In addition to the inevitable fall being an obstacle to belief, I also think Satan is problem. That frail human beings would be given such power to upset the universe in such a way is unbelievable enough, but Satan exacerbates the problem even further, I think.
The only was for Satan to make sense to people is to anthropomorphize him as a jealous enemy of the king. That helps some people comprehend the relationship between him and God, since we all relate to jealousy and related human flaws, but it doesn't ring true to many.
My Christian sister has been mentioning Satan's attempts to influence her as she walks with Christ. She describes her need to be aware of him and her active resistance to him. A fan of Joyce Meyers (blech!), she's been told by that horrible woman that when she's feeling most agitated and angry and impulsive, that's actually the enemy trying to manipulate her sin nature and influence her to separate from God. "Why?" I asked her. She says it's because Satan hates God and wants to hurt him.
Personally (surprise surprise) I don't think that's Satan, at all, but solely herself and psychological issues such as mental abuse and neglect she experienced as a child that she hasn't dealt with.
Is anyone here in the same boat? Does anyone here feel concerned for a friend or family member who views their life in this way? I don't know if I should keep my trap shut or try to explain my true feelings to her. I don't know what good it'd do. I honestly don't think it's healthy. It's not a belief I could ever adopt and sustain.
The only was for Satan to make sense to people is to anthropomorphize him as a jealous enemy of the king. That helps some people comprehend the relationship between him and God, since we all relate to jealousy and related human flaws, but it doesn't ring true to many.
My Christian sister has been mentioning Satan's attempts to influence her as she walks with Christ. She describes her need to be aware of him and her active resistance to him. A fan of Joyce Meyers (blech!), she's been told by that horrible woman that when she's feeling most agitated and angry and impulsive, that's actually the enemy trying to manipulate her sin nature and influence her to separate from God. "Why?" I asked her. She says it's because Satan hates God and wants to hurt him.
Personally (surprise surprise) I don't think that's Satan, at all, but solely herself and psychological issues such as mental abuse and neglect she experienced as a child that she hasn't dealt with.
Is anyone here in the same boat? Does anyone here feel concerned for a friend or family member who views their life in this way? I don't know if I should keep my trap shut or try to explain my true feelings to her. I don't know what good it'd do. I honestly don't think it's healthy. It's not a belief I could ever adopt and sustain.
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