How Does Spiritism Understand Good and Evil?

In a world filled with moral dilemmas, suffering, and injustice, it’s natural to wonder: What is good? What is evil? Why do they exist?
Spiritism, through The Spirits’ Book by Allan Kardec (Amazon), brings a unique and thoughtful perspective on these age-old questions—one that is rational, hopeful, and deeply empowering.

Let’s explore what Spiritism teaches about good and evil, and how this understanding can help us grow spiritually and live with more clarity and compassion.

Good and Evil Are Not Fixed Beings—They Are Conditions of the Soul

Unlike some religious or mythological views that portray good and evil as cosmic forces or deities, Spiritism defines them in moral and spiritual terms.

Question 630 of The Spirits’ Book
How can we distinguish between good and evil?
Answer: Good is whatever is in harmony with God’s law. Evil is whatever deviates from it.

This means:

• Good is what promotes love, justice, harmony, and spiritual progress.
• Evil is what results from ignorance, selfishness, pride, and the misuse of free will.

Rather than being eternal forces, good and evil are outcomes of choices, influenced by each spirit’s level of understanding and moral development.

The Root of Evil: Ignorance, Not a Wicked Nature

In Spiritism, no one is born evil. Spirits are created ignorant but perfectible. Evil actions come from lack of knowledge, empathy, or spiritual maturity.

• A child may harm out of immaturity.
• An adult may cause harm out of selfishness or fear.
• But in all cases, the spirit can learn, awaken, and change.

This perspective replaces condemnation with compassion and responsibility. It affirms that every spirit is capable of evolving toward good.

Evil Has a Role in Spiritual Evolution

Surprisingly, Spiritism teaches that even evil plays a role in the grand design of spiritual growth:

• It creates contrast, helping us recognize and value goodness.
• It challenges us to develop virtues like patience, forgiveness, and courage.
• It awakens conscience, guiding the spirit toward reflection and change.

But this doesn’t mean evil is to be celebrated or embraced. Rather, it is to be understood and transformed through love, reason, and education.

Can a Spirit Be Evil Forever?

No. Spiritism firmly rejects the idea of eternal evil or damnation.

• Every spirit, no matter how lost, will one day awaken and begin its journey back to the light.
• This may take lifetimes, but spiritual progress is the destiny of all beings.
• Divine justice is always paired with infinite mercy and opportunity.

Thus, we are called to view even the most difficult people with hope—not hate.

The Battle Between Good and Evil Is Internal

Spiritism teaches that the greatest battlefield is not outside—it’s within ourselves.

Each of us carries:

• Instincts and habits from past lives
• A conscience guiding us toward good
• The freedom to choose between ego and love, pride and humility

Our mission is to overcome our lower tendencies and allow our higher self to guide our thoughts, actions, and relationships.

This internal work is the foundation of real spiritual progress.

How to Overcome Evil Within Ourselves

Kardec and the spirits offer practical advice for moral self-improvement:

1. Daily self-examination
   Reflect on your actions, intentions, and thoughts.
2. Study moral laws
   Learn what leads to inner peace and what causes suffering.
3. Practice love and charity
   Doing good is the best way to weaken ego and pride.
4. Forgive yourself and others
   Guilt and resentment trap us in cycles of negativity.
5. Ask for spiritual assistance
   Prayer and connection with your spirit guide can help you stay centered.

The goal is not perfection overnight, but progress each day.

Goodness as the Natural Destiny of All Spirits

According to Spiritism, goodness is not an exception—it is our natural state as we evolve.

• Pure spirits have no malice or pride—they are beings of wisdom, compassion, and joy.
• We are all on the path to becoming like them.
• Every kind thought, every act of compassion, every moment of humility brings us closer to our divine nature.

This view shifts morality from being about fear and punishment to being about love, joy, and awakening.

Final Reflection: Transforming Evil Through Light

Spiritism teaches that good and evil are not absolutes—they are choices and stages on the soul’s eternal journey. Evil is ignorance in action, and good is the expression of understanding and love.

Each of us has the power to choose the light, moment by moment. And in doing so, we become not only better individuals—but also active agents in the transformation of humanity.

“The good person is one who practices the law of justice, love, and charity in its purest form.”
— The Spirits’ Book