What the hell is evil? 

I’ll start by saying I don’t consider myself evil, at least, not by my definition. I also certainly don’t consider Lucifer evil, in fact, I consider him admirable and good. 

But there are as many definitions of evil as there are people in the world who have opinions on the matter. And from a young age, I’ve been aware that some of them certainly would consider me evil.

Is sex evil? What about homosexuality? What about sadomasochism? How about polyamory? How bout promiscuity? How about sex work and pornography? 

Is transsexualism a delusional illness and social blight in your book? Do you despise androgyny and see ultimate good in traditional gender roles? 

Is it evil to blaspheme? To reject God and Christ, and love Satan?

Do you consider anarchy to be an evil philosophy and a terrifying, undesirable state?

Are alcoholics and addicts evil? Are you afraid of the mentally ill? Do you consider us to be gripped by demons?

Is witchcraft evil? Is reading tarot and interpreting dreams a road to hell?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then congratulations– I’m evil in your book! 

My definition of evil is in some ways much simpler than a litany of commandments and “thou shalt nots,” but at the same time more fluid and harder to pin down. I believe in evil actions– which to me are generally actions that violate the free will of others and cause them harm. 

Easy and obvious examples of things I consider evil are rape, abuse, and murder. I also see evil in many forms of exploitation. I see evil in systems of bigotry and oppression and supremacy. I see evil in the destruction of the environment, in the prison-industrial complex, in the heartlessness of late-stage capitalism. 

I also believe in truly evil people– those who gratuitously perform mostly evil actions throughout their life, without remorse or desire to change. They exist, and I have met them. 

Of course, at times it is justifiable, or simply unavoidable, to harm someone or violate their free will. Sometimes, particularly in cases of self-defense, the only course of action left available is one of harm, or one where not everyone’s freedom can be preserved. It gets grey, for sure. 

 Still, I feel that, Satanist that I am, I have a decent moral structure by which to live. The human conscience is truly an amazing thing, and mine is fully operational. For the instincts that guide me on the path I consider right, I am truly grateful.