I don't think that because I am resistant to defining anyone as 'evil' that I am condoning any evil behaviours. I think the point I have tried to make is that labels, any label is too narrow a definition of a whole person. I am not Bi Polar but I do have Bi Polar symptoms and behaviours.

I do believe that a person who engages in evil acts may also engage in loving acts. It doesn't in anyway condone or reduce the horror of evil acts or let anyone off the hook for the atrocities. The person's conduct remains reprehensible.

This thread has clearly gone off track from the OP's question of where does evil come from to who has earned the title of evil because of their actions. The turn has empassioned people to take offense and that is very unfortunate. I am sorry for the hurt it has caused us.

The root of evil.... the original question.... is more environmental than genetic in my opinion. I think I really want to believe this because it breaks my heart to think that children might carry forward the sins of their ancestors.

I was watching a Dr. Phil program the other day. A young man whose father killed his step mother and step sister and is suspected of being a serial killer is suffering from the assumptions of people that as that man's son he is destined to repeat the sins. Or at least highly suspect and therefore dangerous. He is also personally really torn. He still has love for the father he remembers. He remembers him as a loving father. At the same time he hates his father for what he did. He feels guilty now for the love he can't deny because of the horror of his father's actions and is having a hard time accepting that his father might be the serial killer.

He is being shunned and condemned for crimes he hasn't committed. He is a sweet, gentle boy in grave pain. If there is a genetic connection and he is at risk of 'turning on the evil' what are the actions of his former friends and neighbours doing to trigger the evil gene? Who is to say what is going to happen if he is denied community acceptance and the love of those who once considered him family?

Genetic connection or not this boy deserves to be loved and cared for as a whole person. We are all capable of doing evil to one degree or another and I think it is wise for us to be aware of the triggers in life that can flip the switch. Evil comes from a wounded spirit deep within. Just my opinion of course.