Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Inferno

2008-12-27T12:42:19Z

AnnelieseMichel:

[[Image:Hitler7.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Adolf Hitler hated Inferno.]]

#REDIRECT [[Dante's Inferno]]

Job

2008-12-27T12:42:15Z

AnnelieseMichel:

[[Image:Hitler7.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Adolf Hitler fought for Job.]]

''For the state of being employed, see [[Employment]]''

'''Job''' is a book in the [[Old Testament]] of the [[Bible]] that tells the story of a man named Job. It is considered to be one of the oldest books in the Bible.

Job was a righteous man who feared [[God]] and who God had blessed greatly. God was proud of Job and spoke highly of him in front of the host of [[angels]], but [[Satan]] challenged that Job was not deserving of God's accolades and was only righteous because God put a hedge around him so that his life went well, but Job would quickly turn on God in time of hardship. God removed his hedge of protection and allowed Satan to put his accusation to the test. A series of 4 servants came to Job one after the other telling him of disasters that had befallen his household. When they were done Job knew he had lost his children, flocks, and servants, everything but his own health (which God had forbidden Satan to touch) and his wife. Filled with grief, Job's still reacted with righteousness and fell to the ground to worship. "Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." <ref>Job 1:21</ref>

At another gathering of the host of angels, God commended Job and his righteousness, but Satan again accused him saying that if his own body was touched, then he would curse God to his face. The Lord allowed Satan to act upon his accusation, but to spare Job's life. Job was afflicted with painful itching sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, which he scratched constantly with a piece of broken pottery. Job's wife told Job to "Curse God and Die" <ref>Job 2:9</ref>, but Job refused.

Job's friends came to talk to him and in long discourses that Job answered, implored to him to admit his sins that caused this. Job could not understand what was happening, but knew it was not due to his sin. He maintained he had been righteous and wished that God would let him know what had happened. Finally God himself came down in a storm to talk to Job. Instead of answering Job's inquiries, He asked Job questions such as "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions?"<ref>Job 38:4-5</ref>. Job realized he had no answers for God and could not begin to question things he could not understand.

And God blessed Job all of his remaining years, giving him twice the flocks he had before, and 7 new sons and 3 new daughters to match the number he had before. (Christian theology often views this as an indication of heaven. Job was only given the same number of children as before instead of double because he would see his original children again in heaven.)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Biblical Books| a8]]
[[Category:Old Testament Books| a8]]

The Chronicles of Narnia

2008-12-27T12:42:09Z

AnnelieseMichel:

[[Image:Hitler7.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Adolf Hitler believed in The Chronicles of Narnia.]]

[[Image:Narnia books.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
The '''Chronicles of Narnia''' are a series of seven books written by [[C.S. Lewis]]. These books were written as a fictional story with allegorical connections to the [[Bible]], and the Christian faith. The Chronicles of Narnia were published yearly from 1950 to 1956. [[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] draws upon the [[Gospels]], [[The Magician's Nephew]] covers the Creation, like the book of [[Genesis]], and [[The Last Battle]] corresponds to the book of [[Revelation]].

Lewis originally wrote the stories in a non-chronological order, with no particular plan for the series as a whole. Although Lewis later expressed a preference that the books be read in chronological order (starting with ''The Magician's Nephew'') they have traditionally been read (and are being adapted to film) in order of publication. Because the events of each book are often separated by centuries and have limited overlap in their casts, either approach works.

== Religious Criticisms ==

While often described as a Christian allegory similar to [[Pilgrim's Progress ]] there are theological problems with the books.

* '''Endorsement of astrology''' - Signs seen in the stars are frequently used as an irrefutable truth by the natives of Narnia. Apologists have claimed astrology is being used to symbolize Biblical prophesy. This would mean the Narnia books are deliberately using a forbidden form of divination to represent Biblical prophesy.

