DIE OORSPRONG VAN DIE BOSE IN ANTIEKE GESKRIFTE

Abstract

Current publications and polemics attest to the on-going efforts to explain Evil and death to post-modern man ‘acceptably’/scientifically? – the theodicy that has already been grappled with in the ancient writings. The search for the origin of Evil is one of the numerous facets in this virtually impossible undertaking. In ancient times, a deeper meaning was attached to name-giving. The obvious starting point is in the names given to the Evil in the Ancient Writings. Various names are used in turn for the Evil One. Each name reflects an aspect of the Entity. However, it is interesting to note that the names do link with one another. A further line of tradition that is closely connected to the Two Spirits in the Zoroastrianism, is the choice that every person must make between Good and Evil. Thus the Two Spirits are placed within man and by his choice expanded into two cosmic powers. This research on the ancient writings attempts to contribute to the ongoing unravelling and wording of this burning question.