Exploring Divine Power, Evil, and the Nature of the Ego

Introduction

The question of how an omnipotent God could permit the existence of Satan—or evil itself—has preoccupied theologians, philosophers, mystics, and lay thinkers for centuries. Is Satan an independent entity, an adversary permitted within the divine order? Or is “Satan” a metaphor for the human ego, a shadow cast by the light of free will? In seeking answers, we traverse scriptural traditions, philosophical arguments, and psychological interpretations, each offering its own lens on the mystery of evil in the presence of absolute power.

Omnipotence and the Problem of Evil

Omnipotence, the quality of being all-powerful, is ascribed to the divine in many faiths, most notably in monotheistic religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. An omnipotent being can, in theory, do anything—create worlds, alter destinies, and eradicate evil. Yet the world remains touched by suffering, conflict, and temptation. This tension forms the crux of the “problem of evil,” a dilemma captured by the ancient philosopher Epicurus:

• If God is willing to prevent evil, but not able, then God is not omnipotent.
• If God is able, but not willing, then God is malevolent.
• If God is both able and willing, then whence evil?
• If God is neither able nor willing, then why call God God?

The existence of Satan, often depicted as the personification of evil, sharpens this paradox. If God is all-powerful and all-good, why would God allow the rise of such an adversary?

Theological Perspectives on Satan

Traditional Christian Views

Within Christian tradition, Satan is described as a fallen angel—a creature originally created good, who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. The narrative, found in texts like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation, presents Satan as an independent, malevolent intelligence whose purpose is to tempt, deceive, and oppose the divine order.

But why would God create or tolerate Satan? Some theologians argue that God allows Satan to exist as a test or catalyst, enabling creatures to exercise free will. The freedom to choose between good and evil is, in this view, an essential part of spiritual growth. Without the possibility of temptation, virtue would be meaningless; morality, a mere mechanism.

Islamic Views

In Islam, Iblis (often equated with Satan) is similarly depicted as a rebellious jinn who refuses to bow to Adam, thus earning divine wrath. Like Christianity, Islam frames Iblis not as an equal to God but as a creature whose existence serves a purpose—namely, to challenge humanity and clarify the distinction between right and wrong.

Jewish Perspectives

Judaism’s portrayal of Satan is more nuanced. The term “satan” in Hebrew means “accuser” or “adversary,” and in several Old Testament stories, Satan functions less as an evil overlord and more as a sort of prosecuting attorney in God’s cosmic court. Here, Satan is not so much an enemy of God as an agent who tests and challenges, ultimately serving the divine plan.

Philosophical Interpretations

Free Will and the Necessity of Evil

Many philosophers assert that for free will to exist, there must be genuine alternatives; there must be good and evil. God, according to this logic, does not will evil but permits it for the sake of freedom. In this context, Satan’s existence is not a contradiction of God’s omnipotence but a condition of a world in which choices—and therefore growth, love, and virtue—are possible.

Augustine and the Privation Theory

Saint Augustine, one of Christianity’s greatest thinkers, proposed that evil is not a substance but a privation—a lack of good, a distortion of creation. Satan, then, is not a rival power but a being who has turned away from the fullness of goodness. God’s omnipotence remains intact, for evil is not something God created, but something permitted as a consequence of free will.

Modern Psychological Interpretations: Satan as Ego

Beyond religious traditions, modern thinkers often view Satan as a metaphor—a symbol of the lower self, the ego, or the “shadow” in Jungian psychology. In this reading, the battle between God and Satan plays out within each individual. The ego, consumed by pride, selfishness, and illusion, becomes the adversary to the divine spark within. Temptation, struggle, and redemption are not cosmic events but intimate dramas enacted in the human soul.

Is Satan Really Our Own Ego?

Many mystics and spiritual teachers interpret “Satan” not as an external being but as an archetype for the inner adversary—the ego that separates itself from unity, love, and selflessness. In Buddhist terms, this is the “illusion of self,” the source of suffering and ignorance. In Christian mysticism, it may be the “old Adam,” the fallen nature seeking autonomy from God.

In this view, the story of Satan is a mirror, reflecting humanity’s own capacity for pride, rebellion, and alienation. The journey toward spiritual awakening requires confrontation with these aspects of self—a descent into shadow, followed by transformation and integration. Redemption lies not in destroying an external devil, but in transcending the limitations and illusions of the ego.

Reconciling Omnipotence and the Existence of Evil

How, then, can we reconcile the omnipotence of God with the existence of Satan—be it cosmic or psychological? Several possible resolutions emerge:

• The Mystery of Divine Wisdom: Perhaps there are dimensions of purpose and wisdom beyond human comprehension, in which apparent contradictions dissolve.
• The Primacy of Free Will: If love is to be real, it must be freely chosen; if virtue is to emerge, it must overcome genuine challenge.
• The Nonduality of Good and Evil: Some mystical traditions suggest that good and evil are not absolute opposites but relative distinctions, ultimately subsumed within the greater unity of the divine.
• The Symbolic Nature of Satan: As a metaphor for the ego, the story of Satan invites us to turn inward and confront our own capacity for deception, alienation, and transformation.

Conclusion

The question of how an omnipotent God can permit the existence of Satan probes the deepest mysteries of existence, freedom, and the human condition. Whether regarded as an independent adversary, a necessary part of spiritual growth, or a metaphor for the ego, Satan’s presence invites reflection on the nature of good, evil, and the path toward wholeness. In every tradition, the challenge remains: to choose wisely, to seek truth, and to transcend the narrow confines of self, moving ever closer to the divine.

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NORMAN R. VAN ETTEN