The Misconception of Satan as an External Entity
In the labyrinth of human belief systems, the concept of Satan stands as one of the most controversial and misunderstood. Traditionally depicted as the epitome of evil and temptation, an external entity battling against the forces of good, I challenge that notion, proposing a radical interpretation: Satan is not an actual being, but a personification of the darker aspects within ourselves.
The idea that Satan is a separate, external entity who tempts and deceives humanity is a narrative deeply ingrained in various cultures and religions. However, this perspective shifts the responsibility of our actions, impulses, urges, temptations, sins, and ill wills, onto an external ‘Father of Lies’. But what if the true ‘Father of Lies’ is not an external force but resides within each of us?
This provocative viewpoint suggests that we are the architects of our deceit. We lie to ourselves, craft facades, and believe them to be our true selves. In doing so, we create a scapegoat in the form of Satan, an external devil responsible for our temptations and wrongdoings. This externalization serves as a convenient excuse, absolving us of our responsibility for the choices we make.
The concept of personification is not new to human understanding. We personify nature as Mother Nature, time as Father Time, and similarly, our darker instincts as Satan. These are not actual entities but representations of phenomena or aspects of our psyche. The id, a term from psychoanalytic theory, representing our primal instincts, can be seen as what the concept of Satan embodies. But over time, we have distorted this metaphor, externalizing it and giving it a form and identity separate from us.
By acknowledging that the essence of what we call ‘Satan’ lies within us, we confront the uncomfortable truth of our nature. It’s a call to introspection, to recognize and take responsibility for our darker aspects. It’s an invitation to stop deceiving ourselves and to transcend beyond our limitations.
The act of blaming an external Satan for our actions is not only a limitation but a hindrance to our growth and understanding. It prevents us from reaching our true potential, and from evolving into more self-aware, responsible beings. When we shed this externalized blame and look within, we empower ourselves to make conscious choices and understand the true nature of our actions.
In conclusion, the figure of Satan, traditionally seen as the external ‘Father of Lies’, is a reflection of our inner selves. By embracing this perspective, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and accountability, leading to a higher state of consciousness and being.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 