A Freethinker's View: Good versus Evil

The Lord of the Rings reminds us of the constant fight between good and evil. "Doing good will come back to us while evil will give you a straight ticket to hell!" or so the Sunday preacher says. Naturally, this theme is often associated with one's daily struggles, career and even faith. Unlike the *85% of this country , I have no faith and refuse to believe in any higher hierarchy (read: religion). So, as a secular humanist, what should I make out of this?

**The Scarlet A, a symbol of independence and intuitive challenge.

Note: My thoughts might be controversial but rest assured they are secular, extremely objective and non-offensive.


I am no different than you are, in some ways. If I was wronged by a friend, I expect decency from you to fix our ends. If I hurt you, I'll apologize. If I do good, I do it for someone's or something's benefit. We all are responsible for our actions  However, the idea of a hidden force driving balance which rewards good and punishes evil holds no water to me. I think we all are responsible for oure actions, no matter if they are good or bad.

"Well, if nothing drives good, why do it?". Integrity. No, seriously. That's it. It's that simple. Don't over think it: integrity. That thrill of helping and making a difference is exciting and alleviates our conscious. 
"Well, what do you think drives evil? Nothing?" Self-interest. Really, no kidding.  Cruel kings ruled for power and money. Prostitutes satisify for money. Gamblers enjoy the thrill of prospect winnings. Entrepreneurs pays lower wages for a bigger bottom line. You can argue money is the root of all evil but it's really self interest. If money was really the cause, logic dictates we should abolish money. Unfortunately, that will not abolish evil and only your lunch allowance.

I believe in freethinking and free choice but not freewill. Simply follow along. Freewill, sounds like a priviliege, hence that's all you have.  Freethinking,  lets me think through. I can morph or change my thoughts and ultimately leading me to free choice. Free choice is not a privilege, but an unalienable human right because (as simple as it sounds) I am independent and I'm responsible for myself. I can do whatever I want. My mind is the driving force behind every single thing I do, not a hidden judgmental force.

So, in simple words, what is good vs evil to me? It is two self-directed interests against each other. We really should call it "ethics vs. nature". But that's another topic.  I still have morals and heated thoughts on controversial topics. I live by them and can change them at anytime. However, I will never let something or someone else tell me what to believe. As long as you do good and apply rational judgment, you should be successful. In the movie, Froyo fought against the norm and sucumbed to trials because he wanted to. He did the right thing to abolish evil, but he did it.

*Freedom From Religion Foundation. 15% of United States residents and citizens consider themselves secular and boldly avoid spiritual and religious influence of any kind.
**"Scarlet A" stands for atheism and originated from Richard Dawkins, a present-day global reputable scientist and researcher of human nature.