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'''Satan''' (from the Hebrew "ha-satan", "accuser") was a member of the [[divine council]] of God referenced in the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]].  In the Christian tradition he rebelled against [[God]] and was cast from [[Heaven]] to reign over [[Hell]], where he leads a host of fallen angels (or [[demon]]s).  Those who worship Satan are called [[satanism | Satanists]].

'''Satan''' (from the Hebrew "ha-satan", "accuser") was a member of the [[divine council]] of God referenced in the [[Old Testament]] in [[Job]].  In the Christian tradition he rebelled against [[God]] and was cast from [[Heaven]].  He leads a host of fallen angels (or [[demon]]s) who know there days are numbered before they will be cast in the lake of fire and they seek to take as many humans as possible with them.  Those who worship Satan are called [[satanism | Satanists]].

== History and Goals ==

== History and Goals ==

In Christianity Satan's goal is to lead people away from the love of God, by tempting or tricking them. The only sources of supernatural power in the world are from either God (good), Satan (evil), or Aliens from another planet.  In the book of Genesis, Satan takes the form of a snake and tempts Eve with fruit from a tree.  Satan, in the Book of Job, is used by God to test the faith of Job (who remained true to God through hardships).  Some believe that Satan is able to possess and control living humans on Earth, although Catholic priests (and sometimes only bishops) are able to [[exorcise]] his influence.  Satan, is also called by several different names (the Devil, deceiver, Bealzebub, Beelzebul, Lucifer, Asmodeus, Abaddon, "Old Scratch," the Crooked One, etc). The notion of Satan, or an evil force, is noted in many if not all of the major world religions.

In Christianity Satan's goal is to lead people away from the love of God, by tempting or tricking them. The only sources of supernatural power in the world are from either God (good), Satan (evil).  In the book of [[Genesis]], Satan takes the form of a snake and tempts Eve with fruit from a tree.  Satan, in the Book of Job, is used by God to test the faith of Job (who remained true to God through hardships).  Some believe that Satan is able to possess and control living humans on Earth, although Catholic priests (and sometimes only bishops) are able to [[exorcise]] his influence.  Satan, is also called by several different names (the Devil, deceiver, Bealzebub, Beelzebul, Lucifer, Asmodeus, Abaddon, "Old Scratch," the Crooked One, etc). The notion of Satan, or an evil force, is noted in many if not all of the major world religions.

In the [[New Testament]], Satan tries to tempt [[Jesus]] in the desert, and fails.

In the [[New Testament]], Satan tries to tempt [[Jesus]] in the desert, and fails.

In the Jewish tradition Satan faithfully serves God as a tester of the piety of men.{{fact-religion}}

In the Jewish tradition Satan faithfully serves God as a tester of the piety of men.{{fact-religion}}

In the Jewish tradition, Satan serves God as the one who accuses men of wickedness and impiety.  At the direction of God Satan may be permitted to test these accusations.  In this view, Satan's goal is not to lead men away from their faithfulness to God, but merely to revealing the true depths of their devotion.

He serves God as the one who accuses men of wickedness and impiety.  At the direction of God Satan may be permitted to test these accusations, such as in Job.  In this view, Satan's goal is not to lead men away from their faithfulness to God, but merely to revealing the true depths of their devotion.