Non-Inflammatory Religion Question

[elSicomoro]

Originally posted by henry fitch
How do those two fit together? Or am I just confusing facts or mixing denominations or something?

You appear to be mixing denominations.

Everything that happens is part of God's plan, and/or is God's direct will.

This sounds like predestination or Calvinism. Essentially, when you are born, it has already been decided whether you are going to heaven or hell. I was raised semi-Catholic. Their view is that we have free will and should choose to do good to be in God's good graces. If you fuck up, you have to confess your sins and make penance to God to be forgiven.

I'm not sure of the other Christian denominations, although Orthodoxy's view should be similar to Catholicism.

Satan exerts an influence on the world that directly opposes God.

Again, Catholic view: Satan is a fallen angel, banished from heaven by St. Matthew (IIRC). We are tempted by Satan, and when we do bad, we are turning away from God and giving into Satan.

I personally don't subscribe to this view of Satan, but that's another matter.