thinking bible.

You asked

beyond direct spiritual battle, what modern systems or ideologies might echo 'the evil one's' influence?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

1 John 5:19

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

This verse is from the closing remarks of the First Letter of John, likely written in the late 1st century CE. John is addressing a community facing internal divisions and external pressures, reassuring them of their identity in God amidst a world he perceives as deeply influenced by forces hostile to God's love and truth.

What aspects of our current world's systems or prevailing ideas seem to contradict or undermine the principles of love, truth, and justice that this passage implies are 'of God'?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Ephesians 6:12

    Describes a struggle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in high places.

  • Matthew 6:13

    Part of the Lord's Prayer, asking for deliverance from 'the evil one' (or 'evil').

  • Revelation 12:9

    Identifies the 'great dragon' as the ancient serpent, Devil, or Satan, deceiving the whole world.

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