Doomsy said:
The idea or concept that there is such a thing or person as Satan does exist. The idea exists but it is only an idea. The written evidence shows that the idea of Satan exists but but because the idea exists does not mean that Satan exists. Ideas of all sorts exist in fictional literature but only while reading the book do you 'suspend disbelief' in for example Harry Potter until you close the book and get back to reality.
The idea of God also exists but the idea may not be true. As with all written evidence you have to examine where it comes from and who wrote it. The oldest sources are in the Bible Old Testament and the other religious books which come from the same source.
These books were written by self-styled 'prophets' who had the aim of recording the history of their tribes and keeping their people in line in religious terms. They had the 'idea' of God and also referred to the idea of Satan. They also refer to 'false gods' like Baal that they wanted their tribes to avoid. The idea of Baal did not make them believe in him/it. Belief is at the basis of all religious ideas. The prophets may to a greater or lesser extent have believed in God but in any case they would need to make sure that their 'flock' continued this belief system because it held together the tribes as they travelled around.
I don't see any reason why I, in my tribe at a different location on the planet and in a different millenium should adopt the belief systems of the above described ancient tribes.
Hocus
