From the Minister - EVIL
February Reflection on the Theme of the Month: Evil
I had no idea that the theme of “evil” would be so popular. The response to this month’s services has been strong and enthusiastic. “More evil,” they say. Well, probably just more discussion about evil.
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As we wrap up our theme on evil, I offer a shortened version of a “Ten-step Program to Resist Unwanted Influences” by Philip Zimbardo, professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford University, in his book The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. The book is well worth the read. These ten steps are presented in greater detail at the end of his book.
1. Admit mistakes and embrace humility by asking for forgiveness.
2. Be mindful and pay attention to the world -- requires stepping out of auto-pilot.
3. Be responsible for your own actions and decisions; stop blaming others and put yourself in the driver’s seat.
4. Know you’re the best you can be, resist letting others devalue or de-individualize your integrity. Use eye contact and avoid anonymity.
5. Distinguish between healthy authority and unjust authority. Look for wisdom, respect, expertise and humility in healthy leaders, and rebel against those who lay claim to autocratic authority without due process or integrity.
6. Determine when the group is healthy or unhealthy. Be a part of healthy, cohesive groups that allow individual expression; don’t abdicate your mind in order to be accepted.
7. Pay attention to how messages are presented. It matters how they’re framed and “argued”; information shouldn’t be used to manipulate emotions over facts.
8. Remember to keep the big picture in mind. Look to the past for enduring moral parameters and pay vigilance to future ideals. A false sense of immediacy can manipulate emotions, warping perspective and morality.
9. History has repeatedly shown that the powerful lure of future security can lead to the suspension of laws and freedoms. Be suspicious of such false deals.
10. Resistance is not futile. Heroes come from every corner of life, including your own.
May we all walk in peace and beauty.
Sincerely,
Rev. Kate R. Walker
1. Admit mistakes and embrace humility by asking for forgiveness.
2. Be mindful and pay attention to the world -- requires stepping out of auto-pilot.
3. Be responsible for your own actions and decisions; stop blaming others and put yourself in the driver’s seat.
4. Know you’re the best you can be, resist letting others devalue or de-individualize your integrity. Use eye contact and avoid anonymity.
5. Distinguish between healthy authority and unjust authority. Look for wisdom, respect, expertise and humility in healthy leaders, and rebel against those who lay claim to autocratic authority without due process or integrity.
6. Determine when the group is healthy or unhealthy. Be a part of healthy, cohesive groups that allow individual expression; don’t abdicate your mind in order to be accepted.
7. Pay attention to how messages are presented. It matters how they’re framed and “argued”; information shouldn’t be used to manipulate emotions over facts.
8. Remember to keep the big picture in mind. Look to the past for enduring moral parameters and pay vigilance to future ideals. A false sense of immediacy can manipulate emotions, warping perspective and morality.
9. History has repeatedly shown that the powerful lure of future security can lead to the suspension of laws and freedoms. Be suspicious of such false deals.
10. Resistance is not futile. Heroes come from every corner of life, including your own.
May we all walk in peace and beauty.
Sincerely,
Rev. Kate R. Walker