* '''Prince Caspian marries Satan's daughter''' - Keen readers have noted that at the end "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" Prince Caspian marries the daughter of a fallen star. In the Book of [[Revelations]] stars are used to symbolize the angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God and fell from Heaven. When asked what a star could do to be cast down from Heaven, the Narnian version of Satan declines to answer, only implying the answer would disturb Caspian and his crew.

* '''Aslan is distinct from his Father''' - Despite being used as a Christ figure in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" the prospect of a trinity is never raised. Aslan is depicted as distinct from his father, and no hint of a Holy Spirit analog surfaces. this, at best, leaves Aslan as an incomplete metaphor for Christ.

* '''Breeding between species is common''' - Despite Biblical injunctions against mixing species, several characters are a blend of human and non-human ancestry. The most notable of these figures is the tutor of Prince Caspian, who is part dwarf. In Narnia, dwarfs are not just a separate species, never intended to intermarry with humans, but a collection of distinct species who aren't even meant to marry each other.

* '''Satanic figures used as heroes''' - Lucy meets a [[pan]] like character on her first visit to Narnia. The figure has horns and a lower body resembling that of a goat. Both traits are traditionally associated with artist representations of Satan, or with the pagan figure [[Pan]], known for lasciviousness, drunkenness and sexual assault. In short, she meets a minor demon, and he becomes a "good guy."

== Characters ==
* '''[[Aslan]]''', the Lion--creator of Narnia.
* '''Jadis''', Aslan's first and perhaps most dangerous enemy, known also as the '''White Witch'''

* '''Digory Kirke''', who appears first as a small boy and in later installments as a learned and well-traveled professor. He attends the creation of Narnia and eventually is summoned to Aslan's side as Narnia enters its Last Days.
* '''Polly Plummer''', Digory's boyhood friend, who joins him in his adventures.
* '''Andrew Ketterley''', Digory's wicked and foolish uncle.
* '''Letitia Ketterley''', Digory's aunt.

* '''Peter Pevensie''', High King of Narnia during Narnia's Golden Age.
* '''Edmund Pevensie''', Peter's younger brother, who is also crowned King Edmund the Just.
* '''Susan Pevensie''', the elder of Peter's two sisters. Crowned Queen Susan the Gentle.
* '''Lucy Pevensie''', the younger of Peter's two sisters. Crowned Queen Lucy the Valiant.
* '''Eustace Clarence Scrubb''', their cousin. Obnoxious at first, but is changed by Aslan.
* '''Jill Pole''', Eustace' schoolmate. Travels to Narnia with him.

* '''King Frank I''', a [[London]] cabman who travels to creation of Narnia. He and his wife are crowned the first King and Queen of Narnia.
* '''Queen Helen''', his wife.

* '''King Caspian''', who must fight a war to claim his rightful inheritance and then sets out on a voyage of rescue and discovery.
* '''King Rilian''', who must fight a battle of his own against a strange enchantment.
* '''King Trilian''', present at the War of the Last Days.

==Narnia Feature Films==
[[Walt Disney]] and Walden Media have begun producing films based on these books. The first, [[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]], was released on December 9, 2005 and was a box office blockbuster. [[Prince Caspian]] was released on May 16, 2008 and was also popular. The other books in the series are now scheduled to be made into movies.<ref> [[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]], Directed by Andrew Adamson, Produced by Mark Johnson, Philip Steuer, 2005. </ref> [[Voyage of The Dawn Treader]] is currently in Production and will be released on May 9, 2009. <ref> http://narnia.com </ref>

{{spoiler}}

==Book 1: [[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]]==
(2nd in chronology) This book is the first published of the seven Chronicles of Narnia (1950), written by Clive Staples Lewis, a noted Irish Christian writer. It introduces prominent characters to the series such as Aslan, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. The story begins with four children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) being sent away to stay with an old professor, to keep them safe from the London Air Raids. The children find a magical wardrobe in an empty room, which leads into a magical world called Narnia. At that time, Narnia was under the spell and dominion of the White Witch, who had created a Hundred Year Winter. After Lucy's friend (Mr. Tumnus) is taken captive, the children set out to help the faun, and make right their coming into Narnia. After meeting up with friendly talking animals, and even the great lion Aslan, the children find they were sent into Narnia to fulfill a prophesy to free Narnia. It is no easy task and Aslan even gives his life to save Edmund from the justice of the Witch, after Edmund betrayed his family. In the end the four children are crowned Kings and Queens and Narnia enters the Golden Age. After many years, when they are adults in Narnia, they return to our world and find themselves children again.<ref> [[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillan Publishing Co, 1970.</ref>

