Good and evil exist regardless of a belief or disbelief in God.
The civilized world’s moral compass and rule of law derive from an innate sense of right and wrong. Hence, a set of tenets not only evolved from the words and deeds of historical figures but continues via those who uphold a system of law and order for the preservation and protection of others. Behold, the era of compensation for good work(s) arrived while the punishment of evil set a precedent for peacekeepers, defenders and jailors. Rewards come in boundless shapes and forms. The same holds true for the punishment of evil. The exigent nature of two such opposing forces presents a conflict, whereby one or the other must always strive to dominate the landscape.
The origination of good and evil prototypes.
Both originate within the hearts of humanity. However, the presence of good and evil predates the existence of mankind. The light and dark existed long before the creation of Earth and from both, the world derives its appearance, but from only goodness derives its design.
Even the simplest concept of day and night contains a convergence whereby both must briefly meet before parting. The light and dark may even appear to coexist at times (such as amid a storm) but never indefinitely. The clouds will part to once again admit the light’s dominance, with the darkness remaining only until the turmoil has passed. Storms bring forth the darkness for only one purpose, to contrast itself against the power and strength of the light, which always prevails as part of the plan to conquer evil. Weathering the storms (a necessity for rebirth and renewal) provides the spirit of existence with a sense of purpose and triumph.
Although humanity innately comprehends the blueprint for moral success conducive to the creation of goodness, an alternate design exists to blur the lines by creating confusion, distraction and chaos. The power of choice combined with free will presents innumerable examples of good and evil, some concrete, others abstract. Those we can perceive with our senses may be identified and named. The abstract entities, however, present an enigmatic challenge to rise above the senses to view what lies hidden beneath the illusion(s).
The prototypical forms of good and evil.
Both good and evil contain a host or army of archetypes relative to rank and/or assignation of power and duty. Because good takes precedence over evil, the current designation of such denominations will hold sway over the latter. Suffice it to say, one cannot safely enter the realm of darkness to examine its existence prior to establishing the foundation for an abstract or spiritual understanding of the assistive powers bound to the fundamentals of faith, strength and fortitude. Thus, the beginning must devolve from the Supreme hierarchy of goodness and truth, a natural order of dissemination from on high to the lower caste of armies entrusted with the preservation and protection of Heaven and Earth. These armies in their entirety fall under the commission and direction of one Commander in Chief.
Archangel Michael.