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Roy wrote:
I find the concept of Satan generally unhelpful. If I want my children to make “good choices” then I should be able to reason with them as to the merits of making those choices. Telling them that there is an unseen shadow figure tempting them away from making good choices and towards making bad choices does not seem like a good long term parenting tactic.
I agree. I don’t actually believe there is some evil supernatural being (super villain?) who can influence our thoughts. Honestly I don’t even think that’s a doctrinally correct concept. Is there evil and opposition? Surely there is, but I don’t believe it is in that form or that God (our loving Heavenly Parents) would even allow it. I think Satan gets way too much credit for things he had nothing to do with (supposing he did exist, of course) and that much of what is blamed on him is really just the natural (biological) man. My one criticism* of Pres. Nelson is that he seems to like to talk about what pleases Satan, when I think what pleases Satan (again, if he actually existed) is us talking about him and giving him credit for things he didn’t do – that’s what he wanted to begin with.
*Yes, I do have more than one criticism of President Nelson but one will do for now and this is one of the main ones. That said I also don’t want it to seem like I have lots of criticisms of him – he has surprised me and he’s doing a much better job than I ever would have expected. Really, really.
Thank you everyone who has replied to my post. It has given me alot to think about and consider.
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