I’ve always favored the concept of “Adversary”- Satan serves to appeal to and draw out our lesser qualities. Those things that make us who we are, but twisted and lacking in scruples; companionship and love gives way to conquest and lust, philanthropic endeavors turn to pessimistic nihilism. As humankind’s adversary, Satan is constantly keeping us from realizing our true potential as humans, which is the thing God wants of us.
Satan was heaven's chief angel musician, who thought himself higher than God, so God cast this angel out. He is now going to and fro seeking who he can deceive, devour and destroy. He will face his final judgement on that day, as those also who have rejected Jesus. Psalm 1.
Jesus, the madman of the Gadarenes; Swine. Think about it. An evil notion of "mind", most certainly cannot be cast out in a micro-instance of time, by command, and then occupy a completely different form of species, that most certainly has NO designs or aspirations, or inclinations towards any sort of worldly domination(s). --- Not too mention other scripture(s) that in my humble opinion contradict the idea that the defeated one is not an actual person.
The Fall of Satan contains lesser-known details that deepen its complexity, especially within various apocryphal and non-canonical texts. In some Jewish mystical writings, Satan’s rebellion is partly rooted in jealousy, not only of God’s supremacy but of humanity’s creation, as he refused to bow to beings he deemed inferior. Additionally, certain ancient Christian sects believed Satan’s fall involved knowledge of secrets of the universe, which he sought to use for his own ends. In Islamic traditions, particularly Sufi interpretations, Iblis (Satan) falls not purely out of rebellion but due to an unwavering love for God, refusing to bow to Adam because he believed only God was worthy of his worship. These perspectives suggest that Satan’s fall was not just an act of rebellion but a complex interplay of pride, envy, and, paradoxically, devotion, showing him as a figure entangled in his own understanding of loyalty and divine hierarchy.
Great message! Especially loved the line that there is no way to peace, peace is the way. Not 100% sold on demons not being beings though. I like how you framed it but will need to ponder it a bit more…
This is definitely something worth thinking about, but I do ask what we would then do with the below passages? And the angels which did not keep their own position but left their proper dwelling have been kept by him in eternal chains in the nether gloom until the judgment of the great day . . . (Jude 6, cf. 2 Pet 2.4). . . . the devil and satan, the deceiver of the world-he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Rev 12.9).
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Brilliant stuff BZ! There is no “way to peace”, “Peace is the way!”
I’ve always favored the concept of “Adversary”- Satan serves to appeal to and draw out our lesser qualities. Those things that make us who we are, but twisted and lacking in scruples; companionship and love gives way to conquest and lust, philanthropic endeavors turn to pessimistic nihilism. As humankind’s adversary, Satan is constantly keeping us from realizing our true potential as humans, which is the thing God wants of us.
I like this one too Brian Zahnd!
A very encouraging message, thank you! Interesting idea that satan is a parasite, not sure who was tempting Jesus if it was not an individual though.
Satan was heaven's chief angel musician, who thought himself higher than God, so God cast this angel out. He is now going to and fro seeking who he can deceive, devour and destroy. He will face his final judgement on that day, as those also who have rejected Jesus. Psalm 1.
Jesus, the madman of the Gadarenes; Swine. Think about it.
An evil notion of "mind", most certainly cannot be cast out in a micro-instance of time, by command, and then occupy a completely different form of species, that most certainly has NO designs or aspirations, or inclinations towards any sort of worldly domination(s).
---
Not too mention other scripture(s) that in my humble opinion contradict the idea that the defeated one is not an actual person.
Exactly!
@dawnm9971
That ain’t in Psalm 1.
In fact, that’s nowhere in the Bible.
I enjoy this metaphysical take on Christianity. It meshes better with today's world.
The Fall of Satan contains lesser-known details that deepen its complexity, especially within various apocryphal and non-canonical texts. In some Jewish mystical writings, Satan’s rebellion is partly rooted in jealousy, not only of God’s supremacy but of humanity’s creation, as he refused to bow to beings he deemed inferior. Additionally, certain ancient Christian sects believed Satan’s fall involved knowledge of secrets of the universe, which he sought to use for his own ends. In Islamic traditions, particularly Sufi interpretations, Iblis (Satan) falls not purely out of rebellion but due to an unwavering love for God, refusing to bow to Adam because he believed only God was worthy of his worship. These perspectives suggest that Satan’s fall was not just an act of rebellion but a complex interplay of pride, envy, and, paradoxically, devotion, showing him as a figure entangled in his own understanding of loyalty and divine hierarchy.
Great message! Especially loved the line that there is no way to peace, peace is the way. Not 100% sold on demons not being beings though. I like how you framed it but will need to ponder it a bit more…
I've never heard anything like this in my life. 😕
This is definitely something worth thinking about, but I do ask what we would then do with the below passages?
And the angels which did not keep their own position but left their proper dwelling have been kept by him in eternal chains in the nether gloom until the judgment of the great day . . . (Jude 6, cf. 2 Pet 2.4).
. . . the devil and satan, the deceiver of the world-he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Rev 12.9).
If a Christian can’t have a coherent theology without the Book of Revelation then they don’t have a coherent theology PERIOD.
No caption!!! How am l supposed to watch ya if I cannot hear ya!!!!
You can click on the "show transcript" button which is located by clicking on the 3 dots next to the +save button. Hope this is helpful.
More 'Capitalism come'.