Christianity -- polytheistic?

[Bzzzz]

According to Christianity, Satan is an immortal being; or at the very least, he has been in existence far beyond the normal human life span and has the capacity to influence peoples' lives in ways mortals cannot. We can put aside arguments about the Trinity and assume that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are nevertheless part of one God. But since Christians also must acknowledge Satan as an entity possessing super-human characteristics, does this mean the religion is not monotheistic after all? Discuss?

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Isn't this better put into religion/theology?

This forum is for Christians to talk to one another, not defend themselves against insipid attacks from someone who clearly doesn't understand the full diversity and nuances of the various expressions of Christian faith, nor an understanding of the history of its theological developments.

Sorry.

Try another forum for the flamebait. It's not appropriate here.

[Bzzzz]

4. Excuse me...

This is not flamebait. This is a legit question. I have a friend who asked me if I would post this and ask others to possibly discuss. He is finishing up a couple of papers for classes and wanted opinions.
Your response was not appropriate in my opinion.

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. It certainly comes across that way.

Perhaps you didn't mean it to be flamebait, and I should have asked first - I failed in not asking you first for clarification - but the way you set out monolithic broadbrush belief systems, in a rather pejorative way, to then ask a rather pejorative question, which seems far more rhetorical than an invitation to dialogue, made me think you weren't interested in dialogue but in hammering home your (as I saw it) superior atheism because Christianity isn't even self consistent or something.

According to Christianity, Satan is an immortal being... assume that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are nevertheless part of one God... Christians also must acknowledge Satan as an entity possessing super-human characteristics... the religion is not monotheistic ...

You might not have meant it to be insulting, but you sure worded it that way; never did you even say something like, "It is my understanding that Christianity teaches such and such; is that true? Is it normative?" But no, you came out and said "Christianity is thus and such" and "therefore it is wrong".

I apologize for not asking first if you meant for this to be flamebait, or if you are actually interested in finding out some information and having dialogue. I become angry when people do that to me, and here I have gone and done it to you - sorry! It was unfair and wrong of me.

If your intent IS the latter, then I will gladly join the discussion.

[RevCheesehead]

2. The Bible acknowledges other gods.

In fact, the first commandment says "You shall have no other gods before me."

ed/punctuation

[Bzzzz]

5. Thanks

I appreciate you replying. :)

[supernova]

3. In some ways, it's true

Though Angels, of which Satan is one -- just a Fallen one -- aren't considered "gods" in Christian theology. They are messengers or harbingers of God.

Though, you could look at them as a form of accomodation to the pagans who became xtains.

[Bzzzz]

6. Thank you...

Your input is appreciated. :)

[supernova]

8. Bear in mind though

that, today, veneration of Saints and Angels varies by denomination.

In Catholicism, they are very important and seen as beings who intervene w/ God on our behalf. In the Protestant denoms, while they are venerated and respected, they aren't worshiped. The primary emphasis is on the individual relationship with God.

I don't know how the Eastern Orthodox churches (Russian, Greek, etc) handle this question. Perhaps someone from that tradition can answer.

[StoryTeller]

9. Here is my understanding...

Re: Satan

This is a being created by God but who rebelled against God. There's a lot we don't know about these created beings we usually call angels. There's a lot of nonsense taught about them. The Bible portrays them as spiritual beings, and as such, are immortal, but because they are created by God, they are not gods themselves. And they don't share other characteristics of God, such as being all-knowing or all-powerful. Satan is portrayed as having limited authority over affairs of the earth, but ultimately (as in the book of Job) must answer to God.

I think there's a perception among a lot of people that Satan is somehow the archenemy of God. That's a misconception. As portrayed in the Bible, he's clearly a created being that has rebelled against God. But he is not nearly equal in power or authority to God.

Re: other gods

Again, my understanding is that we as humans tend to worship a lot of things that are not God. Thus, we make "gods" for ourselves. These gods might be the sun or a tree, or it might be a spouse, child, money, security, or even a political leader. Most Christians take this "have no other gods before me" commandment to mean that there should be nothing that takes our primary allegiance away from God. I don't think one could use this text to make a case for the literal existence of other Supreme Beings. It has to do with where we as humans place our faith and trust--God or something else.

So as far as polytheism--no, I don't think you or your friend could safely make the claim that Christianity is a polytheistic faith. Both Judaism and Christianity believe in the existence of other spiritual beings, but they both assert that these beings are created and ultimately must answer to their Creator, just like the rest of us. And because we believe God is pre-existent and uncreated, He is God and these other beings are not.

Does that make sense? It's way past my bedtime, so it's possible my brain has shut off. If I just muddied things further, let me know, and I'll try to be clearer. Some of this stuff gets into pretty deep theology that isn't extremely clear-cut anyway, so I'm trying to steer clear of that.

[Bzzzz]

10. Thanks, StoryTeller...

I really appreciate all of your help. :) You've been most gracious with your thoughts.

[StoryTeller]

11. Aw, you're welcome!

Glad to help! I really like studying theology--and as with any interest, it's more fun when there's people to share it with. So I thank you for asking. :)

[Critters2]

12. I don't believe in Satan as a personal being of some sort

My Evangelical friends tell me I'm supposed to, but I don't. Satan isn't mentioned in any of the important creeds, and is therefore not a basic component of Christian faith. But mostly, it just doesn't ring true to me, and I can't make myself believe what I don't believe. So, please, don't tell me what I "must acknowledge". I most certainly am a Christian. Just one who doesn't believe in Satan.

[Rabrrrrrr]

13. Well said. Thank you!

I find it interesting that the OP has never come back to respond to my second post after being scolded by him/her up above...