Thread: A question for the pious man.

Originally Posted by volleykinginnc

no and yes he is evil.

If he doles out eternal punishment to sinners, isn't he doing God's work, and therefore one of his most loyal servants?

If he was the antithesis of God, he'd probably go on rewarding the most wicked of men, rather than subjecting them to eternal agony. And in that case, you could get eternal reward by being extremely pious OR exteremly wicked. It's only those of who are waffling somewhere in between who'd get the short end of the stick.



Anyway, does evil have a soul... tough question. I think of evil more as an influence, rather than a sentient being. Think more of the 'One Ring' from LOTR, rather than the personification with the ram's horns. The idea of a sentient personification of evil, trying to convince you to stray from the path of righteousness imo is a metaphor for the conflict of your own desires vs what you know to be right, under the influence I mentioned.

Anger, hate, greed, ... we all have those things inside us. Things and places can speak to us and our emotions, and cause us to react in certain ways. And because what we do can physically leave traces in the environment, I think that as a result if our actions, evil can wax or wane. I'd define evil as something (physical or not, like a belief) which is exhibiting the influence towards doing that which is wrong. This does not necessitate sentience.

Just thinking out loud here. I'd need some time to write down my thoughts in a more coherent way. But I do have to say I find this an interesting discussion.

I can't say as i do not know such fellow (don't know much about the opposite dude either).

However, here's the story i've read somewhere and it always makes me smile:

While Voltaire, a famous French philosopher and writer was laying in his dying bed at the age of 84, a priest came in to give him an absolution and so asked if he was ready to reject Satan. Voltaires answer got into history: "Dear Father. This is no good time to make enemies"

(Beer talking this time)

Originally Posted by Bruno

If he doles out eternal punishment to sinners, isn't he doing God's work, and therefore one of his most loyal servants?

I don't consider him to be in a position to dole out punishment at all... rather he is miserable and wants everyone to be miserable too. That doesn't qualify him as doing Gods work at all... His misery is a consequence of his disobedience and rebellion, and that of those who follow him.

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

I don't consider him to be in a position to dole out punishment at all... rather he is miserable and wants everyone to be miserable too. That doesn't qualify him as doing Gods work at all... His misery is a consequence of his disobedience and rebellion, and that of those who follow him.

Lucifer hates humankind as they are created in Gods image and ranked ahead of him despite being made of flesh. He was #1 for a long time. He led a rebellion against God having wanted to be God. It didnt work out so well. He gets to be the king of hell. Misery loves company, so he has been busy deceiving people.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Lucifer hates humankind as they are created in Gods image and ranked ahead of him despite being made of flesh. He was #1 for a long time. He led a rebellion against God having wanted to be God. It didnt work out so well. He gets to be the king of hell. Misery loves company, so he has been busy deceiving people.

Deceiving people? Doesn't he offer people the things they want the most in exchange for what he wants the most? They know upfront what the price is.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Lucifer hates humankind as they are created in Gods image and ranked ahead of him despite being made of flesh. He was #1 for a long time. He led a rebellion against God having wanted to be God. It didnt work out so well. He gets to be the king of hell. Misery loves company, so he has been busy deceiving people.

This is very close to what I believe except for the "despite being made of flesh".. I think I'm more on the line of he was a brother who hates everyone, especially those who didn't rebel and get cast out w/ him. I think he really hates us because we were privileged to have bodies. (here is a can of worms... and here is a can-opener )

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Deceiving people? Doesn't he offer people the things they want the most in exchange for what he wants the most? They know upfront what the price is.

Not necessarily... not all that glitters is gold, a bad deal can be made to look really good (heck, just check out eBay).

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Deceiving people? Doesn't he offer people the things they want the most in exchange for what he wants the most? They know upfront what the price is.

Do they really, most people are too willing to have their fun at the moment to fully realize the extent of the bill. If they realize he exists at all. I can just imagine it, " Hi, I am Lucifer and I will be your deceiver."