Pondering Evil & Sin

One of the things I feel we are lacking in seminary (at least the one I attend) is a better understanding of sin and evil (or, perhaps, a more comprehensive understanding - historically, theologically, biblically).  I've been aware of this when talking about spirits and notions of sin in other cultural contexts, but it never felt quite enough to me.

While there is a certain mystery about explaining sin or evil - and the abstractness is sometimes enough to drive one insane - I thought it would be fun to hear from other folks about their understanding of evil.  I've become more aware of it in the last year in answering my commissioning questions.  I am not going through that process yet, but do think that some questions need to "simmer" longer theologically.  The goal for this blog is not to have one definition trump another, but just to understand how other Christians perceive evil.  As a Protestant, I bring a certain perspective - and as a United Methodist, I will try to approach it through Scripture, tradition, reason and experience.

To be honest, I've not gotten very far in my understanding of evil.  Here is what I can articulate so far:
Evil, to me, is anything which enables isolation and destruction, either individually or systemically, to the will of God and the good of each other.  When I tried to explain this to mom, she quickly called me out for being too vague (reason #267 why my mom is great to talk to about such things).  Her understanding of evil has more to do with apathy- becoming detached from others and thinking that others no longer matter.  I see this as stemming from selfishness and tending toward isolation at the expense of others.

I'd love to know what you all think, so feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at adrienne.trevathan@garrett.edu.