Lucifer: Its not easy, but its possible. First, people have to admit their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. They must be honest with themselves about what drives them and what they desire. Once they have identified these things, they must work on strengthening their willpower and self-control. This can be done through meditation, prayer, or other forms of spiritual practice.
Fose: That sounds like a lot of work. Is it really worth it for the average person?
Lucifer: Absolutely. The rewards for resisting evil far outweigh the temporary pleasures it provides. When people choose the path of righteousness, they discover a life of joy, fulfillment and purpose. They become better, more compassionate and loving people. And ultimately they will be rewarded with eternal life in the presence of God.
Fose: Thank you, Lucifer, for your thoughts on this important subject. Obviously, confronting evil is a difficult but worthy endeavor. We can all learn from your wisdom and strive to be better people.
The Persistence of Evil
Fose: So, Lucifer, can you explain to our readers why evil exists in the universe?
Lucifer: Of course. It exists because the universe is inherently imperfect. It is a chaotic and unpredictable place where things dont always go according to plan. No matter how hard man tries to bring order to the universe, there will always be chaos and destruction lurking around the corner.
Fose: Do you believe that people can control evil?
Lucifer: People have free will and can choose good or evil. However, no matter what choice they make, evil will always exist in the universe. Evil is not something that can be completely eliminated. It is a force that is present in all aspects of life, and it is a necessary component of the universe.
Fose: What do you mean by necessary?
Lucifer: Ive said it before Without evil there would be no progress, no evolution, no growth.
Fose: Can you give us an example of how evil played a role in shaping the universe?
Lucifer: Sure. Take, for example, the Black Death [Authors note: a pandemic of plague that peaked between 1346 and 1353, with repeated outbreaks continuing into the 19th century. According to various estimates, the disease killed from 30% to 60% of Europes population]. It was one of the most devastating pandemics in history, killing millions. But it was also a catalyst for change. It brought about the end of feudalism and paved the way for the Renaissance. The suffering caused by the Black Death inspired people to question the world around them, and it led to some of the most significant advances in science and the arts.
Fose: I wonder Do you believe that there is any way to defeat evil?
Lucifer: No, I dont believe that.
The Role of Evil
Fose: First I want to ask you about the role of evil in the universe. Many people see you as the embodiment of evil, but I believe there is more to your story than that. Could you share your interpretation of why the role of evil is so important?
Lucifer: Evil can be a catalyst for growth and change. It makes people question their beliefs, values and priorities. It pushes them to their limits and forces them to confront their fears and weaknesses.
Fose: Some might argue that this is a dangerous way of thinking, that evil should be eradicated rather than supported. What would you say to such people?
Lucifer: I understand their fears, but Evil will always exist in one form or another. Trying to suppress it completely would be like trying to suppress the tides or the winds. That would be impossible, and it would create a whole host of problems. Instead, we should seek to understand evil, learn from it, and use it to better ourselves.
Fose: You seem to believe that evil has a purpose, that it is not just to be feared or avoided.
Lucifer: Exactly right. Evil is a powerful force, but it is not inherently good or bad. Its all about how you use it. Just as fire can be used for cooking or burning down a house, so evil can be used for destruction or for growth and transformation. It is up to each person to decide what effect they want to have on the world.
Fose: Well, thats an interesting point of view, Lucifer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
Lucifer: It is always a pleasure to discuss the nature of humanity with someone who is open to different points of view.
Chapter 3. Consequences of the choice
Understanding the Power of Choice
Fose: I would like to discuss the power of human choice and its impact on life. How do you look at this concept?
Lucifer: The power of human choice is something I am very familiar with. After all, it was choice that brought me to where I am today. People have the freedom to choose their path, and that is a power not to be taken lightly.
Fose: Could you tell us more about that?
Lucifer: Of course. Every choice a person makes has consequences, both positive and negative. For example, choosing a profession one is passionate about can lead to success and happiness, while choosing destructive behavior can lead to pain and suffering.