==Book 2: [[Prince Caspian]]==
(4th in chronology) This book involves the return to Narnia by the four children from [[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] and how they again have to free Narnia from tyranny. They appear at their former castle which is now a ruin and meet the Dwarf Trumpkin. Trumpkin (thimbles and thunderbolts!) retells the history of young Prince Caspian whose Uncle Miraz holds the usurped throne. Caspian flees Miraz, joins the good Narnian creatures and engages in a war with the massive armies of his uncle. The children and the dwarf rush to Caspian's aide and meet Aslan on the way. They conquer Miraz's forces and reinstate Caspian as true king of Narnia. The children return their own world. The older children, Peter and Susan, are told they will not return to Narnia. <ref> [[Prince Caspian]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillan Publishing Co. 1970.</ref>

==Book 3: [[The Voyage of the Dawn Treader]]==
(5th in chronology) Lucy, Edmund and their cousin, Eustace, return to Narnia (or more specifically to the seas of Narnia.) They meet Caspian who is sailing on the ship, Dawn Treader. King Caspian is exploring new seas and searching for the seven Narnian lords whom his Uncle Miraz had forced to sail away into exile. Caspian hopes to sail to the world's end. They sail across the seas finding new lands, some Lords, and survive many dangers. They sail to the end of the world, leaving the mouse, Reepicheep. Aslan sends the children home, telling Edmund and Lucy they won't return. <ref> [[The Voyage of the Dawn Treader]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillan Publishing Co.1970. </ref>

==Book 4: [[The Silver Chair]]==
(6th in chronology) Eustace and his school friend, Jill Pole, go to Narnia where Aslan gives them the task of finding Old Caspian's son, Prince Rillian. Aslan gives them specific instructions to follow so they might find the Prince. They, along with the marshwiggle, Puddleglum, search the lands sometimes following, sometimes forgetting Aslan's instructions. They eventually find the Prince underground and held prisoner. They free him and fight a battle with a dangerous serpent. They return to Narnia where Rillian arrives in time to see his father Caspian die. Aslan then sends the children home.<ref> [[The Silver Chair ]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillan Publishing Co. 1970.</ref>

==Book 5: [[The Horse and His Boy]]==
(3rd in chronology) This story is set back in the time when the original 4 children (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) rule in Narnia as kings and queens. The setting is to the south of Narnia, Calormene, where we meet Shasta, a young boy who is treated as a slave by his 'father.' When he learns that the old man isn't really his father, he makes a daring escape with the talking war horse Bree. Later on he meets up and travels with Aravis, a young royal girl running from a forced marriage, and her talking mare, Hwin. They travel across the deserts of Calormene and end up racing to Narnia and their ally, Archenland, to warn them of a Calormene invasion. They arrive in time and conquer the invaders. To his surprise, Shasta finds he is a twin son of the king of Archenland, and marries Aravis "so as to go on (arguing and making up) more conveniently."<ref> [[The Horse and His Boy]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillan Publishing Co.1970. p.216. </ref>

==Book 6: [[The Magician's Nephew]]==
(1st in chronology) This story goes back to the original creation of Narnia and how the White Witch first came (she is called Queen Jadis.) It includes two children, Digory and Polly, who are tricked into entering other worlds by Digory's Uncle Andrew. They release the witch from her own world and bring her (along with Uncle Andrew, a London cabby, and a horse) into what would become Narnia. Aslan creates Narnia and commands Digory to heal the hurt he has started. In the end, Aslan returns the children to England and gives Digory some medicine to heal his dying mother. <ref> [[The Magician's Nephew]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillan Publishing Co. 1970. </ref>

