Difficulty with the Devil (women, belief, missionary, Catholic)
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A person - Christian or otherwise - doesn't necessarily have to get too caught up in the imagery of a devil or devils. If we recognize evil in the world, even as a force, that's basically enough of a determinant to go the other way.
The side of good would require some definition and specifics - such as Jesus/savior - but evil doesn't require the same detail. After all, we'd be going the other way and modeling the good, not evil.
I've found that those who consumed with "the Devil" or Satan, at the very least, are giving him (or even the concept) undo time and attention and lip service, which would/should have a counterproductive effect.
There should be no "difficulty with the devil", unless someone wants to have difficulty. It's as though some Christians have been reading some other kind of "bible", or maybe it's just the wayward misleading of religion and church folk who love to talk about the devil (and really anyone or anything that fits the role of "enemy"). Some people are just lost and stuck in that mode. They can't live unless they have an enemy in their crosshairs 24/7.
Last edited by Thoreau424; 10-11-2019 at 07:55 PM..
Simple answer to the bolded: Because the Bible isn't considered a source of absolute truth for everyone, so it being "SO CLEAR" is kind of irrelevant to those who don't buy into the divine/literal/infallible status assigned to it by some.
I won't say I'm 100% certain that there may not exist dark spirits of some sort, but the first place to look for evil is within humanity itself. Satan is a personification of evil born of Christianity, not an actual entity. I do get a kick out of whoever dreamed up that fave meme, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing people he didn't exist." That is absolutely priceless in its ridiculousness. You can't argue with it!
What is seriously concerning is that people who are mentally ill were considered to be demon-possessed. That type of stigma against what is really a medical issue is still way too prevalent and must be fought so that people can get the medical help they need, not an exorcism. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, mental illness is not understood in certain primitive societies to this day.
The idea of a Devil and his minions has certainly given birth to some interesting artwork and storytelling over the centuries, though. Even music (tip of the hat to recording artists like the Stones, Chris de Burgh, and Charlie Daniels).
A person - Christian or otherwise - doesn't necessarily have to get too caught up in the imagery of a devil or devils. If we recognize evil in the world, even as a force, that's basically enough of a determinant to go the other way.
The side of good would require some definition and specifics - such as Jesus/savior - but evil doesn't require the same detail. After all, we'd be going the other way and modeling the good, not evil.
I've found that those who consumed with "the Devil" or Satan, at the very least, are giving him (or even the concept) undo time and attention and lip service, which would/should have a counterproductive effect.
There should be no "difficulty with the devil", unless someone wants to have difficulty. It's as though some Christians have been reading some other kind of "bible", or maybe it's just the wayward misleading of religion and church folk who love to talk about the devil (and really anyone or anything that fits the role of "enemy"). Some people are just lost and stuck in that mode. They can't live unless they have an enemy in their crosshairs 24/7.
Well-put, Thoreau. We are not to be dwelling on evil, and any attention we give the dark side is feeding into it. I didn't think of this aspect when I posted.
Just curious what other Bible-believers thought. Since Jesus did mention "him" a lot.
Simple answer to the bolded: Because the Bible isn't considered a source of absolute truth for everyone, so it being "SO CLEAR" is kind of irrelevant to those who don't buy into the divine/literal/infallible status assigned to it by some.
I won't say I'm 100% certain that there may not exist dark spirits of some sort, but the first place to look for evil is within humanity itself. Satan is a personification of evil born of Christianity, not an actual entity. I do get a kick out of whoever dreamed up that fave meme, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing people he didn't exist." That is absolutely priceless in its ridiculousness. You can't argue with it!
What is seriously concerning is that people who are mentally ill were considered to be demon-possessed. That type of stigma against what is really a medical issue is still way too prevalent and must be fought so that people can get the medical help they need, not an exorcism. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, mental illness is not understood in certain primitive societies to this day.
The idea of a Devil and his minions has certainly given birth to some interesting artwork and storytelling over the centuries, though. Even music (tip of the hat to recording artists like the Stones, Chris de Burgh, and Charlie Daniels).
Didn't mean to offend by the "so clear" statement, MQ. I mistakenly thought the posters on Christianity did believe the Bible.
If one DOES believe the Bible, Jesus cast out demons from the mentally-ill. But that doesn't mean all mental illness is caused by demons.
What does it matter, anyway. They need compassionate treatment no matter what the source.
There should be no "difficulty with the devil", unless someone wants to have difficulty. It's as though some Christians have been reading some other kind of "bible", or maybe it's just the wayward misleading of religion and church folk who love to talk about the devil (and really anyone or anything that fits the role of "enemy"). Some people are just lost and stuck in that mode. They can't live unless they have an enemy in their crosshairs 24/7.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sand&Salt
Well-put, Thoreau. We are not to be dwelling on evil, and any attention we give the dark side is feeding into it. I didn't think of this aspect when I posted.
Just curious what other Bible-believers thought. Since Jesus did mention "him" a lot.
Thoreau nailed it. I have sometimes wondered this same thing. Some born agains seem to be very into the devil/Satan thing. Thoreau explains it.
Well-put, Thoreau. We are not to be dwelling on evil, and any attention we give the dark side is feeding into it. I didn't think of this aspect when I posted.
Just curious what other Bible-believers thought. Since Jesus did mention "him" a lot.
Actually, to defend against the enemy one must understand the enemy. Satan, and evil are both parts of theology and deserve as much attention as any other part of Biblical theology. The Bible has much to say about supernatural issues and the cosmic warfare in which we are involved.
Actually, to defend against the enemy one must understand the enemy. Satan, and evil are both parts of theology and deserve as much attention as any other part of Biblical theology. The Bible has much to say about supernatural issues and the cosmic warfare in which we are involved.
Very true. Too often ignorance is bliss, for most. It's not something you focus on above all else, but you must have wisdom and be instant in season and out on things. If we didn't need it, "deliver us from evil" would not have been part of that prayer. Blessings....
Very true. Too often ignorance is bliss, for most. It's not something you focus on above all else, but you must have wisdom and be instant in season and out on things. If we didn't need it, "deliver us from evil" would not have been part of that prayer. Blessings....
I'm glad we agree.
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Very true. Too often ignorance is bliss, for most. It's not something you focus on above all else, but you must have wisdom and be instant in season and out on things. If we didn't need it, "deliver us from evil" would not have been part of that prayer. Blessings....