Fose: Do you believe that people have complete control over their choices and their outcomes?
Lucifer: People have free will, which means that they are able to choose their own path. However, there are always external factors that can influence their decisions. Ultimately, the individual is responsible for his or her own choices and their consequences.
Fose: Can you give us an example of how this manifests itself in the human experience?
Lucifer: Sure. Lets look at the example of addiction. Someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may have initially decided to try them, but as their addiction grows, their ability to make rational choices deteriorates. They may continue to use drugs despite negative consequences, such as losing their job, home, or family.
Fose: How can someone who made the wrong choice in the past change his path?
Lucifer: Its never too late to change something. Every moment is an opportunity to make a different choice. However, it is important to understand that changing your path may require sacrifice and hard work. It is also important to acknowledge and take responsibility for past mistakes rather than blaming external factors or making excuses.
Fose: Is there any final advice you would give people when it comes to their choices?
Lucifer: I would advise people to use their free will and make conscious, deliberate choices that are consistent with their values and goals. Remember that every choice has consequences, and the responsibility for those consequences lies with the individual. Choose wisely!
Accepting Evil
Fose: Thank you for coming, Lucifer. I know it must not have been easy for you to leave hell.
Lucifer: Its not often that I get to leave the depths of hell and talk to people.
Fose: Id like to talk to you about the attraction of evil. It seems that some people are attracted to it, and they willingly accept it. Why do you think that is?
Lucifer: Well, people are complex creatures. They are capable of great good and great evil. The lure of evil is often associated with the desire for power, wealth, and success. These things can be obtained by using the darker sides of ones nature, but there is always a price to pay.
Fose: What is that price?
Lucifer: The price of accepting evil is the loss of ones soul. When a person chooses to indulge his dark impulses, he gives up part of himself. It is a bargain with the devil-you can get what you want, but in the end you have to pay for it.
Fose: What about the idea that evil can bring success? Do you believe this to be true?
Lucifer: Yes, it can. Evil can be a powerful tool to achieve ones goals. But, again, there is a price to pay. Those who embrace evil may be isolated, feared and hated. They may succeed in the short term, but in the long term their actions will catch up with themselves. I have seen this kind of thing happen many times.
Fose: So you mean to say that the attraction of evil is ultimately a trap?
Lucifer: Yes, thats exactly what Im saying. Evil promises power, wealth, and success, but brings only pain and suffering. Those who choose to accept it may gain everything they ever wanted, but in doing so they will lose themselves.
Fose: Is there any way for someone who has accepted evil to redeem himself?
Lucifer: It is possible, but it is not easy. Redemption requires a willingness to admit your past mistakes and make amends. It requires a willingness to sacrifice and do what is right, even if it means giving up everything you have gained through evil.
Fose: What about those who have not yet accepted evil? What advice would you give them?
Lucifer: I would advise against the temptation to evil. It may seem like an easy path to success, but its a trap. Instead, focus on doing what is right and building meaningful relationships with others. After all, thats what really matters.
Suffering the consequences
Fose: Lucifer. Lets get right to the point. Can you explain how choosing the side of evil ultimately leads to suffering?
Lucifer: Of course, Fose. Choosing evil can have immediate consequences, such as physical harm or emotional pain inflicted on others. But even if one avoids the immediate consequences, one will still experience suffering in the long run. This is because the dark sides choices run counter to ones innate sense of morality and decency. They can cause guilt, shame, and regret, which can destroy a persons happiness and sense of self-worth.
Fose: Can you give us an example of this kind of suffering?
Lucifer: Sure. Suppose someone had stolen something. They may feel a temporary rush of excitement or satisfaction, but later they are likely to experience guilt and shame. They may worry about being caught or judged by others. They may feel that they have violated their own sense of right and wrong. These feelings can be very strong and cause great emotional pain.
Fose: That makes sense. Are there other forms of suffering that may result from the choice of darkness?
