natural capacity and
constitution can be changed, until by different habits and training they
become entirely perverted. One does not criticize vicious people because
of their innate capacities and nature, but rather for their acquired
capacities and nature.

In creation there is no evil; all is good. Certain qualities and natures
innate in some men and apparently blameworthy are not so in reality. For
example, from the beginning of his life you can see in a nursing child the
signs of greed, of anger and of temper. Then, it may be said, good and
evil are innate in the reality of man, and this is contrary to the pure
goodness of nature and creation. The answer to this is that greed, which
is to ask for something more, is a praiseworthy quality provided that it
is used suitably. So if a man is greedy to acquire science and knowledge,
or to become compassionate, generous, and just, it is most praiseworthy.
If he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who
are like ferocious beasts, it is very praiseworthy; but if he does not use
these qualities in a right way, they are blameworthy.

("Some Answered Questions", pp. 212-15) [37]

"38: As to the difference between that material civilization now
prevailing,..."

As to the difference between that material civilization now prevailing,
and the divine civilization which will be one of the benefits to derive
from the House of Justice, it is this: material civilization, through the
power of punitive and retaliatory laws, restraineth the people from
criminal acts; and notwithstanding this, while laws to retaliate against
and punish a man are continually proliferating, as ye can see, no laws
exist to reward him. In all the cities of Europe and America, vast
buildings have been erected to serve as jails for the criminals.

Divine civilization, however, so traineth every member of society that no
one, with the exception of a negligible few, will undertake to commit a
crime. There is thus a great difference between the prevention of crime
through measures that are violent and retaliatory, and so training the
people, and enlightening them, and spiritualizing them, that without any
fear of punishment or vengeance to come, they will shun all criminal acts.
They will, indeed, look upon the very commission of a crime as a great
disgrace and in itself the harshest of punishments. They will become
enamoured of human perfections, and will consecrate their lives