Satan In The Bible Research Paper
Ash Dorrbecker
CMNS 330-4
November 28, 2014
Satan in the Bible
Dante 's giant demon frozen at the center of hell. Pop culture icon adorned with a pointed black beard, long red cape, and a shining red pitchfork. Christianity 's cosmic plaintiff and inspiration for the modern English phrase 'speak of the devil '. This paper will introduce Satan through Biblical means, including his involvement in the Old and New Testaments. It will decipher the complex character development and enigmatic nature of this being as well as question Satan 's roles and analyze the purposes of those roles. Through research I will stand beside my conviction that Satan is not a physical antagonist, but rather a symbolic façade built up in the New Testament. As a …show more content…
There are many arguments to this question, though I believe they are all based on different definitions of 'introduction '. Introducing a character is no easy feat for any writer, but it does involve at least some semblance of a motive or depth of character rather than the simple use of a name in passing. I would also state that the majority of other characters introduced in the works of the Bible are often given a genealogical precursor, some detail into their childhood, or at the very least the name of their father or geographical origin. It is argued and largely believed that Satan is first mentioned by name in the Book of Job, right in the first chapter when Yahweh calls on one of his servants to assess, or accuse, Job. However, the written Hebrew translation, according to the New Oxford Annotated Bible, reads "ha-satan" or, "the accuser", rather than a pronoun (p 727). The usage here implies a title, rather than a name, and is not what the literary community would consider a character …show more content…
Looking at it from a literary standpoint, this trial is a device to compel the reader to sympathize and side with the underdog, here the starving Jesus. Satan, being sent by Yahweh to measure the worth of the 'son of God ', brings doubt to the reader 's mind about Jesus ' fortitude and resilience. However, when he overcomes, the reader is inspired and triumphant with him. Literary devices aside, there is a psychological phenomenon associated with Satan, Jesus, and the duality of the Bible. Elaine Pagel in her book, The Origin of Satan, notes that even ancient peoples may have believed that Satan was not the grand antagonist at large, but rather, "the most intimate enemy of all–the enemy we call our own self" (p. 173). This redaction of established beliefs in the time of ancients is both intriguing and enlightening, allowing the modern reader to further believe in Satan not as a flesh and blood devil, but as a reflection of the doubt in one 's
CMNS 330-4
November 28, 2014
Satan in the Bible
Dante 's giant demon frozen at the center of hell. Pop culture icon adorned with a pointed black beard, long red cape, and a shining red pitchfork. Christianity 's cosmic plaintiff and inspiration for the modern English phrase 'speak of the devil '. This paper will introduce Satan through Biblical means, including his involvement in the Old and New Testaments. It will decipher the complex character development and enigmatic nature of this being as well as question Satan 's roles and analyze the purposes of those roles. Through research I will stand beside my conviction that Satan is not a physical antagonist, but rather a symbolic façade built up in the New Testament. As a …show more content…
There are many arguments to this question, though I believe they are all based on different definitions of 'introduction '. Introducing a character is no easy feat for any writer, but it does involve at least some semblance of a motive or depth of character rather than the simple use of a name in passing. I would also state that the majority of other characters introduced in the works of the Bible are often given a genealogical precursor, some detail into their childhood, or at the very least the name of their father or geographical origin. It is argued and largely believed that Satan is first mentioned by name in the Book of Job, right in the first chapter when Yahweh calls on one of his servants to assess, or accuse, Job. However, the written Hebrew translation, according to the New Oxford Annotated Bible, reads "ha-satan" or, "the accuser", rather than a pronoun (p 727). The usage here implies a title, rather than a name, and is not what the literary community would consider a character …show more content…
Looking at it from a literary standpoint, this trial is a device to compel the reader to sympathize and side with the underdog, here the starving Jesus. Satan, being sent by Yahweh to measure the worth of the 'son of God ', brings doubt to the reader 's mind about Jesus ' fortitude and resilience. However, when he overcomes, the reader is inspired and triumphant with him. Literary devices aside, there is a psychological phenomenon associated with Satan, Jesus, and the duality of the Bible. Elaine Pagel in her book, The Origin of Satan, notes that even ancient peoples may have believed that Satan was not the grand antagonist at large, but rather, "the most intimate enemy of all–the enemy we call our own self" (p. 173). This redaction of established beliefs in the time of ancients is both intriguing and enlightening, allowing the modern reader to further believe in Satan not as a flesh and blood devil, but as a reflection of the doubt in one 's