The Devil (part 1): Satan

The theology and the history of “the Devil” is somewhat complicated and confused.  Often this being is known as “the evil one” or, simply “the devil”.  Often, this being is called Satan.  The name Lucifer is often brought into the theological mix of teachings.  But Catholicism, and all Christian religions, acknowledge the existence of an entity that is the ultimate evil incarnate.  Originally, Satan appears in the Old Testament.

The Biblical Archaeology Society offers the most concise summary of the name and role of Satan;

In the Hebrew Bible, YHWH’s greatest enemies are not fallen angels commanding armies of demons, nor even the gods of other nations, but, rather, human beings. It isn’t the devil that spreads evil across the face of creation—it is mankind. Other than human beings, YHWH has no nemesis, nor are there malevolent spiritual forces not under his authority. YHWH is ultimately a God of justice. He is behind the good and the bad, behind the blessings and the curses. It is within this divine court of justice and retribution that Satan has his origins. . . The Hebrew word sa?an, meaning “accuser” or “adversary,” occurs several times throughout the Hebrew Bible and refers to enemies both human and celestial alike. When referring to the celestial adversary, the word is typically accompanied by the definite article. He is ha-satan—the Accuser—and it is a job description rather than a proper name. From the Accuser’s appearances in the Books of Job and Zechariah, it seems that the job entails calling attention to the unworthiness of mankind. The Accuser is essentially the prosecuting attorney of the divine court of YHWH, and part of his job includes collecting evidence to prove his cases.

Therefore, in his original manifestations, Satan had no intrinsic connection to evil.  Only in the New Testament does he become attached to evil.  This is, mainly, because he tempts Jesus Christ in the desert.  This places him as counter to Jesus and, therefore evil. In the famous “temptation of Jesus” tradition (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13) we see the full role of “the Satan”.  It was the offer of a Novus Ordo Saeculorum (a New Order of Things). If this Messiah from Nazareth would give the devil the worship of latria, not just dulia (reverence) but divine worship (latria) then, Satan says to Him, “all these will I give thee.” Satan knows that Jesus is not just a Holy Man but the Son of God.  He offers a lie. “If you adore me, you can have all these nations. You can be their leader. At my bidding they will submit to your kingship.” Thus, the devil hopes to divert this Man, whom he thinks may be the Christ, from His Messianic mission, which is to establish a universal kingdom of justice on earth that would last forever. He vainly hopes to have Christ fall and adore at his cloven feet. This temptation manifests the contempt Satan had for the Christ. Here, on the mountain, he thinks he can seduce Christ, or Him whom he suspects may be the Christ.  Here, on display, is the full prosecutorial and adversarial role of Satan.  

 Again, BAS sources state;

Satan’s role in the New Testament, though highly expanded, has much more in common with the Accuser of the Hebrew Bible than the commander of the armies of darkness that is typically portrayed in the Dead Sea Scrolls and other religions. Even though he is given such lofty titles as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), “father of lies” (John 8:44), “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), “ruler of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and Beelzebul, “ruler of the demons” (Matthew 10:25; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15), Satan is essentially treated as nothing more than a glorified prison warden who has been corrupted by his own power. Throughout the Gospels, Satan’s “kingdom” is never considered to be a burning underworld full of the tormented dead, but, rather, is equated with the bondage of sin and the curses brought upon humanity for acts of unrighteousness. According to Jesus (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21–22), a “strong man” (Satan) must be bound in order to plunder his house for treasures (humans), and it is clear he viewed his ministry and that of his disciples within this context. All other references to Satan in the New Testament, including those in Revelation, reflect this struggle for spiritual freedom.  Jesus and many of his apostles warned people to stay alert for the Devil’s cunning enticements that would lead them to ruin.  Jesus knew the tricks and lies Satan would use to usurp power from Him.  His warning  resonates throughout the centuries.  Many people think that Satan is a forgotten remnant of a world view that existed long ago.  Some scholars have argued that we create our own evil.  However, this does not answer the questions that the state of the world raises in the minds of others.  To these people, the, seemingly, orchestrated atrocities of the world are not simple coincidence, but need a helping hand from Satan, gathering his information to take us away from faith in Christ.