Nigel Tomes - LSM's Unorthodox Satanology

[Peter Debelak]

Originally Posted by Igzy

The other side of you question, Peter, then, is if the teaching does no good, why bother with it?

I'm not sure it does no good. Personally, I find it terrifying enough to know that sin dwells in me and operations with the power of a law of nature.

But I also know a number of Christians who didn't appreciate that - both inside the LC and outside. These folks had an active church life or ministry, they weren't killing anyone and were helpin' out the poor on Tuesday nights. Living like this and in the insular community (which most groups - particularly Christian groups are), it becomes easy to forget that sin is inwardly operating. I don't know, these folks might benefit from a little scare that comes from the thought that Satan himself dwells within them.

It can be an illustration that hits home a point. We can state clearly that there is not solid Biblical support for the ultimate truth of it and still use the illustration.

For those who believe it to be truth, well, I guess it would depend on how their errant belief is operating in their life. If they're going nuts (like the folks you mention), perhaps a little tough love and cutting straight is in order. If they hold to the belief because it offers a healthy does of fear which turns them more to Christ, I'm not sure we need to call in the truth police...

Peter