What does Satan do? ^-.-^

[Ead]

I have been having a bit of a problem understanding some things about your Ultimate Evil guy. It seems that whenever something threatens Christianity, be it science, other religions, or questions, it is Satan's lies and works at play.

So, is Satan just everything everywhere that doesnt agree with Christianity? Or is it something else?

 

[*~DJ~*]

Thanks for asking this question. My class studied Satan not to long ago. Let's see if I can condence this for you:
Satan is given WAY to much credit for way to many things. Satan cannot be everywhere all at once, only God can. We tend to overplay the role of Satan. He cannot mess with any of God's children w/out the approval of God (see Joel). Satan loves it when people blame him or are fearful of him b/cause it puts our focus on him and off of God. That's what he wants, even if it is negative attention. The simple fact is that Satan is the TEMPTOR of man, but man is responsible for CHOOSING the temptation. That is were all of the blame from science, other religions, etc comes from. He tempted and they took the temptation instead of resisting it. He uses a combination of lies and truth to get to people, so it may seem logical. Christian do not agree with Satan b/cause he wants to BE God. We must remember that Satan is NOT a god- he is just a fallen angel and he will be judged just like all of the rest of the sinners.
I hope that this makes sense and if you have any more questions, please let me know!

 

[tapero]

It would be good to read 'The Screwtape Letters' by C.S.Lewis. This shows how the demons and satan work in the background but is fictional of course, but is very good.

 

[ReluctantProphet]

I have been having a bit of a problem understanding some things about your Ultimate Evil guy. It seems that whenever something threatens Christianity, be it science, other religions, or questions, it is Satan's lies and works at play.

So, is Satan just everything everywhere that doesnt agree with Christianity? Or is it something else?

Satan is the representation of he who seeks authority of all things through the power of deception.

This is why his name so quickly comes up where deception is suspected.

Jesus intended that truth govern man and thus they are counter roles.

Satan is governing via deception whereas Jesus is governing via reality. It just so happens that Love and Faith causes Reality to be more on your side if you do it right.

 

[Robinsegg]

Here are some key verses about Satan.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. Rev 12:10 (NIV)
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
44 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. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! John 8:44-45 (NIV)
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thess 2:9-10 (NIV)
9 The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Rev 12:9 (NIV)

 

[Ead]

Thanks for asking this question. My class studied Satan not to long ago. Let's see if I can condence this for you:
Satan is given WAY to much credit for way to many things. Satan cannot be everywhere all at once, only God can. We tend to overplay the role of Satan. He cannot mess with any of God's children w/out the approval of God (see Joel). Satan loves it when people blame him or are fearful of him b/cause it puts our focus on him and off of God. That's what he wants, even if it is negative attention. The simple fact is that Satan is the TEMPTOR of man, but man is responsible for CHOOSING the temptation. That is were all of the blame from science, other religions, etc comes from. He tempted and they took the temptation instead of resisting it. He uses a combination of lies and truth to get to people, so it may seem logical. Christian do not agree with Satan b/cause he wants to BE God. We must remember that Satan is NOT a God- he is just a fallen angel and he will be judged just like all of the rest of the sinners.
I hope that this makes sense and if you have any more questions, please let me know!

If Satan and his minions are not everywhere, how come many Christians i know say that anything bad that happens is the Devil's work? Like me for intance. They say i am decieved all the time. I know i am not decieved, but they always say Satan is doing stuff to me all the kind all the time... Which gets pretty annoying >.<

Also, many claim that science is Satan's work. "Decieving" everyone with observed facts and such. Why is that? Does fear make people say "The Devil is everywhere!!!" or are they right that the devil/associates are everywhere?

Some even go as far as to say that Buddists and other peaceful religions are the Devil's work. A Buddist will not even kill a bug. If they are threatened with death, they will let the other person do it. They might try to escape (Who wouldnt?), but they will not defend themselves by fighting. Doesnt sound like a demon religion to me at all...

 

[Robinsegg]

Any religion is a set of rules to
1 appease a god and get to some kind of paradise or
2 attain some kind of enlightenment.

However, Christianity isn't (at least it isn't supposed to be) a set of rules for either of these purposes. Christianity is a relationship with God. That relationship makes us want to live holy lives. Therefore, we try to honor Him with our actions and as holy a life as we can manage with His help.

Religion is Satans' twisting of truth to keep humans from God.

Rachel

 

[Stinker]

I have been having a bit of a problem understanding some things about your Ultimate Evil guy. It seems that whenever something threatens Christianity, be it science, other religions, or questions, it is Satan's lies and works at play.

