Testify of Satan

I believe very strongly in freedom and in the power of the human soul. I thought most religious people believed in this as well, but I find that whenever I speak to the more devout about freedom of choice, they conversation reaches a point where they start testifying about Satan.

It's an interesting thing. I spent a half hour in Church listening to some old guy go on and on about how Satan is trying to get all of us and drag us down to be miserable with him. You know who I think he is...

He's a tool of religious zealots and a great reason for giving up your individual responsibility. I wrote a post a long time ago about the chemical effects of fear on the brain. Basically it shuts down any logical thinking and triggers a fight or flight response. A friend of mine refers to this principle as the invisible tiger. Religious leaders convince their followers of this invisible tiger and can then talk them into everything from flying plains into buildings to thinking that playing X-box games will send you to hell.

I gave up Satan a few years ago. It's tricky at first because the constant fear does cause a chemical addiction that takes a bit to get over. Interestingly enough, since realizing that he doesn't exist, I've been much happier and in control of my life. I also appear to be thinking logically and clearly, more so than I ever have in my life.

"But wait, you're not supposed to be happy, don't you know that's what Satan wants? He makes it look like happiness, but inside you must be miserable. Repent, and be miserable like the rest of us, because he's got you on a slippery slope straight to hell. He's real, he's powerful and he's wise and cunning."

To which I say... BULLCRAP!!!