A while back I wrote of binging out on Star Wars on the weekend. At that time I reflected on the nature of evil. At that time I wrote in part:

“Although the plot was satisfying, it was frustrating to know that no matter how many times good conquered evil, evil always returned. This led me to wonder if this was the nature of things. Would there always be an evil force to overcome?

“I began to ponder the nature of evil. Most philosophers have held to one of two views of evil. There is the Manichaean’s view which claims that good and evil are two equally powerful forces locked in as eternal struggle, the outcome of which is unknown. It seems to me that Star Wars is a good example of the Manichaean concept of evil. No matter how often the ”dark side of the force” is defeated, evil always comes back. One can barely overthrow evil without knowing it will return with a vengeance.

“The second view of evil is the Augustinian belief that evil is the absence of good; evil is nothingness. Evil results from the loss of goodness. As Augustine said, ”All which is corrupted is deprived of good.” According to this view evil happens when good people do nothing”.

Recently, Nancy and I have been binging out on a series found on Hulu, Packed to the Rafters. This series has caused me to reflect on the nature of Good. For those unfamiliar with the series, the plot line concerns a family, the Rafters, and their adventures over the next few years. The Rafter’s have three children, Nathan, Ben and Rachael. 

As the series begin, Nathan and Rachel have left the nest and Ben is about to as well. Dave and Jules the two parents are looking forward to a time where they can relax, travel and do things on their own. Unfortunately due to series of outside circumstances Ben ends up living with a roommate next door and Nathan and Rachael return home. There is also a Grandfather Ted who lives in the home. Thus the Rafters are packed to the gills.

As the series continues it seems as if as soon as one person leaves, another comes into the story. What seems really important to me is that the Rafters are a loving family and as a result of this love for each other, several lives are changed. Some of these people are severely damaged either with psychological problems or physically disabled. With a couple of exceptions the lives of anyone that comes in contact with the Rafters are changed for the good.

The Rafters did not intentionally plan on “helping” these people. It just happened. But the love of the family for each other somehow effected and influenced the lives of those who came in contact with them. The Rafters were kind and forgiving, even when these outsiders slipped and fell on their own journey and hurt the Rafters.

This does not mean that the Rafters were perfect people. They each had many flaws but in the final analysis love conquered it all.

This series clearly demonstrates the power of love and how the love of one family for each other changed outsiders and perhaps ultimately the world.

It seems there is a larger meaning to these films, stories and TV series. That is the contrast between good and evil. Good is love and evil is narcissism. Good is outgoing and giving, while evil is selfish and uncaring. Evil is a narcissism that festers and corrupts all who come in contact with it.

We can think of many examples of good people. Grandi, Mother Theresa, these are a few of the many good people around us if we only look. We can also think of many who pollute and destroy others. An ordinary loving  family could change the world while an evil person could destroy it.