==Book 7: [[The Last Battle]]==
(7th in chronology) The end of Narnia comes in this book. A evil ape, Shift, convinces a gullible donkey, Puzzle, to dress up in a lion's suit and pretend to be the great lion Aslan. The beasts of Narnia are thus deceived and enslaved by Shift, allowing the Calormenes to invade Narnia. Tirian, the true king of Narnia, is imprisoned but is freed by Jill and Eustace, who help mount a last ditch attack on the ape and the Calormenes. They are outnumbered and the evil Calormene god, Tash, enters Narnia, and takes in a stable where Eustace, Jill and the King are thrown. Fortunately Tash is cast out by High King Peter, who has appeared with Edmund, Lucy, Diggory, and Polly (Susan no longer being a friend of Narnia) to witness Narnia's end. Aslan ends Narnia and leads all good creatures to a new Narnia, and out of the shadowlands. The children then learn that they all died in a railway accident and that they will remain there happily ever after. <ref> [[The Last Battle]] by C.S. Lewis, Macmillam Publishing Co. 1970.</ref>

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chronicles of Narnia, The}}
[[Category:Novels]]
[[Category:Narnia| ]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.lewissociety.org/ C.S. Lewis Society of California]
* [http://www.wheaton.edu/wadecenter/ Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College]
* [http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/051212/12lewis.htm "God’s Storyteller: The Curious Life and Prodigious Influence of C. S. Lewis, the Man Behind The Chronicles of Narnia, by Jay Tolson," by Jay Tolson]
* [http://cslewis.drzeus.net/papers/7sins.html "Narnia and the Seven Deadly Sins," by Don W. King]
* [http://personal.bgsu.edu/%7eedwards/baynes.html "The Woman Who Drew Narnia: Pauline Baynes," by Charlotte Cory]
* [http://www.cslewis.org/ C.S. Lewis Foundation]
* [http://cslewis.drzeus.net/ Into the Wardrobe]
* [http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/newman200601030820.asp "Stay Out of Our Wardrobe! The Libertarian Narnia State," by R. Andrew Newman]
* [http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/ Chronicles of Narnia official films site]
* [http://www.lewissociety.org/mcdonald.php "The Childlike in George MacDonald and C. S. Lewis," by Don W. King]
* [http://www.lewissociety.org/view.php "The View from Other Worlds—Seeing Ourselves with God’s Eyes," by Luci Shaw]

Satanism

2008-12-27T12:41:58Z

AnnelieseMichel:

[[Image:Hitler7.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Adolf Hitler was opposed to Satanism.]]

'''Satanism''' represents various religions and philosophies that focus on the figure of [[Satan]] in Abrahamaic religions as a source of personal, metaphoric, or magical inspiration. Satanism is part of the practice of the [[Left-Hand Path]]. The ideals of Satanism are a focus on autonomy, knowledge, self expression, and fulfillment of desire.

==Organized Satanism==
Satanism became a socially recognized phenomenon with the advent of ''The Satanic Bible'' [1969] and The Church of Satan. Prior to this, concepts or ideas of Satanism were used as religious propaganda by the church for [[Inquisition|witch hunts]]. The only evidence for the existence of organized Satanism in history is found in the 20th century.

The Satanic Bible contains the core philosophy of LaVey Satanism. the concepts were based on the philosophies of Nietzsche and "The Will to Power" and Ann Raynd "Atlas Shrugged. Rumors that these ideas are plagiarized are unfounded because the complete Bibliography for The Satanic Bible was printed in earlier versions of the book. The Satanic Bible is the core document for many Satanists. The philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism is based on objectivism, humanism, and rationalism.

The majority of LaVey Satanists are atheist and they see Satan as a symbolic metaphor for life and nature. The method of Magic promoted by the Church of Satan is psychological and primarily non-esoteric. Most members of the Church of Satan do not accept the existence of an afterlife. The current High Priest of the Church of Satan is Peter Gilmore.