So, is Satan just everything everywhere that doesnt agree with Christianity? Or is it something else?

It is very interesting to study where the concept of a 'Satan' in Judaism and later in Christianity, originated.

Satan (I have found) came from when the Jews were exposed to post-Zoroaster Zoroastrianism during their captivity (after the Babylonians were defeated by them) of the Persians. After Zoroaster's death the magi claimed that there was revelation that Angra Mainyu (bad thoughts, words, and deeds) was the result not of the person themself, but because of an evil super spirit. They (the magi) named this evil super spirit Ahriman. The Jews and Christians named this spirit Satan and Lucifer.

Many Christians seem to be under the impression that most of the Old Testament was written many thousands of years prior to the Israelite's captivities. The Babylonian captivity (Northern Kingdom 721 B.C. and Judah 587 B.C.) and both Northern and Judean captivity due to the Babylonians being defeated by the Persians in 539 B.C. 2 years later the Pesians let the Jews go back home but stay under their care till 331 B.C. when by then it is obvious upon examination of their doctrine that it has been influenced by post-Zoroaster Zoroastrianism.

Staunch Christians are led to believe that if anything appears to contradict the way they have been taught concerning the Bible, it is of the devil Satan. It used to be taught that the greatest weapon Satan had was the theory of Evolution. The reason being was because it contradicted the figurative/mythical descriptions in the first 3 chapters of the book of Genesis.

There does not appear (to me) to be near as many Christians today that look at Evolution as an enemy, as there was in years past.

 

[Ead]

It is very interesting to study where the concept of a 'Satan' in Judaism and later in Christianity, originated.

Satan (I have found) came from when the Jews were exposed to post-Zoroaster Zoroastrianism during their captivity (after the Babylonians were defeated by them) of the Persians. After Zoroaster's death the magi claimed that there was revelation that Angra Mainyu (bad thoughts, words, and deeds) was the result not of the person themself, but because of an evil super spirit. They (the magi) named this evil super spirit Ahriman. The Jews and Christians named this spirit Satan and Lucifer.

Many Christians seem to be under the impression that most of the Old Testament was written many thousands of years prior to the Israelite's captivities. The Babylonian captivity (Northern Kingdom 721 B.C. and Judah 587 B.C.) and both Northern and Judean captivity due to the Babylonians being defeated by the Persians in 539 B.C. 2 years later the Pesians let the Jews go back home but stay under their care till 331 B.C. when by then it is obvious upon examination of their doctrine that it has been influenced by post-Zoroaster Zoroastrianism.

Staunch Christians are led to believe that if anything appears to contradict the way they have been taught concerning the Bible, it is of the devil Satan. It used to be taught that the greatest weapon Satan had was the theory of Evolution. The reason being was because it contradicted the figurative/mythical descriptions in the first 3 chapters of the book of Genesis.

There does not appear (to me) to be near as many Christians today that look at Evolution as an enemy, as there was in years past.

Interresting Stinker! Where did you come by this knowledge? I think i would wanna explore that source a bit for myself =P

 

[Dwayne2001]

Satan is at work when you make decision solely with yourself in mind. Take a look at Satanism itself: The most important day of the year is YOUR birthday. Their creedo is 'every man for himself'. There is no consideration of others, no thought to consequences that do not directly apply to the person performing the actions.

 

[Robinsegg]

Here are a couple of wikipedia articles on the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanism

 

[*~DJ~*]

If Satan and his minions are not everywhere, how come many Christians i know say that anything bad that happens is the Devil's work? Like me for intance. They say i am decieved all the time. I know i am not decieved, but they always say Satan is doing stuff to me all the kind all the time... Which gets pretty annoying >.<

Also, many claim that science is Satan's work. "Decieving" everyone with observed facts and such. Why is that? Does fear make people say "The Devil is everywhere!!!" or are they right that the devil/associates are everywhere?

Some even go as far as to say that Buddists and other peaceful religions are the Devil's work. A Buddist will not even kill a bug. If they are threatened with death, they will let the other person do it. They might try to escape (Who wouldnt?), but they will not defend themselves by fighting. Doesnt sound like a demon religion to me at all...

