The Devil Made Me Do It!

Sing along with me – “Devil, Lucifer, Leviathan – Oh My: just a few of the names that evil goes by.”  Although many religions describe Beelzebub as a wicked being, some define Satan as merely an adversary (Hebrew).   I found two interesting articles (easy and short reads) at About.com – Alternative Religions entitled: “Who Is Satan?, Satanic Figures Across Multiple Religions” and “”Satanic” Figures in Other Religions, Beings Confused with Satan”.  [Click on the links or cut and paste them into your browser: http://atreligion.about.com/od/mythologicalfigures/a/satan/htm and http://altreligion.about.com/od/mythologicalfigures/a/satan2.htm - respectively.]

If I understand the various reading properly, the best way that I can describe this malevolence soul is either: as a fallen angel who has lost grace (due to something we call free will) with GOD or; as a prideful spirit believing that s/he is God-like and there is nothing more powerful then her/himself.  Satan will not kowtow or bow to anyone.  These are very simplistic interpretations otherwise we would get into a lengthy philosophical discussion.

Western civilization has a tendency to think dualistically (right or wrong, good or evil, saint or sinner, etc.).  Unfortunately, this thought pattern leaves many holes to a typical Judeo-Christian explanation.  For instance, GOD is Omniscient (having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight; possessed of universal or complete knowledge) and has no comparisons.  Additionally, GOD is the creator of all things, and in order to manifest anything, you must also possess it.  If there exists a “Prince of Darkness” created by GOD, than GOD also has these immoral traits.  This contradicts that GOD is Love therefore; logic dictates that (at best) the devil is a fallen angel (with the same powers that other “good” angels possess).

What I believe to be another myth is that the Devil is the ruler of hell.  After all, duality acknowledges that if there is a heaven (pearly gates), then there must be a hell (fire and brimstone).  Those who love evil are doomed to go to Hades.  Once again, this thought process opposes the belief that GOD is grace and forgiving.  GOD never gives up on anyone: after all, S/HE has all the time in the world.  I think it is all how we (as human beings) process these opposed judgments.  For example: two identical dining halls are filled with scrumptious food.  In the first room, inhabitants are starving while in the other, they flourish.  On further study, we see that the utensils are oversized.  The hungry only attempt to feed themselves.  The nourished feed their neighbors.  It’s all how we look at things.  I’ve also heard people cry: “My hell is here on earth.”  I often wonder how family members feel when they hear their loved-ones make such a statement.

As GOD dwells in the heart and soul of humankind, the devil can invade only our minds.  Take the time to watch this Walt Disney classic: Click: “Donald’s Better Self (1938)” (or cut and paste http://youtu.be/aDLWbBrvA40 into your web browser).  There are a set of English proverbs that illustrate this point, as follows (from “La Vista Church of Christ):

• Idle brains are the devil’s workhouse  (T. Fuller 1732)
• An idle brain is the devil’s workshop  (H. G. Bohn, “Hand-Book of Proverbs,” 1855)
• Idle hands are the devil’s tools  (“Collections” 1808)

Our minds and our bodies are tools for the soul.  Once we know and live our soul purpose, how can Satan wreck havoc on our lives?  When we live our Soul Purpose, we discover that every day is a blessing.  Hell, believing in, worrying over, or spending any amount of time thinking about Lucifer or Hades, or crying over spilt milk is the real sin in life.  Serve others – especially when you are worried about yourself and you will forget your troubles.  The only sin in that is attempting to give more than what you have.  Take Care of Yourself and others will reap the benefits.

Be Blessed!