Is Satan Just A Symbol Of Evil

[locusts]

Is Satan just a symbol of Evil
how many people think he is just - a figment of the imagination a myth or a fairy tale-- just to stop children from being misbehaving –but the Bible talks of --different story of this fallen angel.. Matt .4. 10

[Theland]

Satan is indeed an important part of cosmic history for believers in God.
For atheists of course, Satan remains a myth.

[andy-hughes]

Theland - // I have no intention of sneering or being arrogant etc, and if I appear as such, it is not intentional. //

As an adult, that is simply not good enough.

Try re-reading before you hit the button, and read what you have written out loud, and see how it sounds.

If you really can't distinguish between what you intend to say, or think you say, and what you do say, then internet forums are not the place for you.

[Theland]

We always seem to veer away from the subject matter don't we?
THAT is not intentional.

[andy-hughes]

Theland - // We always seem to veer away from the subject matter don't we?
THAT is not intentional. //

The subject matter and the way people address it are inextricably linked - and once again as an adult you should easily understand that basic concept of debate.

If you don't want the thread to steer off the subject, why not try and present your views with the given assumption that the people you are debating with are mature adults like you, with informed educated opinions, like you, and they appreciate respect and courtesy - like you.

I really shouldn't need to be telling you this, but if it gives you some pause for thought, then it's been worth it.

As a final point - in my long history on this site (none longer!), I have seen many many people who have aroused the level of ire and hostility among a significant number of seasoned and reasonable AB'ers, but without exception that have been trolls who wind people up because they get perverse pleasure out of it, and none of them lasted long.

I do believe that you offer your views sincerely, and with good intention, but you must offer the courtesy and respect to others' opinions, especially if different, that you would hope yours to receive.

Do that and my experience tells me that the hostility and grief you get will evaporate instantly - starting with any from me.

Hope this helps.

[ladybirder]

Amen.

[Gromit]

The Bible does not record any cosmic history.
It is incoherent ramblings by a control obsessed cult.

[archibaldy]

God has done a pretty good job of convincing people he doesn't exist either.

[Theland]

Thank you Andy.
I must try and ignore the barbed comments I often receive.
Sticks and stones and all that.

[Theland]

Andy, reading the post from Gromit above, I have to respond by saying, '' Is not the creation of the universe not the very beginning of cosmic history? What reference do you have to say otherwise?''

[Theland]

Archbaldy, what evidence would you consider relevant?
Is not the universe itself not pure evidence?

[vulcan42]

\\ Thank you Andy.
I must try and ignore the barbed comments I often receive.//

Theland you give as good as you get, don't play the martyr.

[Canary42]

/// to stop children from being misbehaving ///

When I left Infant School my Head Teacher gave me a bible in which she had inscribed " Fear God and keep his commandments".

[Theland]

Vulcan, I am not playing the martyr or anything else.
Anyway, welcome.

[Theland]

Canary, did you translate that word, fear, as, be terrified?
If so that is wrong.

[douglas9401]

If the devil's not real then who went Down To Georgia?

[archibaldy]

//Is not the universe itself not pure evidence?//

It's evidence of a universe yes, that's why everybody believes the universe exists. If it was evidence of God then everybody would also believe God exists but that is not the case.

[retrocop]

Yehudi Menuin ?

[Theland]

Archbaldy - A created universe needs a creative agent. God.

[MallyJ]

Theland ...that is your opinion....there is no evidence to support that theory.

[naomi24]

Theland, //We always seem to veer away from the subject matter don't we?//

We do indeed - and very often it’s because you derail thread after thread by swerving off topic to insist that the beginnings of the universe were attributable to a specific power, the existence of which remains, very definitely, purely in the realms of speculation.

As far as I can tell this thread should be about Satan.

Incidentally, that he was a ‘fallen angel’ is another matter that is highly debatable. In my opinion far too much credence is given to the authors - and to the very many subsequent editors of the New Testament - guilty of providing information (and misinformation) by design.