I have been contemplating the significance of Satan in our collective consciousness.

While the concept of an external devil figure may provide ‘comfort’ and explanations for evil, it also enables us to evade facing the darkness that exists within our own hearts.

Satan As Scapegoat

Satan serves as a convenient scapegoat, allowing us to blame him for temptation and sin, thus absolving ourselves of responsibility. This way, we can direct our efforts towards resisting him externally, rather than confronting the internal conflicts. The duality of the cosmic narrative of good versus evil is emotionally appealing to us.

True Source Of Evil

But in doing so, we ignore the true source of evil – the parts of ourselves we don’t want to face: greed, apathy, hatred, etc. As long as we blame Satan for our failings, we lack the impetus to truly change and grow as people.

Ultimately, the real enemy lies within. Facing our own capacity for wrongdoing, rather than projecting it onto an external devil figure, is the first step toward overcoming evil – within and without. We have to claim responsibility for our own minds, hearts and actions.

Fixing the world starts with fixing ourselves.

The Real Enemy Is Inside

The real enemy isn’t Satan – it’s the parts of our nature we fail to confront honestly.

Reader: I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this. Does focusing on Satan as the source of evil and temptation risk distracting us from facing our own darkness?