Satan and Responsibility

[ottaia]

Is Satan just an excuse to abandon responsibility for one's actions?

 

[tel0004]

Not at all, Satan will try to persuade us to do evil, but we need to take responsibility to do good. I think knowing about Satan and God should be many times more accountable for our actions since we know the truth.

 

[Ananel]

Is Satan just an excuse to abandon responsibility for one's actions?

There are those who have used him as one, yes. This does not make his existence an excuse to abandon responsibility. However, he has been used in this fashion.

 

[ChristianCenturion]

Is Satan just an excuse to abandon responsibility for one's actions?

Satan is an example that serves God's purpose, the tempter, the accuser, the father of lies, etc. Despite some that may say "the devil made me do it", we are accountable for our own actions. Being born in sin or making excuses doesn't seem to "fool" an omniscient and perfect God.

 

[Sphere]

I think people give satan too much credit than "he" is really responsible for.

 

[ChristianCenturion]

I think people give satan too much credit than "he" is really responsible for.

Some probably do... but it isn't like a one way street. Some people blame God for things of their own doing as well. In their arrogance, they presume to judge God rather than the other way around.

 

[ottaia]

But it seems that so often people will say "Satan" when they mean peoples' fallen nature.

 

[ChristianCenturion]

But it seems that so often people will say "Satan" when they mean peoples' fallen nature.

Really?
I seem to see a lot that say "this is the way God made me", not Satan.
Either way, there is accountability.

Romans 14:11-12
11It is written:
" 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord,
'every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.' " 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

 

[ottaia]

But people say something like, "The devil causes people to treat each other badly." Occam's razor would say that huiman selfishness causes peaople to treat each other badly.

 

[Moros]

One word: scapegoat.

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

Is Satan just an excuse to abandon responsibility for one's actions?

No. Satan doesn't make you do your actions. You choose them yourself.