Do you think the devil is real?

Answer 1

Well yeah.

Answer 2

jaeson - what version of Genesis 1 have you been reading? Absolutely nothing that you just talked about is in Genesis 1. The devil isn't mentioned in Genesis 1 at all, not even as a serpent.

The Jewish/Christian devil is a complex character that appears to be seen in different ways in different parts of scripture. From looking into the history of the ideas concerning the devil, I've found that the terms "devil", "satan", "Lucifer", and "serpent" come from different backgrounds and didn't originally refer to the same entity. This is especially true in the case of the name "Lucifer". This name was not in the original scriptures. This name was added to the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible when it was penned by St. Jerome. The idea that the devil's name is Lucifer is an incorrect idea based on a poor translation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucifer

Considering the wide ranging mass of ideas that have contributed to the modern Christian concept of the devil, I would have to say that their devil could not have any chance of existing. However, it is possible that something that contributed to the concept of him might have some sort of existence.

Answer 3

Although he has persuaded many people in our modern world that he doesn't even exist, Satan very definitely is a real, personal being, the fountainhead of all unbelief and of every kind of moral and spiritual evil in the world. He is called by various names in the Bible, including Satan (meaning, “adversary”—Job 1:6; Romans 16:20; etc.), the devil (i.e., “slanderer”—Matthew 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8; etc.), Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; etc.), and many others.

Answer 4

Yes the devil or Satan does exist. Read Genisis 1. God created him as an angel but he had and has free will and chose to go agaisnt God. Thus choosing evil over good. The Devil is very real.

Answer 5

Looking at it in real and non-real context is the wrong approach, rather what should be asked is this, what in its allegory is this "character" symbolizing? Of course the Devil/Satan isn't real, the bible isn't a history book. But what Satan is allegorically is another story. I believe the force is more so described like a force/law of gravity, but only relative to mind and our thinking.

For instance it can be said to be a carnal limitation where our thinking can never evolve or that all of our thoughts are pushed back down to the surface level, that it is a cyclic reversal of our thinking when we fail to be conscious, because there is always barriers to overcome in regards to thought and expansion of mind and these barriers are our limitations reflected back at us. Because what is sin? If not knowledge that one doesn't apply, hence you fall short in not living what you know. I know this is really philosophical, but really its all esoteric allegories.

So no Satan/Devil isn't a real being, but at the same time was it ever meant to be taken literally? it was esoteric.

Answer 6

Yes

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/theexorcismofemilyrose/

Answer 7

No. There's no more evidence for a devil than there is for a deity.

Further, the Christian concept of the devil is totally opposite the Jewish concept of him, which throws even more doubt on the Christian version of a devil.

Answer 8

Not only is he real, he is actively at work through the people who do not believe in Christ.

You have to have gifts to actually feel him and know his evil. There are a myriad of testimonies of him out there... of course. There is a light to oppose dark, a positive for negative, a hot for cold... Christ versus Satan...get it? But the way Satan works is through people!!! Just like God does. Where is Satan? Look to Hollywood and the Media and the scores of people who take God lightly and promote an agenda that is contrary to God...like homosexuality. It is these people who disregard God that are the conduits for Satan. Yes, they laugh at it, sounds crazy to the carnal mind... but that is the truth of the matter.

One more thing. Satan is a dying angel. Though He is the oppostion, Christ works circles around Him. Therefore, one can say that Satan is a tool in the hands of The Unlimited God.

Answer 9

I'm not completely sure, but I know that evil surrounds us all, including me. I would know because I've gotten into the worst habit of throwing things in anger, because I don't handle losing well. I know that evil is in the room whenever I lose control. It has caused me to so many bad things and feel so horrible that I've found it hard to pick myself up. Evil is real, and it has no shame in bringing people down, like it's done me. The best way to keep evil away is by praying to God and trying your best to live a better life.

Answer 10

GREAT question!!! I do believe that GOOD people go "north" [to Heaven..? or otherwise "up"], after they die.

AND I do believe that people who were mean and nasty people on this earth, do go "south" after they die! What does that mean...? Well, have you ever seen the movie "Ghost" w. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore...?
Remember the part where the BAD guy dies and goes down to HELL...? I believe that that is "sort of" what happens when BAD people die.!

So do I believe there is a Devil...? Maybe [someone has to "rule" all of the bad souls down ther, right? lol] That is a really difficult question to answer and that is why it is such a GREAT question [I will "star" it! : )

I guess the bootom line is THIS:
I DO believe in a HEAVEN and a HELL -- maybe they have different "names" BUT I do believe that AFTER we all DIE, the people who were GENERALLY GOOD, will go to "Heaven" and the people who were primarily EVIL/BAD will go down to "HELL"....

I ALSO believe that the "Devil" is a SYMBOL for Hell, just as "God" [OR whatever "higher power" people choose to believe in] is a SYMBOL of GOOD/Heaven. : )

Just my own personal thoughts... : )

GREAT question.....!
: )

Answer 11

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;