The way fundamentalist Christians tell it God is loving and merciful, while Satan is the purveyor of evil. When we humans go astray, it is because the devil has tempted us and fooled us into committing acts of evil.
How does this view square with the Bible?
In several instances in the Old Testament, it is God himself -- not the diabolical imp -- who bestows evil and avarice in the hearts of men. During the conquering of the promised land, we're often told that Yahweh "hardened the hearts" of the kings whose land the Israelites wanted to possess. This would seem to indicate that God made sure these leaders were blinded to his divine presence.
To offer another example, in 1 Samuel 19:9, it is written that
So, how can a being who exemplifies pure love and perfection dole out evil?
To see what other questions I've asked about the Christian Bible, go here.
How does this view square with the Bible?
In several instances in the Old Testament, it is God himself -- not the diabolical imp -- who bestows evil and avarice in the hearts of men. During the conquering of the promised land, we're often told that Yahweh "hardened the hearts" of the kings whose land the Israelites wanted to possess. This would seem to indicate that God made sure these leaders were blinded to his divine presence.
To offer another example, in 1 Samuel 19:9, it is written that
the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.The operative words in this sentence are from the LORD. Saul was not duped by the fallen angel but by the almighty himself.
So, how can a being who exemplifies pure love and perfection dole out evil?
To see what other questions I've asked about the Christian Bible, go here.
Apparently, Saul deserved it! He very much disregarded God’s commands on two previous occasions (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:11,19). Saul was afflicted with an evil spirit as a punishment for his disobedience. Of course, the best example of a conflict in God’s character that I know of is that he is all-loving and, according to a fundamentalist Christian, going to send you (or allow you to go) to hell for all eternity because you deserve it! Now it’s personal!! Taoist, I’m glad you’re not a fundamentalist Christian. Cheers! Tallis
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