Post by priest

It is a fascinating idea. This is essentially the scenario laid out in the Book of Job. Satan challenges God that he could make Job curse God, and God allows him to wreak havoc on Job. Of course, Satan knows well that if he really wants to steal souls from God, all he has to do is give people what they want, which is an illusion. Satan, formerly Lucifer, an angel of light, is able to create illusions, make people see things. There is evidence of this in the Gospel of Matthew as Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, or shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, saying, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me" (Mt. 4:9b).

The reality is, God does allow Satan and demons to tempt people. This is allowed, however, so that people may grow in faith or some other virtue. Life in this realm is about disciplining the flesh so we may contemplate God. But, as Jesus says, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Mt. 26:41). St. Paul further contemplates this very issue: "For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want" (Gal. 5:17).