
Re: My thoughts on Lucifer
Good observation Bradley, to that I'll add that while never an actual character, the term "Lucifer" was used to describe the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14:12-14. I think that places it somewhere near 700 BC.
Babylon is the nation which conquered the (southern?) kingdom of Isreal, Judah, and held them in captivity for 70 years, I think. They have consequently symbolized the antithesis of God's people, and the pinnacle of utter rebellion against God. The fact that it is observable in New Testament themes is not that remarkable.
However, Satan and the Devil are mentioned regularly throughout both the old and new testament and by Jesus and the prophets alike. The following link is a good reference if any of you are interested in further reading. It presents the argument that Satan/Devil are merely personifications of some activity. Satan is translated accuser, and devil is synonymous with sinful nature. There is no actual malicious spirit hunting our souls, according to this interpretation (which is theistic interestingly enough).
www.bbie.org/english/Stud...Satan.html