I don't think the devil exists as an entity. The idea of an anti-God doesn't make any sense to me.
Elaine Pagels wrote a book entitled The Origin of Satan back in 1995 that I thought was an interesting look at how Satan as the symbol of evil has come about.
Evil is a complex subject and this question could not possibly be framed on a single sentence much less answered in a few lines.
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesi think that there is no absolute evil just as there is no absolute good. actions have ampler consequences than just "X suffered so the action is evil" or "Y became happier so the action is good".
Does the Devil ever do good, or does he always choose the most evil course of action?
also one must answer "what are the devil's goals"? if he simply has no goals and always chooses the most evil of actions then he is kind of stupid, a destructive force that accomplishes nothing, and that might even mean he isn't even sentient.
if he does have some goals, then at one point in time he is bound to do something good depending on circumstances
Originally posted by BadwaterMany Christian sects are at variance about whether there is a physical being called Satan or its just sin that being personified. The Bible does clearly refer to 'fallen angels'. In the Book of Enoch, greater detail is given on who/what fallen angels represent.
I don't think the devil exists as an entity. The idea of an anti-God doesn't make any sense to me.
Elaine Pagels wrote a book entitled The Origin of Satan back in 1995 that I thought was an interesting look at how Satan as the symbol of evil has come about.
Evil is a complex subject and this question could not possibly be framed on a single sentence much less answered in a few lines.