The Snake in the Garden = Mesopotamian Mythology.
Lucifer = Mediterranean astronomical mythology (The planet Venus)
Satan = The Egyptian mischief God, Set.
Satan in Hell = Pluto in Hades, Thoth as guardian of the Underworld
Satan in the book of Job = A Devil's advocate character invented for effect.
The Anti-Christ = Roman Emperors who declared themselves gods and persecuted the Christians and Jews.
Baelzebub = The gods worship by the other Canaanite tribes.
It seems he's just a convenient character that can be anyone or anything that personifies what you people don't like at the moment.
It never appears as a well thought out concept, just some vague nonsense culled from a dozen or more tales and mythologies.
2007-05-21 05:04:54 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The demonic world seems to have been allowed to exist for one purpose only: to tempt humans to turn away from God. Why God would allow Satan to do this is explained in the Book of Job, where Satan is described as an angel who works in cahoots with God. When Job asks why God let Satan torment him the answer is blunt and final: Hath thou an arm like the Lord? The story of Job is interpreted in many different ways by theologians but my interpretation is that nobody knows why God lets Satan live and torment us. God is God and can do whatever He wants. Ours is not to question why, ours is but to do and die.
Satan, being a spirit, is neither male nor female. However, like his Creator, Satan is usually referred to as a masculine being. Many believe that Satan, or the Devil as he is often called, can "possess" human beings. Possession is bodily invasion by the devil. The Catholic Church still performs exorcisms on those considered to be possessed. Jesus is said to have cast out demons, i.e., performed exorcisms, and the Church considers itself to have been given this same power by Jesus. Throughout the centuries, many pious religious people have erroneously considered those with certain mental or physical illnesses to be possessed by Satan.
2007-05-21 05:16:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
18 The Bible has much to say about that final war between God’s Kingdom and the governments of this world. For example, it teaches that as the end approaches, wicked spirits will spread lies to deceive “the kings of the entire inhabited earth.” For what purpose? “To gather them [the kings] together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” The kings of the earth will be gathered together to “the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Magedon.” (Revelation 16:14, 16) Because of what is said in those two verses, the final conflict between human governments and God’s Kingdom is called the battle of Har–Magedon, or Armageddon. 19 What will God’s Kingdom achieve by means of Armageddon? Think again about what God’s will is for the earth. Jehovah God purposed that the earth be filled with a righteous, perfect human race serving him in Paradise. What prevents that from happening right now? First, we are sinful, and we get sick and die. We learned in Chapter 5, however, that Jesus died for us so that we can live forever. Likely you remember the words recorded in the Gospel of John: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16. 20 Another problem is ....
2016-04-01 00:33:49 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So tell me Guido, when U see a car for example, what do U see ??? Ok U say it's Blue, I say it is Small, someone else says it has wheels. Satan is Not "cobbled" together, but can and does change his appearance as he needs for his purpose. People have observed this as he is known for visiting all cultures around the world. Now, the question is for U, why believe in Satan & not God??? God is everywhere at the same time and never changes!!! John
2007-05-21 05:19:00 · answer #3 · answered by moosemose 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if their concept of a loving god is any indication, then it makes complete sense for their devil to be just as much a conglomeration as the savior is.
But of course they'll say you're wrong... they really do think they have the 'truth.' Invincible ignorance has no peer.
2007-05-21 05:16:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Throughout recorded history men have written their own insights as to the nature of God. He has deemed it correct to reveal Himself correctly through the unbroken line of witnesses that exists.
By the same token people have observed the workings of Satan and recorded their experiences. He belongs to no particular sect religious or secular.
I do not see the logic you employ.
2007-05-21 05:16:36 · answer #5 · answered by sympleesymple 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's sorta like how the Catholics stole the rosary bead idea from Buddhists....or how they stole Christmas (Saturnalia) and Halloween (Hallows Eve) from the pagans.
The Grinch didn't steal Christmas...the Catholics did.
2007-05-21 05:12:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The devil with the horns comes from the Pagan god.
2007-05-21 05:09:38 · answer #7 · answered by Miki S 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christians won't admit that satan is their god of hell. They'll call him a fallen angel, but never refer to him as a god which he is.
Gods don't exist though, so...
2007-05-21 05:09:45 · answer #8 · answered by Cold Fart 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
i think satan is deceptive and doesnt want to be exposed .. i think he holds a high position and that i respect but i also think hes less than portrayed ... mostly just a liar ..
2007-05-21 05:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
So, the devil doesn't exist? You mean I have to practice to be able to play the guitar?
2007-05-21 05:08:11 · answer #10 · answered by The Bog Nug 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