Why label evil as good and good as evil?

Why Label Evil as Good and Good as Evil?

1. The Scriptural Foundation

Scripture highlights a warning against moral inversion: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter” (Isaiah 5:20). This verse addresses a condition in which individuals deliberately confuse moral boundaries, overturning principles that were divinely established. It also appears as a recurrent theme in the writings of the prophets, who often confronted societies swapping righteousness for depravity (cf. Jeremiah 2:13; Ezekiel 22:26).

Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, moral standards are presented as absolute, grounded in the unchanging character of the Creator (cf. Malachi 3:6). Humans are exhorted to discern between right and wrong, trusting that these categories are defined by a perfect and eternal Being who does not leave morality to arbitrary human interpretation.

2. Roots of Moral Confusion

When individuals or cultures reach a stage of labeling evil as good, it often reflects a deeper abandonment of foundational truth. Historical records from the ancient Near East show that societies flourished when they upheld fair practices, but fell into corruption and decay when they embraced injustice and idolatry. Archaeological evidence from sites such as Tel Megiddo and Hazor reveals periods of societal shift in which the populace turned to unethical or idolatrous behaviors, sometimes coinciding with political and spiritual decline.

Biblical accounts, such as those describing the pre-Exilic kingdoms of Israel and Judah, illustrate the repeated pattern of drifting away from divine truth, adopting pagan customs, and introducing false worship (2 Kings 17:7–12). The prophet Jeremiah’s lamentations (Jeremiah 2:11–13) confirm that moral confusion spreads among people who cease to honor the laws and character of the Almighty.

3. Philosophical and Behavioral Insights

From a behavioral science perspective, people tend to follow prevailing cultural narratives once moral absolutes become blurred. When shared values degrade, social and psychological factors (peer pressure, fear of rejection, desire for social acceptance) can lead individuals to accept or even endorse destructive behavior. This shift in worldview is sometimes accompanied by rationalizations—seeking to redefine evil so it appears beneficial or necessary.

Philosophically, moral relativism proposes that what one group calls “evil” might be acceptable to another. Scriptural teaching counters this outlook by affirming that genuine moral authority is rooted in a transcendent source, rather than the shifting opinions of humanity (cf. Psalm 119:89). The confusion arises if people detach from the central revelation that these moral instructions are part of their created design (Romans 1:18–22).

4. Historical and Cultural Shifts

Various historical writings outside of Scripture—such as the works of the early church apologist Tertullian—note how communities flourished or declined based on their moral orientation. Records show that when early believers in hostile environments maintained a commitment to good (feeding the hungry, caring for orphans, pursuing honest dealings), they stood in stark contrast to the surrounding moral decay. In many cases, this adherence to moral goodness sparked social transformation.

Likewise, some modern sociological studies indicate that societies with a stable moral framework—often influenced by strong biblical principles—tend to exhibit more cohesive community structures. In contrast, a breakdown in agreed-upon standards can produce confusion and systemic injustice.

5. Consequences of Inverting Morality

When evil is labeled as good, the detrimental results are multifaceted:

• Spiritual Consequences: Disregarding truth invites further darkness, as indicated in Romans 1:28: “Furthermore, just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them over to a depraved mind...” Moral confusion leads to spiritual numbness.

• Social Disintegration: In the Hebrew Scriptures, the downfall of both Northern and Southern Kingdoms showcases how forsaking God’s righteousness contributed to social chaos (2 Kings 17:13–20; 2 Chronicles 36:15–17).

• Personal Self-Deception: As the conscience becomes dull, individuals may justify harmful behaviors, reaping destructive patterns in relationships and personal health.

6. Scriptural Illustrations

Numerous biblical figures illustrate the perils of moral confusion:

• Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16–21): They advocated idolatrous practices, silenced true prophecy, and deemed the worship of false deities acceptable. Destructive ends awaited them and their society.

• The Days of Noah (Genesis 6): Widespread wickedness became normalized until “every inclination of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was altogether evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5).

• Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 23; Mark 7): They mistakenly labeled their own empty traditions as righteous works and rejected the genuine good embodied by God’s own Son.

7. Corrective Measures and Restoration

Scripture provides a remedy: return to what is truly good by recognizing the authority and wisdom of the One who created all things. The call to repentance woven throughout the prophets and culminating in the New Testament is anchored in a consistent message: aligning with the righteousness of God brings restoration.

• Isaiah’s Plea: “Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!” (Isaiah 1:16). This call invites people to abandon moral confusion and embrace truth.

• Christ’s Teaching: Jesus models clarity, asserting that God’s commands are neither burdensome nor arbitrary. Instead, they reflect divine goodness and result in true freedom (cf. John 8:31–32).

Individuals who heed this call find hope in redemption and transformation through Christ’s resurrection, which demonstrates God’s power to restore what is broken.

8. The Hope of Redemption Through Resurrection

The resurrection of Christ stands as a defining event in history, validating the promise that good triumphs over evil. It affirms that, though societies may label evil as good, ultimate authority belongs to the One who conquered death. Historical support for the resurrection extends beyond Scripture:

• Early Creeds: Early Christian creeds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–7) and multiple attestations confirm a consistent, widely shared belief in the resurrected Christ.

• Ancient Manuscripts: Discoveries at sites such as Qumran demonstrate the remarkable consistency and preservation of biblical texts, bolstering confidence that this message about Christ’s victory has been carefully transmitted.

• Eyewitness Accounts: Individuals like the apostles Paul and Peter testify to having encountered the risen Christ. This testimony spurred them to spread the good news, even under threat of persecution (Acts 4:19–20).

Because He rose from the dead, there is an ultimate rebuttal to moral confusion: the reality of the living God who vindicates righteousness.

9. Concluding Thoughts

Labeling evil as good and good as evil emerges when divine moral boundaries are disregarded. The ancient and modern record testifies that straying from the foundation of the Almighty’s standards leads to societal decline, spiritual confusion, and personal turmoil. Scripture calls individuals to realign with truth.

Returning to the One who fashioned life’s ethical framework offers hope. Through the restoration available in Christ’s resurrection, humanity can rediscover genuine goodness. Rather than succumbing to a world turned upside down, embracing the Creator’s design allows for transformation and purpose—exchanging distorted labels for life-giving truth. As the Word declares, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple” (Psalm 119:130).