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The concept of Wickedness in Christianity

Wickedness, as understood within various Christian contexts, encompasses a state of moral corruption and wrongdoing that opposes sincerity and truth. It is represented as both an abstract quality of evil and as actions that lead individuals away from righteousness, ultimately resulting in destruction and judgment. This concept highlights the need for divine intervention against immorality, emphasizing that wickedness manifests in behaviors contrary to God's nature and ethical principles. Different denominations, including Gnosticism and Protestantism, address wickedness as a serious spiritual concern, warning against its consequences.

Synonyms: Evil, Malevolence, Immorality, Sinfulness, Wrongdoing, Villainy, Malice, Corruption, Depravity, Iniquity, Vice

In Spanish: Malicia; In Dutch: Boosheid; In Finnish: Pahuus; In German: Bosheit; In Malay: Kemungkaran; In Swedish: Ondska; In French: ²Ñ鳦³ó²¹²Ô³¦±ð³Ùé

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Wickedness'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This term signifies morally wrong behavior or actions, implying a state of evil or sinfulness, emphasizing the negative aspects of conduct and the consequences of such actions.[1] (2) This refers to actions that are considered immoral or wrong and is mentioned in the context of idolaters and those who worship the sun and moon.[2] (3) This refers to the actions that people are encouraged to cease from, according to the provided text.[3] (4) This is used to describe the wantonness that has led to licentiousness being widespread, and to the luxury that has disgraced man.[4] (5) This is a term that represents the state of being evil, and is caused by many factors, as discussed in the text.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The word rendered 'wicked' is literally 'forced labour,' which was, in old times, and still is in some countries, laid upon the inhabitants at the command of authority.[6] (2) This is mentioned as the condition of those who have not learned to see their sin in the light of God and weep over it, and they have yet to know the strait gate.[7] (3) Wickedness is the source by which wicked men obtain their living, which procures bread, and it is contrasted with the idea of instruction as the life of the upright.[8] (4) Actions characterized by sin and rebellion against God, leading to destruction and judgment during the day of reckoning.[9] (5) The abstract quality of sin or evil, as opposed to the individuals who embody it, indicating the need for intervention against wrongdoing.[10]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This is represented by leaven and signifies evil actions, opposing sincerity and truth in the world.[11]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This refers to a state of moral corruption or wrongdoing, which is associated with inordinate love and goes against the natural order.[12] (2) Refers to the sinfulness or moral wrongdoing of individuals which leads to their punishment in hell.[13] (3) The inclination towards immoral and harmful actions, particularly associated with bad angels.[14]

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) The quality of being morally wrong or sinful, which leads to negative consequences for the individual.[15]

From: The city of God

(1) This refers to a state of being or action that is not good, and the text explains that this is not nature, but contrary to nature.[16]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This phrase refers to evil behavior and actions, and it is implied that if individuals are wicked, God will still be patient with them, allowing the church to continue and the elect to be saved, with the wicked men's offspring.[17] (2) This is a state of moral corruption or wrongdoing, often characterized by sinfulness, evil actions, and a disregard for ethical or religious principles.[18] (3) This term describes actions or behaviors that are morally wrong and can not expect God to alter his will to satisfy their desires.[19]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) A term used to describe the immoral behavior of the peoples encountered by Alexander, leading him to seek divine intervention.[20]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Wickedness'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) The quality of being morally wrong or evil that the Gnostics warned against to avoid spiritual damnation.[21]