I have not, of course, disproved the devil, or a prime evil, at all at this point. I have only noted the problems with the Lucifer story. So I will switch to a more philosophical approach.
If God is omni-benevolent (omni meaning all, completely, entirely, perfectly, etc) and if everything in the universe (or multiverse if one beleives in multiple dimensions) has an equal and opposite, then it would follow that there is an omni-malevolent force. However, omni-benevolence is very hard to describe. It requires that God is, in every possible way, good, wishing of good things to happen, and willing to help. If God is also omnipotent, that is, having limitless power, then it would follow that God will make sure everyone and everything is in a state of well-being. It takes only a quick glance at the state of the world to know that this is not reality. However, this does not disprove anything. It merely means that either God is not omni-benevolent, God is not omnipotent, or there is some force of equal potency which is preventing God from acting in his benevolent fasion.
The last of the possibilities does not necessitate an omnipotent, omni-malevolent force. Other such things as the rule of free will are also acceptable reasons for God's lack of intervention. This would mean that free will is a higher priority in God's mentality than his benevolent nature, for which we could ask why, but that is not the subject of my arguement.
If God is not omni-benevolent, then it would follow that there is no omni-malevolent force. If God in not omnipotent, the opposing force would not be either. If the reson for God's lack of action is for the sake of free will, then the opposing force is not nessicary for reasoning, but goes against the action-reaction rationalle.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The First Point
I would like to note the traditional Judeo/Christian/Islamic story of Lucifer. The story goes that in the beginning, God created the world, and created creatures out of air, called the Dijinni. However, these creatures lived highly immorally, wreaking havoc on his creation, and so had to be destroyed. God made a second race of sentient creatures out of fire, the angels. Out of the purest of all fires, God made Lucifer (which translates literally, Bright One). He then sent the angels to exterminate the Dijinni.
One the angels had (very effectively) done their job, God made a new race from earth, mankind. He then told the angels to watch over man and keep him safe from harm. Lucifer, and some lesser angels with him, were none to happy with this command. He protested that he was made from fire, the greatest element, and not only that, but he was of the purest fire. So why should he be servile to a creature of dirt?
God responded to this act of pride by sending Lucifer to hell, telling him that he could rule over it instead if he would not follow his commands. Eternity of hell would be the punishment for his pride and defiance.
That is not a comprehensive version of the story, but I do not believe that I left out any important points. I know that not all people hold to the story, but it is the tradition. Those that don't still often refer to the devil as Lucifer, and remember that he was banished due to sins of pride. My opinion on this is that God hardly seems like the loving, caring, being that he is supposed to be. Rather, God seems like an authoritarian father, and Lucifer like a second born son throwing a tantrum when the father favors the younger son. Hardly a purely evil creature directly opposing the will of a benevolent, infinitely wise being.
One the angels had (very effectively) done their job, God made a new race from earth, mankind. He then told the angels to watch over man and keep him safe from harm. Lucifer, and some lesser angels with him, were none to happy with this command. He protested that he was made from fire, the greatest element, and not only that, but he was of the purest fire. So why should he be servile to a creature of dirt?
God responded to this act of pride by sending Lucifer to hell, telling him that he could rule over it instead if he would not follow his commands. Eternity of hell would be the punishment for his pride and defiance.
That is not a comprehensive version of the story, but I do not believe that I left out any important points. I know that not all people hold to the story, but it is the tradition. Those that don't still often refer to the devil as Lucifer, and remember that he was banished due to sins of pride. My opinion on this is that God hardly seems like the loving, caring, being that he is supposed to be. Rather, God seems like an authoritarian father, and Lucifer like a second born son throwing a tantrum when the father favors the younger son. Hardly a purely evil creature directly opposing the will of a benevolent, infinitely wise being.
First Thoughts
My goal in this blog is to write, as the title would suggest, a literal advocacy of 'The Devil'. I want to take things into the hated perspective of evil, and argue that it is not so bad. In fact, I'm going to argue that things which are usually perceived as evil are not.
Comments will be very welcome, as long as they are constructive and logical. I am relatively sure that if this becomes widely read that I will get plenty of comments along the lines of 'you're a sick, twisted bastard'. This is not something I need to be told. If you are going to tear me down, please, I welcome it, but do it with logic, not with insults.
Comments will be very welcome, as long as they are constructive and logical. I am relatively sure that if this becomes widely read that I will get plenty of comments along the lines of 'you're a sick, twisted bastard'. This is not something I need to be told. If you are going to tear me down, please, I welcome it, but do it with logic, not with insults.
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