People: Evil or Good Options

[USCavalry]

Are people inherently good or evil? If there is another topic on this screw you it’s old and dead.

i believe everyone is good myself. when people do things, you can explain why they did it, good or evil (which really doesnt support either side of the arguement). but when i couple this notion with my catholic beliefs and take into consideration that sin is the sole reason for evil, humans there for cannot be blamed for any evil things they do.

so far i've made it clear how i see humans not to be evil, but not necessarily good. my gut feelings tell me that there is hope for all people, no matter how "evil" they might be. also, catholics believe that everyhing God created was good (not sure if this includes things not included in genesis and what comes after, ie angels or w/e you can think of).

i have more to say but will wait and see for others' comments

[MissFits]

Honestly, I think when talking about all people everyone needs to check religious beliefs at the door.

If you look at it from a "no higher power" perspective you see that people kill people. People rape small children. Those are not acts that good people do.
Now, what makes these people bad? Nature or nurture?
I'd say a bit of both. It's human nature to be a little violent in some situations. Not everyone runs when their fight or flight response kicks in (I know I sure don't)and in extreme cases wouldn't that mean if you aren't running you will have to kill to defend yourself?

But, there are people that search out killing other people. Why do they do it?
A lot of killers blame their upbringings for what they do, but their are some that say it was innate. Some say they were cared for greatly, they were never abused, but from a young age they have had the desire to kill. The desire grows so strong in some people that they take risks that they wouldn't take and get caught.

To answer your question I think it's a mix of both. I think some people would have been good but due to bad parenting or traumatic experiences they are now bad. Other people, in my opinion, were born evil.