My understanding is that god gave man greater importance than the angels. The idea bruised Lucifer's ego. It didn't think much of us. Also, I believe there was/is at play some sibling rivalry--jealousy.
There is, Bowser, an Islamic tale that nearly echoes your sentiment. The primary difference is that it exonerates the Devil even more-so than most stories; essentially, that the angels were ordered to bow before nobody but Allah. Then Allah turned around and demanded that the angels bow to Adam. By this telling, Satan's fall revolves around a mere point of policy: unquestioning obedience or unquestioning defiance--it is not the Devil's problem, as such, if God cannot instruct clearly. Satan was not, by that tale, insubordinate. Merely, he failed to scream, "How low?" when God said, "Bow."
Because of man and God's love for man, Lucifer was codemned to Hell. He's hates us, I guess. His desire is to draw us away from God--deception.
Deception: If we discount the partisan declarations made by generations of Devil-fearing Christians and look at what is recorded in the basis of that faith, Satan's role as a deceiver is not apparent.
Furthermore,
Lucifer, as such, is merely the Christian form of the Devil. It's one of the reasons we have so many confusing names for the Devil--to cut down on confusion. After all, did not a satan stop ... I forget the gentleman's name, and then rebuke him for beating his ass? It's an OT story, one I'll have to dig up. But the point is that the satan was not that big a deal until Christians showed up.
I would also mention, at this point, Elaine Pagels'
The Origin of Satan (recent, though the vital info escapes me; will fill in later), which documents the development of the Christian
Satan from a myriad of ideas, including the Judaic
satan. It would appear, based on considerations of the age, inconsistencies 'twixt the synoptic Gospels, and the whole of Western history thenceforth, that Satan, as we have come to know and love him, is a mere propaganda crock.
Remember that if the Devil is not redeemed, God's love and forgiveness are not limitless. If the Devil is not redeemed, it means that he exists outside of God's will, and thus governs regions of the Universe
not subject to God's authority.
On the other hand, if the Devil's to be redeemed, it makes the whole thing pointless, eh?
Bowser mentioned something about ignorance. If I add in apathy and a dash of history, we now have the recipe for superstition.
And this, dear Shana, is what I submit to you that the Devil is: mere superstition.
Don't get me wrong, though. As a literary archetype, Satan's way out on the solar rim with the really cool ones. I mean, look at what Satan has spawned: literature, philosophy, even commerce. It's hardly the icon's fault if a bunch of people need something abstract to fear. It's hardly the icon's fault if those fear-laden people make the icon come true.
As Devils go, generally, I'm less a fan of the battle lines drawn in the Christo-Satanic split. To respect those battle lines at all indicates that the fight isn't worth it. But, considering that the historical machinations of early Christianity created this Devil, I suppose, means that those of the faith can tilt as many windmills as they want in the meantime. I, for one, figure the windmill-tilters
are the embodiment of that devilish spirit; the wake of death, dysfunction, dislocation, and destruction left in the path of righteousness is, truly, amazing. Thus my hope for all people of faith would be that they would shake off the silly superstitions that lead them to hurt other people.
The Devil is a powerful image used to accomplish many things. But in the end, 'tis merely speculation at best, superstition at worst.
thanx ...,
Tiassa
------------------
Let us not launch the boat until the ground is wet. (Khaavren of Castlerock)
