How would you feel about a novel whose main character was the Devil (or Lucifer, Hades, etc.), if it turned out that he had been GOOD and MISUNDERSTOOD all these years?
What if we discovered in the book that he had always been good, but because of extenuating circumstances (revealed in the plot of the book) had been mistaken by humanity as being evil?
Would you feel sympathetic toward this version of Lucifer and toward the book, or would you not like it? And if so, why not?
Please, serious answers only. Thanks for your valued opinions!
.
2007-08-26 04:26:25 · 20 answers · asked by Sarah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Julien, the one you're thinking of who gave fire to man was the Titan Prometheus, and you're right, there have been other, similar figures throughout mythology and history who are unfairly condemned by some version of 'God.' But do you know of a story, especially a modern one, in which the Devil himself was exonerated and shown to be good? If so, I would appreciate any references you can give. Thanks!
.
2007-08-26 04:36:51 · update #1
Don't worry, Neva, this isn't actually the premise of my book - but it presents the same moral dilemma as my novel will. See how I got around that without giving my plot away? Thanks for the advice, though...
2007-08-26 04:40:32 · update #2
From my understanding, Lucifer means "angel of light". He started as an angel and disobeyed God and was thrown out of heaven. If your mind is open to the fact that God could have made a mistake in ejecting him, then it is possible to see the devil as good. Most believers could not entertain the notion that God could make a mistake so it would not be feasible for them to accept this. I personally am open minded enough to accept almost any possibility since there is currently no human way to prove or disprove anything spiritual. Even if I end up not agreeing with the theory you present, it would be interesting reading. I enjoy reading things that challenge my beliefs. And by reading a story of this nature it does not make me an unbeliever, its just a way to expand my horizons. It is not a sin to see the other side of things.
2007-08-26 04:40:30 · answer #1 · answered by pitterpat 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi -
Good question. However, to me there is a very simple answer, the Devil, no matter what you call it will always be evil. So in the plot of the book, as you are detailing the reasons or circumstances are you really speaking about the Devil or God?
Lucifer is smart and he will pull on our strings. We need to be strong in our belief to see the difference.
Of course this brings me to another subject, are you finding excuses for those who do wrong?
We where put on this earth with freedom of choice, we either choose the right or the wrong, this is our decision, not because of circumstances.
No I would not be sympathetic towards this version of Lucifer. And would be disappointed if evil win over good.
T.
2007-08-26 11:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by Terry D 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm pretty sure that Judaism actually does believe this. Maybe not that the Devil is good, but that He serves a purpose. It makes sense, because without the Devil ruling over Hell, how would God use Hell to punish people?
Anyway, I might read that book. It sounds like it would be an interesting analysis of moral value.
2007-08-26 11:41:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same idea a long time ago. But the thing is it's been done before, it's an idea that's been persistent, I believe. The theme that Lucifer stood up for Human rights--sort of like.. who the devil was it that gave man Fire in the Greek religion? Irrelevent, sort of like him, who's eternally tortured for giving us free-will and freeing us from totalitarian control.
I wouldn't feel strongly either way. I probably wouldn't read it.
2007-08-26 11:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anne Rice's "Memnoch the Devil" tries to do that. It's part of the Vampire Chronicles. Although he is not the main character of the book (the vampire Lestat is), much of the book is a discussion between Lestat and Memnoch or Lestat and God. Guess who you tend to feel more sympathetic toward in the end...
2007-08-26 11:46:42 · answer #5 · answered by the_way_of_the_turtle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The book is already written and there is no other source regarding the adversary.
The book is not unclear but tells exactly the nature of the adversary.
If you want to write a new book, I would suggest your first do your research starting with the bible. If you need more material, search the web for Satanic cults: They too would like to believe a different version of the adversary, the adversary's version.
Personally, I will stick to the original source.
2007-08-26 11:45:02 · answer #6 · answered by J. 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I read a book like that. It was called "For Love of Evil" and it's by Piers Anthony. It's part of the Incarnations of Immortality series. I actually very much enjoyed it. It's only fiction, after all.
Paradise Lost was a lot like that, too.
"I would rather reign in hell than serve in heaven."
2007-08-26 11:37:20 · answer #7 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That cant happen, as God tells us in the HOly Bible all about the devil and there is no good in him, that he is lost and wants to take the rest of the world with him to hell. HE knows where he is going.
We will never discovered Gods book as evil or God as evil and we will never discover the devil is good.
You either beieve God or your dont. HE doesnt make mistakes, HE knows all things, even the end from the beginning and only God knows truth about everyone. I am referring to the God of the HOly Bible with the full teachings of Jesus Chrsit. Some may believe, some may not. ALl are called, but only a few will answer. But I refer to the HOly Bible which I believe is the answer to everything. We must know it and obey GOd to stay with the free gift He offers to all who will believe. Gift is free, but holding on is conditional. Cause if we dont stay in obedience, we will lose our free gift. That simple. All are called and only a few will answer.
all about precious gift of CHOICE>
2007-08-26 11:36:28 · answer #8 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well that was kind of the point of that old rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" that Judas was basically the fall guy, a good guy, the innocent victim because he was chosen to betray Christ. But everyone including satan has a free will. So I would have to say, nice try but no, I wouldn't feel sorry for him.
2007-08-26 11:33:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are no such things as gods, devils, heaven or hell. It's all mythology. So, if that book was well-written, I would enjoy it as a work of fiction. Actually, I might get a little extra enjoyment from it knowing that a whole lot of Christians would be getting their panties in a wad and trying to ban it. Hell, I'd probably go out and buy 3 or 4 copies of it because of that.
2007-08-26 11:35:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