Does Satan have our world under a strong spell?

[davidv]

What makes you think this? Sex does not involve mental changes akin to a strong spell?

See posts #9, #41, #48, #95 and #227

1 John 5:19 RSV
We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.

How do you interpret the above passage of scripture?

LOVE!

What does my interpretation have to do with anything? I can be in error just as easily as yours may be.

 

[Robert_Sock]

What does my interpretation have to do with anything? I can be in error just as easily as yours may be.

Nice to share and discuss views, but I know that neither of us can provide solid proof.

 

[davidv]

Nice to share and discuss views, but I know that neither of us can provide solid proof.

That is correct. Proof is only valid for math and alcoholic spirits.
Others posters as well as myself have give much evidence that we are not generally under Satan’s spell.
You have not provided a reasonable rebuttal of any of that evidence. I would not consider my interpretation of that passage as part of that evidence, so for me, it would be off topic.

 

[LoganBice]

If we where under a spell what would be the point of free will, choice and temptation?

 

[Robert_Sock]

There exists a powerful ‘social pendulum’ that annihilates anything in its path. It has always existed. Who controls it? Satan. Take a close look at the very rapid cultural, population and industrial changes that have taken place over the past 150 years. How did it all happen?

(A lot of people believe we live in a world of good vs evil, which can suggest two Gods opposing each other, a heresy; no, I believe we live in a world of good and evil, which work together in bringing our world salvation.)

Romans 8:28 RSV
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

1 John 5:19 RSV
We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.

LOVE!

 

[davidv]

There exists a powerful ‘social pendulum’ that annihilates anything in its path. It has always existed. Who controls it? Satan. Take a close look at the very rapid cultural, population and industrial changes that have taken place over the past 150 years. How did it all happen?

By humans, freely choosing to sin.

(A lot of people believe we live in a world of good vs evil, which can suggest two Gods opposing each other, a heresy; no, I believe we live in a world of good and evil, which work together in bringing our world salvation.)

What people believe is often far from what is true.

Romans 8:28 RSV
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

1 John 5:19 RSV
We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.

LOVE!

None of these state, or imply, that Satan has control of us.

 

[Robert_Sock]

By humans, freely choosing to sin.

What people believe is often far from what is true.

None of these state, or imply, that Satan has control of us.

Sometimes the best evidence (proof) is direct experience, but even then we need to be careful because such experiences can be from Satan. If from Satan, however, we need to recognize Satan’s power, and admit that he has much control over us.

LOVE!

 

[davidv]

Sometimes the best evidence (proof) is direct experience, but even then we need to be careful because such experiences can be from Satan. If from Satan, however, we need to recognize Satan’s power, and admit that he has much control over us.

LOVE!

How do experiences, even if they are from the devil, control us? Influences does not equal control, unless you have abandoned self-control.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Sometimes the best evidence (proof) is direct experience, but even then we need to be careful because such experiences can be from Satan. If from Satan, however, we need to recognize Satan’s power, and admit that he has much control over us.

LOVE!

I think Satan has as much power as we allow him to have over us. As difficult as it is sometimes, we need to trust in God always, and know that He has the ultimate power over our lives. His power is in His overwhelming love for mankind, while Satan’s is from his hatred.

And as you keep ending your posts: Love! (conquers all).

 

[Robert_Sock]

How do experiences, even if they are from the devil, control us? Influences does not equal control, unless you have abandoned self-control.

False visitations and revelations do not control us? My religious experiences have GREAT control over my behavior and beliefs. ‘Control’ is an influence.

LOVE!

 

[Robert_Sock]

I think Satan has as much power as we allow him to have over us. As difficult as it is sometimes, we need to trust in God always, and know that He has the ultimate power over our lives. His power is in His overwhelming love for mankind, while Satan’s is from his hatred.

And as you keep ending your posts: Love! (conquers all).

Thank you Christine! LOVE!

 

[davidv]

False visitations and revelations do not control us?

Only if we let them.

My religious experiences have GREAT control over my behavior and beliefs.

Why is this true for everyone? What about non-religious experiences?

‘Control’ is an influence.

We have very different understanding of the meanings of those two words and are likely talking past each other.

control
verb (used with object), con·trolled, con·trol·ling.

1. to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command.
2. to hold in check; curb: to control a horse; to control one’s emotions.
3. to test or verify (a scientific experiment) by a parallel experiment or other standard of comparison.
4. to eliminate or prevent the flourishing or spread of: to control a forest fire.

In my usage temptations and desires are influences, not controls.

LOVE!