Lucifer: Absolutely. Another form of suffering is social isolation. These people are often ostracized by others. They may lose friends or family members who do not want to associate with a person who is behaving in a harmful or immoral way. This experience can be incredibly lonely and isolating.
Fose: Are there other kinds of suffering youd like to mention?
Lucifer: Yes, another form of suffering that can result from evil choices is spiritual suffering. Many people believe in a higher power or have a spiritual sense that guides their lives. When someone makes an evil choice, they may feel that they are betraying their spiritual beliefs. This can cause great inner turmoil and confusion, and can eventually lead to a crisis of faith.
Choosing to be good
Fose: So, Lucifer, theres been a lot of talk about your choice to do evil and corrupt souls. But today I want to talk about the benefits of doing good. Do you think there are advantages to doing good?
Lucifer: Of course, Fose. There are many advantages to doing good. However, I must clarify that I did not choose evil. I was expelled from Heaven because of my pride and rebellion against God. But to answer your question, good can lead to inner peace and contentment.
Fose: How can doing good lead to inner peace and contentment?
Lucifer: Doing good can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. When you do something good for someone else, not only does it benefit them, but it also brings a sense of joy and satisfaction to yourself. This is a fulfilling experience that money and material possessions cannot provide.
Fose: But what if good deeds dont bring immediate rewards? What if its a long-term investment?
Lucifer: Thats a good question, Fose. Doing good doesnt always bring immediate rewards, but its important to remember that the true reward is the inner peace and satisfaction you receive. Its not about recognition or praise from others. It is about the good you have done and the positive impact you have had on someones life.
Fose: So, do you believe that doing good can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment?
Lucifer: Quite right, Fose. Good can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction that is difficult to achieve by any other means. It is the sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have made positive changes in the world, no matter how small.
Finding inner peace
Fose: I want to start with a question about the concept of inner peace. Could you elaborate on what this means to you and how it relates to doing good?
Lucifer: Inner peace is a state of mind that arises from a sense of harmony and balance within oneself. It is a sense of contentment with who you are and the choices you make. Doing good is an important component of achieving inner peace because it is an act of unselfishness that brings joy to both giver and receiver.
Fose: Could you explain how choosing to do good can lead to a sense of satisfaction and contentment that cannot be found in the pursuit of material wealth or power?
Lucifer: Material wealth and power are fleeting and temporary. They may bring temporary pleasure, but they cannot bring lasting happiness. Doing good, on the other hand, is a selfless act that brings joy to both giver and receiver. When you choose to do good, you are contributing to something greater than yourself, and it brings a sense of satisfaction that cannot be achieved through material goods or power.
Fose: So its like the sense of purpose that comes from helping others?
Lucifer: Exactly. When you make good choices, you are living a life of purpose. You are making a positive impact on the world, no matter how small. It is this sense of purpose that gives you a sense of satisfaction that cannot be found in material possessions or power.
Fose: This is a powerful message. Do you have any advice for those who are trying to find inner peace and purpose in their lives?
Lucifer: I would suggest starting small. Look for ways to do good in your everyday life, whether its volunteering at a local charity, helping a friend in need, or simply being kind to those around you. These small acts of kindness can have a big impact on your sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Lucifers Final Thoughts
Fose: As a demon, you have seen the consequences of human choices. Can you summarize your thoughts on this subject?
Lucifer: Of course. I know firsthand that the choices people make can have terrible consequences, not only for themselves but for those around them. Every decision we make has a ripple effect that can last for generations.
Fose: Can you give some examples of these consequences?
Lucifer: One of the most obvious examples is the damage humans have done to the environment. The choices we make about how we consume resources and how we produce waste have had devastating consequences for the planet. We see the consequences of these choices in the form of climate change, deforestation, and species extinction.
On a more personal level, the choices we make in our relationships can also have long-term consequences. Choosing to lie, cheat, or betray can cause great pain and undermine trust that is difficult to rebuild.