I did some research, and it seems that the Jewish tradition believes that the first comandment prohibits believing in any supernatural beings that have a power which opposes G-d. Christians believe that the first commandment allows belief that satan (IE the devil, a lord of the underworld) exists but not worshipping him, but in Judaism merely believing that such a being, who controls the realm of the wicked dead, is sinful. Which do you think is the better interpretation?
I understand that christians are more likely to agree with christians, but think about it first.
2006-09-21 02:25:05 · 10 answers · asked by abcdefghijk 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
bah, my typing sucks today, I mean to say, that Judaism would consider the christian belief of Stan to be a violation of the ten commandments, because it detracts from pure monotheism. CXhristianity is ok with satan though, so which one sounds better to you.
2006-09-21 02:33:59 · update #1
ok, so to people who are questioning my research, are you saying that believing in the devil, a ruler of hell, who tempts the wicked to steal souls away from G-d, does not in anyway violate either the Jewish or Christian interpretation of the ten commandments? I find that hard to believe, but I will continue my research and report back after consulting a rabbi.
2006-09-21 02:46:34 · update #2
As far as not having any Gods before the one true God, well, anybody can be guilty of that for any reason. Anything that would take higher priorety than God would be your god. Some worship money, sex, porn, their job, their spouse, or even the Green Bay Packers. You don't think of these as gods though, but it is idolotry. These items can have such a hold on your life that, even though you don't "worship" them in a sense of the word you might think, if they are the most important thing in your life then, yes, they are your god(s).
Satan is not a god (technically). He is a created being and NOT the exact opposite of God. Satan is not omnipotent like God is. He would be more of an equivelant of the angel Michael (since also, Satan (Lucifer) was once an angel himself). To simply belive that Satan exsists couldn't be a violation of the first Commandment since you are simply acknowledging him as being a leader. Almost like if the U.S. went to war and we have our President. Let's just say the leader of the other country was simply a military General who didn't have the same authority and power as a true president, but simply acted as if he did. If I acknowledge that this General exsists am I also saying he has the same power and authority as the U.S. President? No, but I still acknowledge him as being the leader. Is acknowledging him as their leader causing me pay homage to him as if he were our/a president? Not at all. Does Satan posess the power to oppose God? In a limited manner, yes. Satan can only go as far as God will allow (read the book of Job). If we allow Satan to have authority over us he will take it from us and make himself our god. Satan is like a vicious dog on a leash. He has power, but can only go so far. Pity the fool who steps inside the leash line. Satan is not a god, so the belief in Satan does not make you a polytheist so long as you understand that he is not God's equivelant. Hope my answer does not cause more confusion than clarity.
2006-09-21 06:14:57 · answer #1 · answered by Bags 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think either is correct from a historical perspective. The 10 commandments were written during a time when polytheism reigned, and every city/tribe had it's own god(s).
The 1st commandment was written for the ancient city-state of Judea, just like the rest of the OT. A better translation in context would be "I am the god of Judea, if you are Judean, don't worship someone else's national god".
2006-09-21 09:38:58 · answer #2 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an atheist, it seems to me that it would depend on what is meant by the word 'god' (lower case). I've never heard any Abrahamic religion use that word in reference to Satan (an angel is not a god) but then again, believers have a million different beliefs. So who can say?
2006-09-21 09:29:36 · answer #3 · answered by XYZ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Old Testament has the Devil talking to Eve in the Garden of Eden. If the Jews do not believe it, then they do not believe the Bible.
2006-09-21 10:03:54 · answer #4 · answered by tim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a peculiar one because if we "believe" in satan then put him on the same level as God. And to say he "rules" the underworld... we tend to think satan likes ruling in hell. however, I don't know if he has been to hell yet. he is working here on earth. I don't think satan will enjoy the abyss when he gets there.
2006-09-21 09:32:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I beleive the old testament to be true, and think that it's quite obvious there in a Devil
2006-09-21 09:29:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. "I am Hashem, your G-d, Who has taken you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. You shall not recognize the gods of others in My presence." (Shemot 20,2)
Do some homework, it's about worship not existence.
Literally, you can worship your car.
2006-09-21 09:38:49 · answer #7 · answered by pops 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to do a little more research.
Maybe ask a Jew
2006-09-21 09:29:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
please read a lot more at my website http://www.freewebs.com/vickykamalmaurya
read ten commandments, Antichrist,End of the world now!
once you have read all these pages you will get the answer.
2006-09-21 09:46:27 · answer #9 · answered by vicky India,Punjab 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They dont know dude
2006-09-21 09:27:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