Chap 3). What about the Problem of Theodicy?

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Chap 3).  What about the Problem of Theodicy?

If God is all-powerful, why does evil exist?

My answer is Satan:  “Satan Shall Have you”

Note on Satan Shall Have You

TH Gaster, in Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, under Satan, describes Satan as having the role of arch-enemy of God, and potentate of a rival kingdom, but, he says, this is more legend than scripture will support.  He says that this legend was developed by the Rabbis during the long exile to account for their dire straits.  They had to consider their condition only a temporary set-back.  Furthermore Persian influences began to infiltrate their thoughts.  The Persians, still being under the influence of Mani, and his teachings, that there was an on-going conflict between Good and Evil.

There has been no clear development of the character or role of Satan in scripture.  It has been left to legend to do that.  And that work continues to this day, as in the Faust legends.

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