Asking permission Quote by Rick Lawrence
““Dare 2 Share founder Greg Stier says: “Satan is not a fatalist—he does not easily give in to ‘the facts on the ground.’ He retains his intelligence, but he’s growing more and more insane, like Hitler toward the end of his life.”12 That insanity is on display in Satan’s encounter with Jesus, when he demands (the Greek word is exaiteo, which means “to ask for with emphasis and with implication of having a right to do so”) the permission to “sift” Peter and the disciples. Embedded in the request is an oxymoron—the “demand” comes from someone who’s reduced to asking permission.””
About This Quote
Source Podcast interview: Dare 2 Share, 2021
Satan's defiance illustrates how intellect can coexist with madness, challenging assumptions about evil.
In simple terms: Intelligence doesn't prevent insanity.
Key Takeaway
Question the link between rationality and morality.
Themes
evil
intelligence
madness
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious debate
- ethical analysis
- mental health
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can rational thought excuse harmful behavior?
- How do we differentiate evil from madness?
A Different Perspective
Intelligence alone can't justify actions; moral agency matters.
![“William Paul Young, author of The Shack, was asked by a LifeTree Café interviewer: What is God’s role in suffering? Young responded: [The question is,] how can there be a good God who has the power to stop evil and doesn’t[?] [T]here [are] a lot of ways to come at that question. One of the ways…” quote by Rick Lawrence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/10d/rick-lawrence-43735_books_william-paul-young-author-of-the-shack-w_2744130.jpg)
