“Satan, the leader or dictator of devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
Quote
“Satan, the leader or dictator of devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael.”
Explanation
In this statement, C. S. Lewis draws a distinction between the nature of Satan and God, suggesting that Satan’s true opposite is not God, but rather the archangel Michael. This idea is rooted in Lewis’s Christian theology, where he views God as the ultimate good and Satan, while evil, is still a created being who rebels against divine order. Michael, as a faithful servant of God and leader of the heavenly host, represents obedience and purity, whereas Satan, originally an angel, represents rebellion and corruption. Therefore, their opposition lies in their roles within the cosmic battle of good versus evil, with Satan’s actions directly opposing the order and justice that Michael stands for.
Historically, Lewis’s views were shaped by traditional Christian theology, where the ultimate conflict in the universe is often framed as a struggle between God and Satan. However, in this quote, Lewis emphasizes that Satan’s position is not equal to that of God, but more akin to a distorted reflection of God’s original order, in much the same way that Satan’s rebellion is a perversion of Michael’s role. This idea challenges the typical duality between God and Satan, suggesting that Satan, as a fallen being, is ultimately not as powerful or eternal as God, but rather a corrupt counterpart to Michael’s goodness.
In modern contexts, this quote can be applied to the idea of leadership and moral authority. In a world where moral and spiritual leadership is often contested, Lewis’s assertion invites us to reflect on the nature of true authority. Just as Michael is the opposite of Satan in the spiritual realm, in our lives, we might find that true leadership is often about service, righteousness, and obedience to higher principles—not about dictating or imposing power through force. This understanding can shape how we view leadership in both religious and secular contexts, emphasizing that true authority comes from aligning oneself with higher moral truths, not from seeking to dominate or control.
