Do other gods exist in Christianity?

[jgh7]

God commands to worship no other gods besides Him. Is this because no other gods exist? Or is it because those other gods do exist and are evil?

As far as I'm aware, besides God and the angels there's just fallen angels and demons and the devil (and I'm not sure if fallen angels are the same as demons). But do gods like Baal and Ashtoreth exist or are they completely made up? If they do exist, are they actually just particular demons or maybe Satan impersonating these gods?

[JehovahsWitness]

[Replying to post 1 by jgh7]

The word "god" in the bible is just a general term, its generic and can biblically (and legitimately) apply to anyone or anything that exercises a degree of power, whether that one be real (exists) or imaginary.

But do gods like Baal and Ashtoreth exist or are they completely made up? If they do exist, are they actually just particular demons or maybe Satan impersonating these gods?

Probably completely made up.

If they do exist, are they actually just particular demons or maybe Satan impersonating these gods?

The demons impersonate all kinds of people, dead parents with the number of life insurance policy, the virgin Mary wearing a white robe and a blue sash, saints, friends, probably even Elvis... I doubt if any ancient religion got started without it adherents or proponents being involved in some demonic input (with or without their knowledge). The whole point is to make people believe that spiritism is harmless and/or there are "white witches" and "good spirits" and that their religious supernatural experiences are valid encounters with the Creator.

Demons must fall over laughing at how vulnerable humans are.


JW

[Wootah]

Completely made up ... by demons.

Other gods do exist. Each persons god is their treasure, where their heart is. But things like trees rocks family money all exist and have been gods for many people.

[dio9]

[Replying to post 1 by jgh7]

interestingly the catholic pantheon of saints fulfills the need for intercessenary's with God Father savior and Mother.

[Tcg]

Completely made up ... by demons.

That's an interesting claim. Who then made up the demons?

[dio9]

[Replying to post 5 by Tcg]

Perhaps the pagan gods and goddesses were labeled by the Hebraic and Christian writers as demons.

[Tcg]

[Replying to post 5 by Tcg]

Perhaps the pagan gods and goddesses were labeled by the Hebraic and Christian writers as demons.

If by the Hebraic writers, are you referring to those who wrote the Old Testament? If so, is there any mention of demons in the OT? It seems to be a purely New Testament concept.

[brianbbs67]

[Replying to post 5 by Tcg]

Perhaps the pagan gods and goddesses were labeled by the Hebraic and Christian writers as demons.

If by the Hebraic writers, are you referring to those who wrote the Old Testament? If so, is there any mention of demons in the OT? It seems to be a purely New Testament concept.

Deut. 32:17 They sacrificed to demons, no-gods, Gods they had never known, new ones who came but lately, Who stirred not your fathers' fears.

So, yes made up, but seem to be seized upon by the Adversary and the fallen and used. No less dangerous. Evil is real and is against us.

[Tcg]

[Replying to post 5 by Tcg]

Perhaps the pagan gods and goddesses were labeled by the Hebraic and Christian writers as demons.

If by the Hebraic writers, are you referring to those who wrote the Old Testament? If so, is there any mention of demons in the OT? It seems to be a purely New Testament concept.

Deut. 32:17 They sacrificed to demons, no-gods, Gods they had never known, new ones who came but lately, Who stirred not your fathers' fears.

Thanks for pointing this out. Of course some versions I've referenced refer to "false gods" not "demons". The NT teaches that demons are fallen angels. I wonder if the Hebrew here matches that idea. Is the idea of fallen angels taught in the OT?

So, yes made up, but seem to be seized upon by the Adversary and the fallen and used. No less dangerous. Evil is real and is against us.

This is a different issue.

[ttruscott]

God commands to worship no other gods besides Him. Is this because no other gods exist? Or is it because those other gods do exist and are evil?

As far as I'm aware, besides God and the angels there's just fallen angels and demons and the devil (and I'm not sure if fallen angels are the same as demons). But do gods like Baal and Ashtoreth exist or are they completely made up? If they do exist, are they actually just particular demons or maybe Satan impersonating these gods?

I tend to think they exist and are fallen angels, not real gods.