Quote:First, we haven't established that there are such things as a good or evil nature.
What we define as "good" are empathic traits. "Evil", on the other hand, is composed by sociopathic traits.
Quote:Second, if we do allow for such natures, religion can also affect the nature of the deeds of an evil person, causing them to do good.
I really don't see how this could happen. A person with a large number of sociopathic traits (i.e. an "evil" person) isn't going to commit good deeds just out of fear of an alleged punishment. Sociopaths are stubbornly convinced that what they do is good, no matter what it is.
A religious sociopath is likely to become a religious extremist, possibly a violent one, not to join a charity.
On the other hand, empathic persons may acknowledge that they what they have done is bad. However, since they're less stubborn in their beliefs, they're more likely to be swayed by a charismatic "prophet" (usually a sociopath) and commit evil deeds because, at the moment, they're convinced that they have a good reason to do so.
A religious empath is just as likely to join a charity or support a law that tramples the rights of minority, just because he's been convinced that "it's the right thing to do".
Sociopaths are actually a minority, but they can become dangerous if they're put in a position of power where they can influence the actions of empaths and sociopaths alike. Ideologies and religions are a powerful tool in the hands of a charismatic, intelligent sociopath.
