portions into two distinct races - the latter far more numerous."That kind of dehumanizing us vs them mentality has the potential to lead to great evil - I would be cautious there.
I much prefer the Buddhist view that bad people are merely ignorant and deluded - this keeps us compassionate towards them.
I understand Christianity is the great religion of dualism and inheritor of Zoroastrianism - of the ultimate fight between good and evil, the belief that evil is completely real, and the ultimate separation of total good from evil.
I understand Christianity cannot accept the Buddhist idea that there are no evil men just deluded and mind-fettered men, and I respect that.
But latent in Christianity and all dualistic philosophies is the potential to utterly dehumanize those who disagree with you and become the evil you fear.
Just a word of caution.Talk among yourselves.
Published on February 16, 2021 10:08