WND reports on ABC’s Satan debate:
Is Satan a religious fable, or an actual being wreaking havoc in the world?
The question was debated yesterday by four unusual suspects – one megachurch pastor, one former television preacher branded by some as a heretic, the alternative medicine guru Deepak Chopra and the founder of Hookers for Jesus – in a taped debate that will air on national television later this month.
The “heretic” is Carlton Pearson, once a member of the Pentecostal A-list but now a minister with the United Church of Christ, having adopted an inclusionist theology. The megachurch pastor is Mark Driscoll:
…The Satan discussion will be the latest in a series of “Face Off” debates created by ABC TV’s late-night news program, Nightline, and will air March 26.
…James Goldston, the show’s executive producer, told the Seattle Times, “We went for the most interesting voices we could find.”
Driscoll told the paper that the curious lineup – a diverse group of people outside the world of theology’s hallowed halls – helps ensure that “this is not just an academic debate but also a practical discourse.”
In fact, ABC has excluded any academic voice that might provide some sensible historical context. Where’s Elaine Pagels, author of The Origin of Satan? Or Henry Ansgar Kelly, author of Satan: A Biography? Even as a bit of worthless-but-fun sensationalism the debate fails, as ABC looks to me to have been too scared to bring on someone from the Church of Satan.
Meanwhile, the Sun has some actual evidence for us to ponder:
Satan’s footprints spotted in Devon
A BAFFLED gran told last night how she discovered the Devil’s footprints — in sleepy Devon.
…She said: “I couldn’t believe it — the footprints were in the shape of a cloven hoof. There were no other marks at all in the snow. I’d love to know what it was.”
Of course, though, it may just mean that Glen Jenvey keeps a pet goat.
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It’s true, Satan is everywhere…
Would any self-respecting academic agree to show up for this segment?
it is my impression (at least from the continent) that many serious academics are tired to undergo the futile exercise to discuss with these people … and why not invite a satanist, probably, Anton LaVey would have participated when still alive
It’s certainly futile discussing with these people, but it’s also a chance to educate the audience.