Friday, February 13, 2015

Should Satan Be Part of Evangelism and Early Discipleship?


(UPDATED) The Devil is too distracting at baptisms, major denomination decides.

Update (Feb. 13, 2015): Yesterday's vote made it official: Parents and godparents will no longer have to promise to "reject the Devil and all rebellion against God" at baptisms in the United Kingdom's largest denomination, and will instead pledge to "turn away from sin" and "reject evil."

Mark Burnett's Son of God film dropped Satan scenes to prevent viewers from focusing on him instead of Christ. Most Christians may not miss him: A 2009 poll found that nearly 60 percent of U.S. Christians view the Devil as only a symbolic character.

We asked experts whether Satan should be part of evangelism and early discipleship, or whether it's better to talk about evil and re-educate people on the devil later on. We're posting responses below on a spectrum, from those who think it's better to wait up top, and those who think Satan should be part of early discussions near the bottom of the article. Keep reading

Also see
Sin but no devil: Church of England debates its baptismal liturgy
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