First of all the bible rarely even mentions this character. When it does, it is a creature who masquerades as an angel and works for god as The Advesary. His job is to question the loyalty of god's servants so that 'god be not mocked'. The word devil in Greek means a caster or thrower. (As in casting aspersions.)
He tests David's loyalty (David fails), Job (who passes) and Jesus (who also passes.
The idea that this character is the source of evil came from Jewish leaders during the Babylonian exile who took from Persian invaders, the Zoroastrian 'evil god' Ahriman (as opposed to the 'good god', Ahura Mazda) and decided it explained how a 'good god' could allow evil in the world.
They then reinterpreted elements of the bible (Ezekial 28, about the fall of the Prince of Tyre and Isaiah 14 about the fall of the king of Babylon) to be about the satan.
The bible never makes Satan the King of Hell. That's a post biblical concept. Mostly from John Milton.
2007-09-01 10:43:38 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The physical characteristics given to him in modern times didn't come along until much later and were taken from the Pagan god Pan who is the god of chaos. (Cloven hooves, horns a tail, etc.)
As for Hell, this concept comes from the Valley of Gehenna in Israel which was both a garbage dump and place where pagans sacrificed children to the god Moloch.
So if all of these concepts can be traced back to a logical source and are easily explainable, then why do people try to threaten non-believers with a mythical creature that mostly doesn't exist in the bible?
2007-09-01 10:46:47 · update #1
I'm glad I researched all of that so you geniuses can just say 'You're going to hell.' Nice reading comprehension.
2007-09-01 10:47:59 · update #2
Ignoramus the Great - The Book of Revelations is a metaphor for the Fall of Rome and the Emperor Nero. Try doing some research for yourself.
2007-09-01 10:49:45 · update #3
Deno S - You should have just spent 30 seconds with a dry cleaning bag over your head. That would have been more useful than your stupidass answer.
2007-09-01 10:52:08 · update #4
These myths are perpetuated in order for a select few to dominate the majority.
Think about it... religions/x-tianity are always trying to convert.... it's to bring more money into the religion.
It's all a matter of Finances and Power: nothing more, nothing less. Why do you think that the US wants to tie religion to government??... that way, they would have TOTAL and unquestionable domination over it's people.... SCARY!
2007-09-01 10:57:26 · answer #1 · answered by sprite 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
They say it exists because they have been told it exists from what they see as an authority figure. The manner in which it is relayed is a form of negative reinforcement which burns into their psyche that if I step one toe out of line I'm going to hell. Given that it makes it very hard to look at other world myths and see the concept of a devil/bogeyman and of Hell/Hades and such have been around many cultures and each is different making it a shared world myth.
2007-09-01 12:11:16 · answer #2 · answered by genaddt 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is no biblical support for the concept of hell as we know it. Hell was given its current rendering thanks to the Roman Catholic pagan practices melding with scriptural doctrine but originally the term "hell" came from the term "sheol" which means grave, death or literally "to be covered over..." the word "Hel" is actually the norse god of the underworld in mythology. Dante Alegheri's Inferno and all the artists renderings of that writing didn't help either. However I disagree with the theory that you have developed regarding Satan. I've studied this at length reading the biblical and apocryphal accounts as well as the same historical references you my have read and I see that the Bible states exactly who he is and what his role is...
Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Satan is the prince of this physical world. There may be satans or demons or devils galore as they follow the first rebel of Gods host but he is the primary source of iniquity.
Love in Christ, ~J~
2007-09-01 11:11:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Everyday this same question comes up! PAY ATTENTION!!
Wow, this question comes up it seems every single day.
Do you even know what hell is? Hell is not a fiery roasting pit where people who are "bad" go to --- to burn and be in permanent torment forever and ever. Hell is the common grave for mankind. Yes, both good and bad go to "hell", meaning when they die, they go back to their ground hence where they were formed.
After Armageddon sadly, about 90% of the world's population will lose their lives, that is, they will suffer the 2nd and final death. They will be in hell meaning they will be dead and have no chance of being resurrected ever again.
Hell= Hades, Sheol, the common grave for mankind.
So see, you did have a quality concern. God would not put humans in such a place where they would burn and roast eternally. When you hear someone say burn in hell, it should bother your conscience first of all, because you know now that "hell fire" does not exist, and secondly, that these evil ones who say "burn in hell" are so morally corrupt that they could even think of wishing this non-existent horrid place upon their fellow man. Thirdly, maybe you can educate them on what hell really is, but only after you attain accurate Bible and Godly truths that equal knowledge.
Contact an Elder from a kingdom hall in your area and ask to have a personal home Bible study about how the place "hell" has come to be so convaluted and used as like a burning weapon by the tongue to show hate and contempt for humans abroad. There you will attain accurate knowledge and this Elder will show you and help you acquire the knowledge you need so you can share it with others.
So now you don't ever have to think this again. Either stay in the dark spiritually, having innaccurate knowledge or take the next step to acquire accurate knowledge. It can only save your life and help to save others too. Armageddon is closer at hand than it ever was. This should be something for all those loving Bible truths and loving God to rejoice in, not to fear as those ones who are lost certainly fear Armageddon.
Trust..
2007-09-01 10:48:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋
Because most people have been in an emotional rendition of acceptable verbalized description of their pastors interpretation of these nebulous,abstract fables. As well, subtly reevaluated suggestions and innuendo's were planted, encouraged, and rewarded as they integrated the changes into a visualized fantasy defined by them as spiritual enlightenment. Probably, it's much simpler to just go along with the herd. As members of supporting creationist theory, these people practially never seek divergent plausible theory. They just wear their herd bells, and respond to others whos bells have the same tone.
2007-09-01 14:36:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Finally! Someone who actually does research! Hell (and the current concept of Satan) was a concept invented by the Christians in the medieval days to keep the Feudal lords in line! Modern Christians (fundamentalists/born again and evangelistic) all use that today to convert those they believe are LOST!
2007-09-01 10:54:19 · answer #6 · answered by Rev. Kaldea 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Casting out demons is easily achievable and could be carried out greater generally i think, yet human beings tend to be apprehensive of doing so. They ask your self the place the demon will flow if it comes out. in certainty, somebody from yet another faith (who calls themselves Christians too) believes you may forged it out and receive it to your self. i know that's inaccurate thoroughly. Jesus forged many demons out. in certainty, he forged out an entire legion of demons at one time. i don't in basic terms like the interest exorcisim. That jogs my memory of that undesirable action picture, the exorcist that puzzled such distinctive human beings. That word isn't interior the Bible the two and that i'm not even particular precisely what it means. All I care approximately is what the bible teaches. it particularly is the certainty.
2016-11-13 22:46:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see by the thumbs up that most people realize that the devil does not exist, even though a few believers are restating their mindless drivel.
2007-09-01 14:40:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
So we all should believe you and your research and your interpretation of the bible. I love the way you cover up your ignorance and lack of discernment with glib, shallow explanations. Just as well we all have the gift of interpretation and understanding. Wisdom, particularly wisdom from God tends to recognize reckless, foolhardy and futile attempts to prove God and His Word wrong. The father of lies is obviously your friend. Good luck!!!!!
2007-09-01 15:24:37 · answer #9 · answered by The Rock 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Then I guess Jesus was a liar.
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. -John 8:44
2007-09-01 10:58:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