Question concerning Satan and evil

[A4B4]

I read an article "Does Judaism Believe in Satan?" at http://www.beingjewish.com/basics/satan.html, and I'm curious what most Jews think of it.

It's basically saying that there is no Devil, but rather Satan--an angel of G-d commissioned to tempt us, so that we appreciate G-d's gift in the hereafter.

Do most Jews believe this? Or is this just the belief of this particular author?

Thanks in advance,
A4B4

 

[NoahideHiker]

That's the general belief. Satan is G-d's court prosecutor. He can only tempt us to the limits that G-d sets before him. Think of him as our spiritual drill Sargent. What type of physical shape would a soldier be in if his drill Sargent was Mr. Softy and olny made him do 5 push ups and run 1/4 mile a day? Would he be physically fit? No. If our soul is not stretched and exercised it will not be strong.

 

[zenzero]

Friend,
this may be difficult to understand but it has to be understood that the SATAN is none other than the individuals MINd and it is this MINd which is the barrier between the person and GOD.
Once the mind is quietend man is with god the individual is no more individual he becomes one with nature/god/existence.
Love & rgds

 

[NoahideHiker]

Somewhat true. We all have an evil inclination within us called the yetzer hara. This is the tool with which Ha Satan uses to tempt us.

 

[A4B4]

Thank you!

When you say this is a general belief, do you mean that all Jews generally believe it, or do most Jews fully believe it (with some who disagree, or at least have different understandings)?

Also, would it then be fair to say that life right here, right now is really a test--to prove our virtues and our integrity to ourselves? (Or possibly to G-d, but wouldn't He already know?)

 

[NoahideHiker]

Thank you!

When you say this is a general belief, do you mean that all Jews generally believe it, or do most Jews fully believe it (with some who disagree, or at least have different understandings)?

Also, would it then be fair to say that life right here, right now is really a test--to prove our virtues and our integrity to ourselves? (Or possibly to G-d, but wouldn't He already know?)

I would say it is a commonly held belief throughout the differing movements of Judaism.

I would say it is not a test. Life is a matter of soul correction and closeness to Hashem. The trials we face in life are opportunities for us to do the right thing and thereby purify our souls. Many people do not know it but Judaism does believe in soul transmigration where a soul is able to return to this world for further soul correction. Then when we have our final judgment our souls will already be corrected to a degree and the final purification will be lessened.