Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: marshmallow

Can Satan cast out Satan?


12 posted on 11/16/2010 7:36:44 AM PST by smvoice (Defending the Indefensible: The Pride of a Pawn.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: smvoice
You know, I've always thought that the common interpretation of that passage is a little off.

Here is what Jesus said, and the context:

Matthew 12

22Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

23And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

26And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

27And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Notice, howeve, Jesus did NOT say that Satan never casts out Satan, or demons do not cast out demons.

Consider. Other, non-Cchristian, or ever Jewish, religions practice rites of exorcism. Do they work? I don't know, but let's assume that as they have been conducted 100s or 1000s of years that sometimes they do.

Then, by definition, Satan is casting out Satan, as we know that God isn't doing it.

Notice also what Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand”.

OK, we know, because the bible tells us so, that Satan's house will be brought to desolation in the fullness of time. Also, we know, just from observation that to follow Satan is to be self-centered and selfish. You would assume that it would be the same for demons as for humans. Therefore, one would hardly hesitate to stab another in the back if it gained him an advantage.

Further, look at, say, an system of evil such as socialism. Look at the many varieties of it historically, and how the followers of these systems have killed each other with a ferocity that they can hardly match with their killings of capitalists. The Nazis and the Soviets, for example.

Is this not, figuratively, Satan casting out Satan?

I'm not saying that I'm correct in this analysis: I'm hardly an expert. But I think that giving the wording, at least in King James English, the possibility is open for this interpretation.

41 posted on 11/16/2010 9:01:43 AM PST by chesley (Eat what you want, and die like a man.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson