Freethought & Rationalism ArchiveThe archives are read only. |
05-05-2008, 10:18 PM | #41 | |
Veteran Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Killeen, TX
Posts: 1,388
|
Quote:
edit - since this is later, this refers to post #37. |
|
05-06-2008, 09:08 AM | #42 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Roaming a wilderness that some think is real ...
Posts: 1,125
|
Quote:
|
||
05-06-2008, 09:36 AM | #43 |
Regular Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: ucla, southern california
Posts: 140
|
so getting back to the original question...
have we now determined that 'the satan' was a simple adjective (accuser/adversary) that was appropriated as a proper name? good. from there, that is, from the very late introduction of a satan into the hebrew literature, he evolves. the view of satan evolves, as does the tradition and speculation surrounding him.
but to answer the original question, one should accept 'satan' (common noun) as the original name for satan just as one accepts 'god' (another common noun) as a proper name for god. as the traditions and reflections surrounding both multiplied, so did their names... |
05-06-2008, 10:30 AM | #44 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Roaming a wilderness that some think is real ...
Posts: 1,125
|
Quote:
|
||
05-06-2008, 10:35 AM | #45 |
Veteran Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: On the path of knowledge
Posts: 8,889
|
The "serpent" in the Garden of Eden story is very ancient, and in the Scriptural narrative introduces the first lie, and the first opposition to the words of YHWH. and while not specifically identified at that time by the name "Satan", what he was engaged in, the lying, deceiving, opposing, and being an adversary, was the very definition of the term "the satan".
But that power has never cared much what "name" it has operated under, but only what man, and what man made institutions it can employ to propagate lies, deceptions, and agendas fostering lies leading to human suffering and wars . In various times his minions have worn black, or white, sometimes red or royal purple, sometimes brown shirts and shiny boots, and sometimes drab green, or tan, and dirty combat boots. "just following orders". He has sat on the Bench within Halls of Justice, and employed the lips of "public servants" and of Judges to "just follow the laws" to decree, and to enforce unjust decrees. He has spoken through the mouths of Governors, governments, Pharaohs, Kings, Presidents, and Dictators. A commanding, smooth, reasonable and persuasive figure, often have men set down with him, signed contracts with him, and admired him and his works, yet not perceived to whom they have extended their right hand of friendship and fellowship. Always a "snake in the grass", camouflaged, seeking whom or what he might entangle within his coils, fascinate with his appearance, and swallow up in his perfidious scheme against both truth and humanity. This satan, "Satan" is not a "was", but is an IS, as real and as present as the sun, and is always at work within the affairs of all men, and will continue to be until such time as he is defeated and taken out of the way. |
05-06-2008, 09:12 PM | #46 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Pleased to meet you hope you guess my name
|
05-07-2008, 08:28 AM | #47 | ||
Veteran Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Killeen, TX
Posts: 1,388
|
Quote:
|
||
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|