Quote Originally Posted by Universal Mind View Post
It's good that so many people consider it "evil". That puts such a bad stigma on people who murder that it prevents a lot of murder from happening.
It's good that murder is considered 'bad'. But the word 'evil' and the often religious, excessive meaning behind it, has the complete opposite effect than what you're saying. And I'm not just talking about murders. Because it is 'evil' there is no point in providing help and education. Because it is 'evil' our anger toward the 'evil person' grows and all we think about is revenge. Because it is 'evil' we don't want any good to that person, cause they don't deserve it! It's excessive, it is wrong and it puts, like you said, a bad stigma. But it seems we have different views on what that particular bad stigma does.

There are some people I will love no matter what, but that does not mean they will be my friends no matter what. I can't be friends with somebody who ever murdered without just cause. That does not mean I would completely not care about them, though.
I agree on this. I don't know whether I would be able to stay close friends with that certain person. All I know, I wouldn't turn my back on them, I would try to understand (not to approve) why they did it, and I certainly wouldn't consider them 'evil'.

And the question of just cause is so complex, especially considering we would be extremely emotional and shaken in that situation, it could easily mess our rational thinking.