The reason why people say that every thing is the devils work is simply that no one wants to admit it is their fault! We are human. Satan is willing to take the blame b/cause then our focus if off of God! I do not believe that Satan personally is constantly attacking you. He has put deception in the minds of men, those men spread those deceptions. Yes, even Buddism and other peaceful religions are Satan's work orginally because he whispered other gods into man's ear! It is man's fault it is continued. God blessed each and every one of us with free will. He loves us regardless and I honestly believe that he greives over every soul that is lost, but God is Holy and Just, also. So when we choose to disobey God, Satan steps in, sometimes it is through ideas that he planted hundreds of years before. Remember, the devil cannot be in more than one place at a time, and he cannot attack a child of God without God's permission!
I disagree with the fact that science is the devils work. There are many theories out there that scientists have, and that's all they are- theories! Many times if an experiement doesn't conclude the way that it is expected and something points to a divine being, it is explained away. The theory of revelotion is taught today. There is no proof of it, it is just a theory, yet many people, christians included, believe in it. The bible has proven many early scientist wrong (The world is flat, the ocean is a big bowl, etc), and continues to do so today. There can be no science w/out God, otherwise, science makes no sense!

 

[Ead]

I disagree with the fact that science is the devils work.

Phew, thats refreshing to hear Lotsa Christians i have heard say that Science is wrong and the Devil's work and other such absurd things.

There are many theories out there that scientists have, and that's all they are- theories!

Awww, you give theories too much credit =P Lots of people make the mistake of saying "Its just a theory!". The title of Theory makes it much more important than any "Fact" in the world =P.

This is where alot of people get mixed up. Many Facts make a Theory, but a Theory can never be a Fact. The reason Theories are so awesome is that it takes hundreds, thousands, and even millions of observed facts and explains them all in a way that it al makes sense for all the facts. This makes it greater than any Fact in the world.

The only reason a Theory, no matter how many Facts back it up, can never be proven true is because of a very simple parameter of Theories. If one instance in the universe contradics the Theory's hypothises, then the Theory has to either explain this new event or be replaced with a new Theory. The Theory of Evolution is a Theory because it was first a hypothesis, then after many years and lots of evidence, it became a Theory. And it has never been accuratly proven false, or else it would not be here today as we know it.

Saying something is "Just a Theory" is pretty much saying it's pretty close to being a fact =P

Many times if an experiement doesn't conclude the way that it is expected and something points to a divine being, it is explained away.

Never heard of one before <.< >.>

The theory of Evolution is taught today. There is no proof of it, it is just a theory, yet many people, christians included, believe in it.

Theres lotsa proof for it, or else it wouldnt be the amazing Theory it is =P

The bible has proven many early scientist wrong (The world is flat, the ocean is a big bowl, etc), and continues to do so today. There can be no science w/out God, otherwise, science makes no sense!

I saw someone post a picture of how the world looked acording to the Bible... it was pretty flat... <.< >.> And modern science operates under observation, and tries not to assume anything unless it can be proven. As God cannot be proven by observational methods, it cannot conclude that such a thing exists.


Gah, im sorry v.v I used to hate people disecting my posts (Mainly because i couldnt do it myself T_T) So dont feel sad about it >.< I just like addressing as many points as possible in my posts.

 

[Robinsegg]

Actually, I thought "theory" was a part of the Scientific process that led to finding facts. However, this particular theory can't be proven because it can't be reproduced and measured. That said, I believe in micro-evolution (the product of the original observations of species), but not macro-evolution (the concept that fish became amphibians, which became reptiles, which became birds, etc.).

As far as experiments whose conclusions were ignored or explained away, why is it that no one can explain why a 2-4 year old Neanderthal skull still has a fetal inner ear (the set of bones in the skull)? This is documented in by Buried alive : the startling truth about Neanderthal man Jack Cuzzo.

Rachel

 

[Key]

Awww, you give theories too much credit =P Lots of people make the mistake of saying "Its just a theory!". The title of Theory makes it much more important than any "Fact" in the world =P.

No, It doesn&#8217;t.
The Facts are the Important part, the Theory is the Assumption that is gleaned from the facts.

The Theory can be false, or, flawed, or simply a temporary filler

The Facts remain constant. The Theory is dependent on the Facts, the Facts are Not Dependent on the Theory.

To Say a Theory is a Fact, or that a Theory is Equal to a fact is to commit Heresy of the Highest Order in the Scientific world, as it goes against every Principal of the Scientific Method. (However there seems to be this exception made for the Religion of Evolution, Umm I mean Theory of Evolution)

Just FYI..

God Bless

Key

 

[Ead]

No, It doesn&#8217;t.
The Facts are the Important part, the Theory is the Assumption that is gleaned from the facts.

The Theory can be false, or, flawed, or simply a temporary filler

The Facts remain constant. The Theory is dependent on the Facts, the Facts are Not Dependent on the Theory.

