Facing Evil

From slavery to the Holocaust to the destruction of the World Trade Center, the specter of human evil continues to haunt and defy all attempts at explanation. This collection of lectures - given at a symposium on evil by prominent scholars, writers, theologians and philosophers - resonates powerfully as we continue to confront the devastation wrought by even a single individual caught in the grip of evil.

Arguing that the prevalence of evil presents a fundamental problem for our secular sensibility, John Kekes develops a conception of character-morality as a response. He shows that the main sources of evil are habitual, unchosen actions produced by our character defects and that we can increase our control over the evil we cause by cultivating a reflective temper.

On October 24, 2014, a thrice-deported evildoer and his wife engaged in a Bonnie and Clyde-like crime spree through the Sacramento (CA) region, killing Deputy Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis. They also severely wounded a third deputy and a civilian. More victims and witnesses were terrorized as a several-hour manhunt ensued, resulting in several carjackings and shootings. Schools and neighborhoods were put on lockdown. The effects of chaos reverberated throughout the region until both were taken into custody. But it was only the beginning of a long journey of loss, grief, post-traumatic stress, and a painful trial. For years afterward, this day tormented the souls of many more officers, claiming marriages, careers, and peace of mind. Deputy Scott Brown, Oliver's partner and friend, was the first to face this evil and survive. With his wife, Liz, by his side, he embarked on a long and difficult journey through layers of grief, survivor's guilt and post-traumatic stress. Together, Scott and Liz continue to pursue healing, embracing a new mission to help others along the way. "This is REAL--it is not a romanticized or dramatized version of a law enforcement career. Facing Evil represents what it is truly like to be a human being who wears a uniform and a badge. This book will punch you in the gut, touch your heart and open your eyes." Kathy H. Thomas, PhD., Warrior's Rest Foundation, Clinical Director "Scott Brown takes readers to the authentic place where police officers in America live -- the raw and untold sacrifices they make on the job and at home to keep us all safe. He describes in uncanny detail an event that shocked the country with the heinous headlines of a cop killer so filled with hate he couldn't even contain his courtroom outburst years after his crimes." Ty Steele, News Anchor "Listen to Scott's words! These are lessons and insights mired in road rash and shared with a level of vulnerability rarely seen in our profession, as he navigated the aftermath of the violent death of brothers in arms." Jeremy Kopp, Undersheriff of Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, Montana "Those who make this journey, together, share a special bond that only they can fully understand. This is a story of that special bond and the day two partners confronted evil ... and how triumph will continually rise out of that tragedy." Jim Bontrager, Vice-President of International Conference of Police Chaplains "Facing Evil tells of heartbreak, community, resource, deep faith, forgiveness (the toughest kind) and healing...after the abyss has had its turn looking long back into those who stand in that Thin Blue Line." Karen Lansing, LMFT, BCETS "Guided by faith and friendship, the author recounts how he overcame the "survivor's guilt" that had nearly destroyed his spirituality, family and career. Facing Evil is a must read for every law enforcement officer and significant other!" Michael Stolzman, President of Northern California C.O.P.S.

Arguing that the prevalence of evil presents a fundamental problem for our secular sensibility, John Kekes develops a conception of character-morality as a response. He shows that the main sources of evil are habitual, unchosen actions produced by our character defects and that we can increase our control over the evil we cause by cultivating a reflective temper.

An FBI hostage negotiator provides a white-knuckle portrait of his 25 years of service.

"Detective Abby Stanfield worked tirelessly to bring serial killer Billy Ward to justice, but when his case is thrown out of court, Abby loses control and publicly threatens to kill him. Forced to take a leave of absence from her job, Abby heads to a mountain resort where she meets Sarah Murphy. Abby and Sarah experience many twists and turns -- love, heartache, and the brutality of a serial killer. But can they survive the biggest twist? Billy ends up dead and Abby is his accused killer"--P. [4] of cover.

We are still surprised by evil. From Auschwitz to the events of September 11, we have been shocked into recognizing the startling capacity for evil within the human heart. We now know 9/11 revealed that our country was unprepared in terms of national security, but it also showed we were intellectually and morally unprepared to deal with such a barbaric act. Our language to describe evil and our ethical will to resist it have grown uncertain and confused. Many who speak unabashedly of evil are dismissed as simplistic, old–fashioned, and out of tune with the realities of modern life. Yet we must have some kind of language to help us understand the pain and suffering at the heart of human experience. Author and speaker Os Guinness confronts our inability to understand evil – let alone respond to it effectively – by providing both a lexicon and a strategy for finding a way forward. Since 9/11, much public discussion has centered on the destructiveness of extremist religion. Guinness provocatively argues that this is far from an accurate picture and too easy an explanation. In this expansive exploration of both the causes of modern evil and solutions for the future, he faces our tragic recent past and our disturbing present with courageous honesty. In order to live an "examined life," Guinness writes, we must come to terms with our beliefs regarding evil and ultimately join the fight against it. Addressing individuals as well as a traumatized culture, Unspeakable is an invitation to explore the challenge of contemporary evil, a call to confront our culture of fear, and a journey to find words to come to terms with the unspeakable so that it will no longer leave us mute.

A serial attacker is locked up, and his murderous accomplice has been gunned down. But the true mastermind behind their lethal reign of terror still hasn't been taken in or taken down, so the harrowing case of the Cornbelt Killers isn't closed--and one murderous woman is determined to keep it that way. The only thing more important to her than evading capture is hunting down her hit list of enemies, topped by Iowa's Division of Criminal Investigation agent Cam Prescott and forensic psychologist Sophia Channing. Faced with an opponent both quick-witted and cold-blooded, Cam and Sophia must scramble to keep up with this horrifying new threat. Little do they realize that in this game of cat and mouse, they're lambs being led to the slaughter. Revised edition: This edition of Facing Evil includes editorial revisions.

Evil has long fascinated psychologists, philosophers, novelists and playwrights but remains an incredibly difficult concept to talk about. On Evil is a compelling and at times disturbing tour of the many faces of evil. What is evil, and what makes people do awful things? If we can explain evil, do we explain it away? Can we imagine the mind of a serial killer, or does such evil defy description? Does evil depend on a contrast with good, as religion tells us, or can there be evil for evil's sake? Adam Morton argues that any account of evil must help us understand three things: why evil occurs; why evil often arises out of banal or everyday situations; and how we can be seen as evil. Drawing on fascinating examples as diverse as Augustine, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, psychological studies of deviant behaviour and profiles of serial killers, Adam Morton argues that evil occurs when internal, mental barriers against it simply break down. He also introduces us to some nightmare people, such as Adolf Eichmann and Hannibal Lecter, reminding us that understanding their actions as humans brings us closer to understanding evil. Exciting and thought-provoking, On Evil is essential reading for anyone interested in a topic that attracts and repels us in equal measure.

Civitas Vadanis is in trouble. The Mezentines have declared war; and the Mezentines are very focused on their goals when it comes to killing. Duke Valens, of Civitas Vadanis, has a dilemma. He knows that his city cannot withstand the invading army; yet its walls are his only defence against the Mezentines. Perhaps the only way to save his people is to flee, but that will not be easy either. Ziani Vaatzes, an engineer exiled by the Mezentines for his abominable creations, has already proven that he can defend a city. But Ziani Vaatzes has his own concerns, and the fate of Civitas Vadanis may not be one of them. "Intelligent and compassionate. . .it should be celebrated." -- Interzone on Devices and Desires "One of the most entertaining fantasy debuts in recent years. . .incredibly vivid, refreshing, fun, thoughtful, absorbing." -- SFX