Satan and Demons
For most of my childhood and adolescence, I didn’t understand who or how Satan worked. I always sort of believed the cartoon idea that Jesus and Satan were on each of my shoulders battling it out and one day, Jesus would finish him off. In my head, they were kind of like Power Rangers. They always fight and the bad guy would lose, but he never really died so he would be back for more.
That was until I got to college and got a real biblical understanding of Satan, demons, and the spiritual world around us. I think there is a lot of folklore in our knowledge of this, and I feel like this quote from C.S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters, is helpful.
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
Lewis’ words are wise. Satan and demons are real. To not believe in them is foolish and can actually be harmful to you. To obsess on it and to go out of your way to look for demons is also not a wise idea. Below are several resources and articles I feel are helpful in the discussion of Satan and Demons. I added a little bit of commentary on each one to give you an idea of what you can expect. As you learn more about Satan and Demons, you grow in your confidence in Christ, who is the victor over sin and death. And as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 2:11, it is wise that we study this “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.”
Satan and Demons by The Bible Project
This 6-minute video gives you a good summary of the origins of Satan and demons. The animation is stunning, but the content is even better.
The Satan and Demons Question and Response – BibleProject
The same people who made the previous video did a 47-minute Q&A addressing some of the most challenging questions regarding Satan and Demons.
Southside Rabbi Podcast: Satanic Panic – Signs & Symbols
I love the Southside Rabbi Podcast. It is entertaining but also really informative and educational. KB and Ameen talk about satanic symbols and pagan imagery and how the demonic works in our lives. (Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you want an audio version.)
Against the Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan, and Demons by Graham A. Cole
Against the Darkness is a solid book on the study of Angels & Demons with helpful information on what this means practically.
Satan and Demons by The Gospel Coalition
The Gospel Coalition created an excellent essay looking over the Old and New Testaments about Satan and Demons.
The Screwtape Letters
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a classic masterpiece of religious satire that entertains readers with an ironic portrayal of human life from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to Satan. It is comical, shockingly profound, and one of a kind. Though it is a work of fiction, it portrays how spiritual warfare works and how we are tempted to sin authentically. It is one of my favorite works by C.S. Lewis.
The Fall of Satan & the Victory of Christ by John Piper Sermon
John Piper preached an inspiring message about the fall of Satan and Jesus’ victory over him.
Where Is Satan Most Visibly Active Today
This audio from an “Ask Pastor John” podcast answers the question of where Satan’s influence is mostly seen today.