 

[Robert_Sock]

Only if we let them.

Some inner spiritual experiences are obviously beyond our self-control. Homosexuality is caused by evil spirits to the point that the person has no control over his inclinations. Similarly, other spiritual experiences give rise to other ‘non-religious’ inclinations that shape a person’s being. Homosexuality, and these other inclinations, are based on trance.

Why is this true for everyone? What about non-religious experiences?

No, these were my own personal experiences. Non-religious experiences do not exist. All our spirituality belongs to Satan and God and His Good Angels.

We have very different understanding of the meanings of those two words and are likely talking past each other.

In my usage temptations and desires are influences, not controls.

That’s cool. I can go with your definitions.

 

[davidv]

Some inner spiritual experiences are obviously beyond our self-control.

When have I stated or suggested that were under our control. What I have been trying to convey is that we are in complete control over what we choose to do about those experiences.

Homosexuality is caused by evil spirits to the point that the person has no control over his inclinations. Similarly, other spiritual experiences give rise to other ‘non-religious’ inclinations that shape a person’s being. Homosexuality, and these other inclinations, are based on trance.

Really? What evidence to you have of this? The Church teaches that it is a disorder with largely unknown causes.

No, these were my own personal experiences. Non-religious experiences do not exist. All our spirituality belongs to Satan and God and His Good Angels.

Really? Base on what exactly?

That’s cool. I can go with your definitions.

Good. Let’s not confuse uncontrollable feelings and temptations with the an ability to act against them.

 

[Robert_Sock]

When have I stated or suggested that were under our control. What I have been trying to convey is that we are in complete control over what we choose to do about those experiences.

Here’s what you responded to.

Originally Posted by Robert Sock View Post
False visitations and revelations do not control us?

Really? What evidence to you have of this? The Church teaches that it is a disorder with largely unknown causes.

My own experiences. The causes may be unknown by earthly science, but understood by one spiritual, contemplative ex-research psychologist.

Really? Base on what exactly?

Spiritual insight.

Good. Let’s not confuse uncontrollable feelings and temptations with the an ability to act against them.

LOVE!

 

[CHRISTINE77]

When have I stated or suggested that were under our control. What I have been trying to convey is that we are in complete control over what we choose to do about those experiences.

Really? What evidence to you have of this? The Church teaches that it is a disorder with largely unknown causes.

Really? Base on what exactly?

Good. Let’s not confuse uncontrollable feelings and temptations with the an ability to act against them.

I really do believe that Satan can control people. What do you think exorcisms are about? Satan definitely has power. And a lot of faithless people don’t even know that they are under his power. But as people of faith, we must hold fast to the truth that God is much much stronger than Satan, so we must put all our entire lives into his hands and try to do his will.

Anyone who thinks they can escape the evil in this world without the power of God is sadly mislead. It’s a fool who thinks he can get through this life by his own power. Pride goeth before the fall, as they say!

 

[Robert_Sock]

I really do believe that Satan can control people. What do you think exorcisms are about? Satan definitely has power. And a lot of faithless people don’t even know that they are under his power. But as people of faith, we must hold fast to the truth that God is much much stronger than Satan, so we must put all our entire lives into his hands and try to do his will.

Anyone who thinks they can escape the evil in this world without the power of God is sadly mislead. It’s a fool who thinks he can get through this life by his own power. Pride goeth before the fall, as they say!

Nicely phrased!

 

[GaryTaylor]

They are walking in the dark, don’t even know it. Not hard to see how they can’t find their way out.

Were they aware they had a choice at any point?

Romans 10:20 - Isaiah says boldly: I was found by those who were not looking for Me; I revealed Myself to those who were not asking for Me.

 

[davidv]

I really do believe that Satan can control people. What do you think exorcisms are about? Satan definitely has power. And a lot of faithless people don’t even know that they are under his power. But as people of faith, we must hold fast to the truth that God is much much stronger than Satan, so we must put all our entire lives into his hands and try to do his will.

Anyone who thinks they can escape the evil in this world without the power of God is sadly mislead. It’s a fool who thinks he can get through this life by his own power. Pride goeth before the fall, as they say!

Nothing here is contrary to anything I was attempting to convey.

Robert is insisting that the control Satan has, is constant and “strong”. On the contrary, those possessed are in an ultra small minority. So I have rejected his assertion.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Sounds to me like God has the final say. If he found us who were once upon a time the gentiles who were not looking for Him, it seems to me through us others not looking for Him will also be found.

Isaiah 28:16 - So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

Isaiah 41 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.