There are other groups which came from this social phenomenon created by LaVey. The initiatory organization known as the Temple of Set was created in 1975 by Lt. Colonel of the US Army Michael Aquino and other members of the Church of Satan who left after a disagreement in policy. The Temple of Set is a legally recognized non-profit church.

== Satanic Philosophy ==
The religious documents that form the foundation for the beliefs dogma and practices of the temple of set are the Crystal Tablet of Set. They are primarily theistic and their view is that Set is a manifestation of Satan. The teachings of the Temple of Set focus on ''enlightened individualism'' which is the development of self in positive and beneficial ways. This is known to the Temple members as ''Xeper''(compare, [[Thelema]]) The office of High Priest is currently held by Magistra Patricia Hardy, who succeeded Aquino in 2004.

== Independent Satanism ==
Independent Satanism is an eclectic form of Satanism that focuses on individualism and self enlightenment without the aide of group or organized Satanism. many are self-initiated into the practice of Satanism and are known as solitary practitioners of magic. The method of independent Satanism include the signing of a pact or agreement with their chosen Satanic deity. Independent Satanism can take on a variety of beliefs from different sources, and they tend to develop their own personal life philosophy independent of popular Satanic thought.

[[Theistic Satanism]] is often classified as Satanic worship, the worship of the Christian Satan. While some practice this form of Satanic Christianity, other Theistic Satanists choose to see Satan as one of many gods, and may not choose to include worship as a part of their personal spirituality. Theistic Satanists may practice a form of Satanic Henotheism, which is the dedication to Satan while including other gods into their personal pantheon.

Christian Satanism, sometimes labeled as Traditional Satanism, combines elements of Christianity with Satanic myth and religion. The Traditional Satanist philosophy may include the belief in Satan as a creator god, or Satan as the enemy of the Christian God. Traditional Satanists also tend to believe in the existence of the afterlife. Some Traditional Satanists use the Al-Jilwah as a religious document based on the belief that the Al-Jilwah is the revealed word of Satan.

== Resources ==
*[http://www.faqs.org/faqs/religions/satanism/faqngp/ Alt.Satanism FAQ - Usenet] Satanism FAQ
*[http://www.churchofsatan.com/ The Church of Satan] Offical Site
*[http://www.xeper.org/ The Temple of Set] Offical Site
*[http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/dvera/ Theistic Satanism Site] Diane Vera
*[http://www.spiritualsatanist.com/ Spiritual Satanism Essays] Venus Satanas

[[Category:Satanism]]

Church of Satan

2008-12-27T12:41:51Z

AnnelieseMichel:

[[Image:Hitler7.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Adolf Hitler fought for Church of Satan.]]

The '''Church of Satan''' is a modern religious variation that has little to due with traditional satanism except for the title, as there is not actually a belief in [[satan]] himself. The founder is [[Anton Szandor LaVey]], as outlined in The Satanic Bible and other works. "Satan" is taken as a positive symbol of this [[world view]], an [[archetype]] or the ultimate symbol of the self and egotism. LaVey explains in an interview with The Washington Post magazine: "Satan is just a symbol, nothing more.... Satan signifies our love of the worldly and our rejection of the pallid, ineffectual image of Christ on the cross."

==God in Satanism==

Satanists do not believe that he is a god; rather the function of God is performed and satisfied by the Satanist him/herself. That is, the needs of worship, ritual, and religious/spiritual focus are directed, effectively, inwards towards the Satanist, as opposed to outwards, towards God.

LaVey proposes instead that as all gods are creations of man, worship of an external deity is worship of its creator by proxy. He suggests, then, that the rational Satanist should instead internalize his god, and therefore worship himself; hence the Satanic maxim, "I am my own god."

It follows that Satanism shuns the idea of belief in all other deities as well, including, to the surprise of many, Satan. Satan is viewed as a literary archetype, along the lines of John Milton's epic hero. This archetype is viewed not as a negative figure, but as a positive image of pride and mastery in opposition to servitude, faith, and humility.

