GM:

Do good and evil have equal force?

Good and evil do not have equal force, according to Catholic moral theology. Good has ontological and moral primacy over evil.

Primacy of Good

Nature of Good: Good is inherent in God's creation, which is fundamentally good. God created all things with a purpose and intrinsic goodness.

Nature of Evil: Evil, on the other hand, is a privation or absence of due good. It has no existence of its own but depends on the good it corrupts or destroys.

Inequality of Forces

Superiority of Good: Good is always superior to evil in strength and power, since evil cannot exist without the good on which it depends. Evil is therefore parasitic in relation to good.

Divine Action: God, being the Supreme Good, has infinite power over evil. Divine action can transform evil into good, as seen in the Redemption through the sacrifice of Christ.

Theological Implications

Christian Hope: Belief in the primacy of good over evil is fundamental to Christian hope. It assures that in the end, good will triumph over evil, as promised in Scripture.

Moral Struggle: Recognizing the inequality between good and evil motivates the faithful to seek good and avoid evil, trusting in God's grace to overcome moral difficulties.

In summary, good and evil are not equal forces. Good is fundamental, while evil is a privation of good. Good has inherent power, and with the help of divine grace, it will always prevail over evil.

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