Reinventing Satan

Satan, or the Devil (Beelzebub, Lucifer, or Mephistopheles if you prefer) is always interesting to talk about. There is probably more controversy surrounding this enigmatic figure than the controversy swirling around God. So what exactly is Old Nick?

One thing that seems to be consistent with most traditions that recognize a demon of darkness, is the Devil’s connection to the material world. The Devil lives amongst us, having been cast out of heaven because his ego got the best of him and challenged God Himself. At least that is what happened to the Christian/Judeo Devil. Most other stories are similar. This cast out angel was destined to exist amongst the lowly of the lowlies, “ . . . down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit" (Isaiah) I think there is something significant and important about this. The Devil’s realm is hell, which exists below the surface of the earth. This is symbolic for the roots of materialism and is about as grounded in matter as you can get.

Satan wanted to be bigger than God, and he challenged Him, and lost. This all happened pre-humanity, so Satan was never a human, although he is portrayed as a “fallen angel.” God made a bunch of celestial, divine, beings before he created the Universe—pre-material. Satan was one of these beings, and he was a pretty big deal, one of God’s favourites, they say. “The Morning Star” he is often referred to—bright and special.