Belief in any such externalized deities is generally considered grounds for excluding someone as a Satanist, and devil worship in particular is considered nothing more than a misguided inversion of Christianity.

== Cult beliefs ==
===The Nine Satanic Sins in the Church of Satan===
{{cquote|
#Stupidity—The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal Sin of Satanism. It’s too bad that stupidity isn’t painful. Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn to see through the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid.
#Pretentiousness—Empty posturing can be most irritating and isn’t applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic. On equal footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in circulation these days. Everyone’s made to feel like a big shot, whether they can come up with the goods or not.
#[[Solipsism]]—Can be very dangerous for Satanists. Projecting your reactions, responses and sensibilities onto someone who is probably far less attuned than you are. It is the mistake of expecting people to give you the same consideration, courtesy and respect that you naturally give them. They won’t. Instead, Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of “Do unto others as they do unto you.” It’s work for most of us and requires constant vigilance lest you slip into a comfortable illusion of everyone being like you. As has been said, certain utopias would be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far from that point.
#Self-[[deceit]]—It’s in the “Nine Satanic Statements” but deserves to be repeated here. Another cardinal sin. We must not pay homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time self-deceit should be entered into is when it’s fun, and with awareness. But then, it’s not self-deceit!
#Herd [[Conformity]]—That’s obvious from a Satanic stance. It’s all right to conform to a person’s wishes, if it ultimately benefits you. But only fools follow along with the herd, letting an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the many.
#Lack of [[Perspective]]—Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. Do not be swayed by herd constraints—know that you are working on another level entirely from the rest of the world.
#[[Forgetfulness]] of Past [[Orthodoxies]]—Be aware that this is one of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting something new and different, when in reality it’s something that was once widely accepted but is now presented in a new package. We are expected to rave about the genius of the creator and forget the original. This makes for a disposable society.
#Counterproductive [[Pride]]—That first word is important. Pride is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with the bathwater. The rule of Satanism is: if it works for you, great. When it stops working for you, when you’ve painted yourself into a corner and the only way out is to say, I’m sorry, I made a mistake, I wish we could compromise somehow, then do it.
#Lack of [[Aesthetics]]—This is the physical application of the Balance Factor. Aesthetics is important in Lesser Magic and should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one can collect any money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but an eye for beauty, for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must be applied for greatest magical effectiveness. It’s not what’s supposed to be pleasing—it’s what is. Aesthetics is a personal thing, reflective of one’s own nature, but there are [[sexy|universally pleasing and harmonious configurations]] that should not be denied.<ref>http://www.churchofsatan.com/Pages/Sins.html</ref>}}

=== Satanic Principles ===
According to the European-American Evangelistic Crusades, the church of Satan believe in nine Satanic principles, among these:<ref>http://www.eaec.org/cults/satan.htm</ref>

*Indulgence, not abstinence.
*Vital existence, not spiritual pipe dreams.
*Undefiled wisdom, not hypocritical self-deceit.
*Kindness to those deserving of it, not love wasted on ingrates.
*Vengeance, not turning the other cheek.
*Man as just another animal - the most vicious of all.
*Gratification of all ones desires.

==See also==
* [[pentagram | inverted pentagram]]
* [[satanism]]

==Reference==
<references/>

* ''Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language, Second Edition, Unabridged'', W.A. Neilson, T.A. Knott, P.W. Carhart (eds.), G. & C. Merriam Company, Springfield, MA, 1950.

[[Category:Satanism]]

Satan

2008-12-27T12:41:46Z

AnnelieseMichel:

[[Image:Hitler7.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Adolf Hitler wanted Satan.]]