To Say a Theory is a Fact, or that a Theory is Equal to a fact is to commit Heresy of the Highest Order in the Scientific world, as it goes against every Principal of the Scientific Method. (However there seems to be this exception made for the Religion of Evolution, Umm I mean Theory of Evolution)

Just FYI..

God Bless

Key

You dont seem to understand Theories very well.

I said a Theory can never be proven to be fact ONLY because there is always the chance that one piece of evidence contradics it. Though, the theory of Gravity is "Just a theory", yet you dont go running around seeing pencils float away.

And evolution is science, not religion. And Evolution has just as much evidence suporting it as Gravity. The only "Evidence" against it is either false, lies, or just foolish. And all the facts against it are not scientific, so they cannot affect it.

 

[Ead]

Actually, I thought "theory" was a part of the Scientific process that led to finding facts.

No, theories or the union of many facts into a common thread of reasoning. seeing a million apples, pencils, boulders, and people falling onto the ground leads us to believes something is pulling us towards it (AKA Gravity).

However, this particular theory can't be proven because it can't be reproduced and measured.

Im not sure about that statement. We have history evidence for it. And we can look at animals and see relationships between them. We can even find "Missing Links" to connect two supposedly completely different species together. And we have done that alot.

That said, I believe in micro-evolution (the product of the original observations of species), but not macro-evolution (the concept that fish became amphibians, which became reptiles, which became birds, etc.).

Believing in one part of the Theory of Evolution is like tearing a page out of the Bible and saying "This page is right, but the rest is wrong" even though it proves the rest of it. It makes no sense to do that.

As far as experiments whose conclusions were ignored or explained away, why is it that no one can explain why a 2-4 year old Neanderthal skull still has a fetal inner ear (the set of bones in the skull)? This is documented in by Buried alive : the startling truth about Neanderthal man Jack Cuzzo.

I dunno if thats a reliable source or not, but i fail to understand how that is relivant to Evolution or not...

 

[Robinsegg]

No, theories or the union of many facts into a common thread of reasoning.

Well, I guess you can blame my public school education, because that's what I was taught, even in college.

Im not sure about that statement. We have history evidence for it. And we can look at animals and see relationships between them. We can even find "Missing Links" to connect two supposedly completely different species together. And we have done that alot.

I don't remember unearthing any documents that documented evolution. You can find fossils and like that, some of which you have to piece together. Also, for the "missing links", there could be many explanations for these phenomena, evolution being one.

Believing in one part of the Theory of Evolution is like tearing a page out of the Bible and saying "This page is right, but the rest is wrong" even though it proves the rest of it. It makes no sense to do that.

That's an interesting analogy. You see, I believe in the part of evolution that makes sense to me, the part I can see. I see that over time the same species migrated to different environments and changed to suit those environments, making small differences and creating new species or subspecies. I get that. To deny that is just silly. The rest is extrapolation, as far as I can see, and I don't buy extrapolation.

I dunno if thats a reliable source or not, but i fail to understand how that is relivant to Evolution or not...

The book I referenced was on a man who made dental xrays of Neandertal skulls. Neandertals are supposed to come from the same ancestors as we, but there are several problems with it. One of the problems this fellow unearthed was that a particular Neandertal skull was aged at 2 years old. As he looked at the teeth, he saw the molars of a 4yo, but a fetal inner ear. It was glossed over, and possibly worse as you read the book. You gave the indication that new information isn't ever ignored, dismissed or glossed over.

Rachel

 

[FallingWaters]

They say i am decieved all the time. I know i am not decieved, but they always say Satan is doing stuff to me all the kind all the time... Which gets pretty annoying >.<

Just a comment on this little point... firstly, everyone can be deceived, not just unbelievers. The thing about being deceived is that we don't realize that we're deceived because if we did realize it, then we wouldn't be deceived. That's why you have to pick your teachers wisely.

Sometimes the devil deceives us, but mostly I'm pretty good at deceiving myself... usually because I'm trying to justify my sin.

 

[Ead]

Just a comment on this little point... firstly, everyone can be deceived, not just unbelievers. The thing about being deceived is that we don't realize that we're deceived because if we did realize it, then we wouldn't be deceived. That's why you have to pick your teachers wisely.

Under that thought process, everyone is decieved just because the person says they are. Not everyone is decieved, and such thought processes make it easy for finger-pointing to occur.

Sometimes the devil deceives us, but mostly I'm pretty good at deceiving myself... usually because I'm trying to justify my sin.

Well, i know when i do something wrong. Most of the time, i dont try to justify my wrongs. But what if a wrong is used for the greater good for someone else?