shome42

So Satan and his demonds supposedly try to trick you into sinning, right?

Would Christians also agree that one's ability to resist trickery depends on one's intelligence?

Isn't it also true that one cannot substantially increase or decrease his or her intelligence; rather, it is something we are simply born and, as such, it is beyond our control.

Therefore, how can Christians, or God for that matter, fault someone for sinning if, in fact, they've been tricked into doing so by the devil? After all, they're ability to detect and resist such trickery depends on factors beyond their control.



Can we then conclude that people aren't always responsible for their sins?

Furthermore, how can we know whether or not we are being tricked by the devil? After all, maybe you've been tricked into "choosing" to do something.

EGGO

I never heard it being done because of one's intelligence. Just one's weakness to be easily side-tracked.

As for the "tricked" into doing something, I think apologetics would claim that it's much like the Densa Quiz (Where the answer is obvious, but you won't get it so easily). Just stay true blah blah, and God will look after you.

Jobar

I can't quote chapter and verse, but there's a Biblical saying to the effect that we will never be tempted 'beyond that ye are able'- I'm sure that Magus would say that God protects children and fools from the cleverest wiles of the devil.

Funny, that. Why doesn't God protect the wise, also?

Tenek

I believe there's another Bible quote involving those professing to be wise becoming fools. Perhaps God wants us to quit trying to think for ourselves. The devil can't trick something incapable of deciding anything...

shome42

Because he's too busy deciding the outcome of high school sports?

B. H. Manners

:notworthy

Godless Wonder

One's intelligence is exploited by Satan, obviously.

46:001:022 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

46:001:023 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness.

46:001:027 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty

In other words. it doesn't make sense on purpose, those who are so intelligent as to require their beliefs to make sense are purposely denied entry to heaven. One must supress one's reasoning mind, and submit to God's will, and believe the nonsense anyway. (God can't risk having anyone who questions him as company in heaven, I guess, and so he admits only dullards. and sycophants)

46 == "1 Corinthians". (thanks project gutenberg)

(In addtion to "dullards and sycophants", I should probably include those unfortunate intelligent souls struggling mightly through life handicapped by thorough and effective childhood brainwashing sessions.)

Diadectes

All of which begs the question 'Since when is weakness a cause for punishment?

EGGO

He knew since he created time and space =0þ

Pyrrho

Yes, Satan has done a great job of tricking people. He's written this book, and suckered millions of people into believing that God wrote it. Now, they are all worshiping Satan, but believe they are worshipping God! Clever fellow, that Satan!