[[Image:GustaveDoreParadiseLostSatanProfile.jpg|right|thumb|Gustave Doré's depiction of Satan from John Milton's Paradise Lost.]]
'''Satan''' (from the Hebrew "ha-satan", meaning the "accuser", "tempter", "persecutor", "calumniator" or "adversary") was a member of the [[divine council]] of God referenced in the [[Old Testament]] in [[Job]]. He is referenced 11 times in Job and 4 other times in the Old Testament. The [[New Testament]] mentions Satan 34 times in all starting with the first book [[Matthew]] and ending with the last [[Revelation]]. In the Christian tradition he rebelled against [[God]] and is now the enemy of God and man alike. He is the father of lies and no good is found in him. He leads a host of fallen angels (or [[demon]]s) who know their days are numbered before they will be cast in the [[lake of fire]] and they seek to take as many humans as possible with them. Those who worship Satan are called [[satanism | Satanists]].

The three classic defenses against Satan are:

* mockery, which Satan cannot withstand due to his pride
* sunlight or exposure, from which Satan hides
* the [[Holy Spirit]], meaning "The Advocate" (i.e., defense lawyer), or the [[Armor of God]]<ref>Ephesians 6:1-17</ref>.

Note that Satan lacks self-restraint, which often leads him to failure. In addition, Satan delights in [[deceit]], even to the point of causing his downfall.

== History and Goals ==

In [[Christianity]] Satan's goal is to lead people away from the love of God, by tempting or tricking them. The only sources of supernatural power in the world are from either God (good) or Satan (evil). In the book of [[Genesis]], Satan takes the form of a snake and tempts Eve with fruit from a tree. This causes sin to come into the world. Satan, in the Book of Job, listens to God speak highly of Job and accuses Job to God before the host of angels that Job praises God only because he is blessed and would curse God if he was forced to suffer. God allows Satan to do what he will except to spare his life, and Satan causes Job to suffer immensely. (Job remained true to God through his hardships; Satan accused him further and punished him further, but could not get Job to break).

[[Jesus]] makes references to demonic possession on multiple occasions that He then casts out. Some believe that Satan is able to possess and control living humans on Earth even today. The Catholic church believes that priests (and sometimes only bishops) are able to [[exorcise]] this possession through Jesus.

In the [[New Testament]], Satan tries to tempt [[Jesus]] in the desert, and fails. Jesus warns extensively to beware of Satan as does [[Paul]].

Satan, is also called by several different names (the Devil, deceiver, Bealzebub, Beelzebul, Lucifer, Dis, [[Asmodeus]], Abaddon, "Old Scratch," the Crooked One, etc).

The notion of Satan, or an evil force, is noted in many if not all of the major world religions.

== Lucifer ==

'''Lucifer''' literally "Son of the Morning" (or "Light-Bearer") is mentioned in the [[Bible]] in the [[book of Isaiah]] (Isaiah 14:12). He is believed to have been cast down from [[heaven]] to [[hell]] after making 5 pronouncements initiating a rebellion against [[God]] by believing that he was equal or superior to God and would take power for himself.

* I will ascend into heaven
* I will exalt my throne above the stars of God
* I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north
* I will ascend above the heights of the clouds
* I will be like the most High

Lucifer is usually equated with [[satan]] in Christian tradition. And so, this gives more history of what caused satan's downfall. While 'satan' would be more of the title, 'Lucifer' would be the proper name.

Lucifer was one of the most powerful angels created by God. As “Light-Bearer” he may have been a Seraphim angel, which is the highest order of the angelic hierarchy. His fall from grace did not deprive Lucifer of his immense powers but did corrupt those powers for the wrongful work of interfering with God's plan for man's salvation.

[[Image:Paradise Lost 12.jpg|right|thumb|''The fall of Lucifer'' by Gustave Doré.]]

== Jewish Views ==

In the Jewish tradition, Satan is an angel who faithfully serves God as a prosecuting attorney - one who accuses men of wickedness and impiety. At the direction of God Satan may be permitted to test these accusations, such as in Job. In this view, Satan's goal is not to lead men away from their faithfulness to God, but merely to reveal the true depths of their devotion, although in [[I Chronicles]] 21:1 Satan provoked [[David]] to take a [[census]] of the people of Israel against the will of God and 70,000 men are slain because of it.
[[category:Abrahamic Religions]]
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