Light and Darkness: The Origins of Europe’s Ethical Heritage and the Return to Fundamental Values as a Factor of Spiritual Self-Defense

Abstract

The study of dualistic belief systems in prehistoric and early historical contexts provides a deeper understanding of the roots of contemporary religious and ideological conflicts. Such research helps trace the origins of dichotomies that continue to shape the collective cultural memory of humanity. The relevance of the topic is further reinforced by the growing interest in religious pluralism, intercultural dialogue, and the search for universal spiritual foundations – themes that acquire particular significance in the modern era of globalization and religious diversity. The relevance of the theme of good and evil is driven by a historical and philosophical return to the rethinking of fundamental human values built on the principles of non-violence and humanity, which, in the context of Russia's war against the civilized world, take on the meaning of spiritual self-defense and the basis of human physical survival. The purpose of the article is to clarify the origins, stages of formation, and evolution of dualistic ideas in the religious consciousness of ancient civilizations from the earliest times to the beginning of our era. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical-religious, comparative, hermeneutic, and cultural-historical methods. Elements of structural analysis of mythological texts, as well as historical-typological comparison of religious systems, are also applied. The authors trace the historical dynamics of the transition from the mythological opposition of light and darkness to systemic ontological dualism, which formed the basis for the emergence of Gnostic ideologemes. It is shown that the evolution of ideas about good and evil, God and the Devil, demonstrates a gradual transition from the syncretic beliefs of ancient civilizations to complex theological concepts. In Zoroastrianism, the dualism of light and darkness is clearly traced for the first time, which subsequently transforms into the Christian opposition between God and the Devil. Christianity formulated the moral and ethical dimension of dualism, recognizing evil as a consequence of turning away from God's will rather than as an equal force. In an era of global threats and the war that Russia is waging against the European space, it is especially important to realize that violence, aggression, and the devaluation of human life stand on the opposite side of civilization. Such an understanding should unite nations, strengthen moral resilience, and leave no room for the legitimization of evil or the justification of aggression as a "normal" form of interaction.