Spiritually speaking, how does it affect your interactions with a person if you think they are inherently evil?

Good question!

That's why I definately DONT believe in original sin. We are not carrying the sins of our fathers because we're not them. Besides, Eve made a wise choice in my book to have her eyes opened. Satan was working for God that day, I guess. I know what it's like to think that everyone outside my church is basically evil. That's why all my classmates were 'associates' and not friends. God save us from the evil that men do. Can't we all just 'get along'?

Oh yeah, I forgot we're supposed to look at our fellow men as 'wretches' just like we are. How depressing!

I'm not sure I am understanding your question.

I don't see how I can make an assumption that someone is inherently evil/bad/unwholesome...unless you are referring to the Christian belief that we are all born with the temptation to sin...since that belief would also assume that I am also born with this unfortunate predilection, the question is not so much how does it affect my interactions with other sinners, but how does it affect God's interactions with all of us?

On the other hand, I have been a volunteer in a prison ministry...not something I am hankering to do again, however. I'm afraid I met some folks in there that I'd rather not interact with at all.

(And not all of them were behind the bars, either...)

In other words, there is a HUGE difference between being "inherently evil" and having realized that potential for evil in ourselves.

[shudders]

=^_^=

It should not affect your relationship with them at all. When one develops true understanding others will cling to you like white on rice. I made the mistake of going to TDC or Texas Department of Corrections and in those places you are thrown into an environment where you encounter what most would consider evil people. A friend I met there was a christian and knew the bible from front to back. But he was very judgemental of others and he had problems with others. I had none, because I could relate to most people. Which includes Devil worshipers, Gangsters, Racists, and murderers. You name it prisons got it. One of my close friends was a major in the Aryan Brotherhood and I'm black. I know allot about Germany so we had something in common. Even-though I don't agree with racism, satan, gangs, or murder I read allot so I know somethings and I also know a whole lot of nothin. It's all about understanding that's all life is, why be grinding metal when you could be flowing water.

I don't assume anything about someone. Once I've gotten to know them and I find them to be on the "evil side" I tend to stay away from them. I've known all of two people in my 46 years I've felt that way about.

edit- You asked two questions...

The first was : how does it affect your interactions with a person if you think they are inherently evil?

My answer: if I think they are inherently evil I stay away from them.

and the second:

If you act under the assumption that a person is inherently evil/bad/unwholesome, how does that affect the way you interact with them?

My answer: I don't assume things about people.

Such people exist. In general I try not to have any interactions with them at all, and not to think about them, lest they disturb my equanimity. But if chance or fate brings me in contact with one such, I first carefully check to see that there are no other people being imposed on or victimised by the evil one--I will in that case step in and rescue, or at least warn, the innocent and the unwary--then I withdraw as quickly as I can, holding my breath, avoiding his gaze, staring into the middle distance.

People that I perceive as being inherently evil creep me out and make me feel icky. I'm sure that comes across in my interactions with them!!!

don't think it does, biblically and according to Jesus your suppose to treat everyone with love and respect with humility.

Hey if your inherently evil so am i , Christians are just saved sinners after all, albeit being made Holy , although that God not us.

You never know if the Atheati are watching, if they did or DIDNT exist. Remain calm, our day will come!!!

I HAZ SPOKEN!!! SILENCE!!!

*eeiry silence*

Badly.

Makes me want to party with them even more.