[HiTech RedNeck]

Satan used to be an obedient angelic being, until he disobeyed and fell from grace.

[EternalVigilance]

Ping!

[Gurn]

Satan used to be an obedient angelic being, until he disobeyed and fell from grace.

See, that's what my "emotional", "sectarian" viewpoint was, too.

Heck, I think I even remember that Satan was cast out for...well, wanting to be God. I can't think of any religion that says we'll all become gods...

Oh, wait. I guess I do know of one.

[Illbay]

Correct.

One distinctive difference between Latter-Day Saint doctrine and that of sectarian Christianity, is that we believe that Christ and God the Father are separate beings, though "one" in purpose.

We believe that Christ and Lucifer--the angel who became Satan--both submitted "plans" to God the Father, regarding the salvation of man. Lucifer would have removed free will, in essence assuring that ALL would have been saved whether they would or not.

Christ's plan allowed free will.

His was the plan that was chosen. Lucifer and other spirits rebelled, and were cast out. Lucifer became Satan, the Devil, the Father of Lies.