Deconstructing Lucifer: Reexamining the Ancient Origins of the Fallen Angel of Light

by David W. Lowe

Lucifer said "I will ascend into heaven..." Have you ever wondered where the story of the fall of Lucifer originated? Was Satan really once a beautiful heavenly angel named Lucifer? Did God cast Lucifer out of heaven because he was filled with pride? Did Satan lead an ancient rebellion of one third of the angels against God? DECONSTRUCTING LUCIFER delves deep into the history of the story of Lucifer to answer these and many other questions about Satan and his origins. Investigate the earliest sources in order to determine who was responsible for the story of Lucifer and its ultimate adoption as a mainstream teaching. Hebrew, Greek, and Latin word studies will serve to illuminate the relevant passages of scripture for you, uncovering their proper meaning. In the end, you will be equipped with answers to the toughest questions about the origin of Satan, the source of evil in the world, and the sovereignty of God in allowing them to exist.

200 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2011

Reviews

[Lee Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucifer. The mere mention of his name sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it? Who is this evil angel of light, this beautiful but disobedient “son of God” who fell from glory?

He’s not who you think. First, David Lowe digs up the origin of the proper name Lucifer. He gives a solid argument for rejecting the idea that Isaiah 14:12-15 (the Lucifer passage) refers to Satan. He provides a hilarious discussion of the absurdity of thinking Ezekiel chapter 28 alludes to Satan as the “anointed cherub.” He leads us on an interesting quest to find the earliest references to the idea that Satan is a primordial fallen angel. It turns out to be post-Biblical; the Catholic Church screwed up this time. Then, he reconstructs Satan from Biblical passages (and a little help from the Book of the Watchers in 1 Enoch—Lowe feels that Jude’s reference to this ancient book in verses 14-15 lends it authority) to determine who the old snake really is.

So what do you think? If Satan is not Lucifer, the fallen angel, then who the devil is he? I’m not going to steal Lowe’s thunder, but I will give you a couple hints:

1. Lowe is a conservative Christian who appears to embrace the inerrancy of Scripture. His argument for Satan’s identity and role derives completely from the Bible.

2. You can ignore all those recent books I’ve been reviewing about the Problem of Evil. Oh, it’s still a problem alright, but not the way you thought.

So how do I rate the book? There are a few problems. One is that I’m hardly conservative, so the whole exercise was more academic than meaningful to me. Second, I found the ending a little anticlimactic after the buildup. Finally, I felt more than a little annoyed at Lowe’s digs at the Catholic Church as a tool of the Devil. Yet I so enjoyed the first 130 pages that I decided to stick with a five-star rating. Lowe has done his homework.

** ** **

Side note: While hardly the in-depth analysis that Lowe provides, and while we differ in opinion on some minor details, this short three-part series posted last October might whet your appetite on the topic before moving on to Lowe’s book:

http://www.dubiousdisciple.com/2012/1...

http://www.dubiousdisciple.com/2012/1...

http://www.dubiousdisciple.com/2012/1...

[Johann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned Something New

The author does a great job of explaining, with Scriptural references throughout, of how certain scriptures have been interpreted incorrectly and now has become a traditional doctrine in the Church.
This was great to follow the author's line of thinking and research and does a great job at exposing a doctrine that actually is very misleading, not only for believers, but for the people we talk to who have very sincere questions concerning our Faith.
Highly recommend!!

[Ricky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in some aspects, and disappointing in others

I disagree with some ideas about Satan having been created to do evil. I would say that that is my main point of contention.
However, the historical breakdown is very impressive etymologically! If you’re interested in the etymology of the linguistic construct around “Lucifer,” the first half of this book is EXCELLENT.

[C A Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study into this topic.

[Jeff McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, having never taken such a deep look into the history of "Lucifer" as far as where the term and back story came from. I knew bits and pieces of some of the translational issues, but not as much about it as presented here. The author makes a compelling case to show that not only is Lucifer not a valid English name, but it comes from an original word that is not even speaking of a proper noun to begin with.

Once we understand the history of the name, we can see how easy it is to throw off the traditional understanding of the origin of the name, and from there, begin to peel away the misapplication of verses that many use in an attempt to make up the story of his fall and history.

With all of that fantasy myth removed, we are left with only direct verses speaking of the devil and the satan, and from there we can compile a better understanding of the entity and work of this being, without all of the baggage of the misapplied material.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I greatly appreciated the depth and completeness of Mr. Lowe's research; especially the possible differences caused by centuries of biblical translations. I read this book as part of my research for my novel, and I am glad that I did. However, the entirety of the book is obviously and unapologetically Christian. If a reader or researcher were looking for a broader, more inclusive investigation into the origins of Satan/Lucifer, that respected all the world's religions and cultures, this book would only scratch the surface. Being Christian though, I imagine the author would not give credence to any other culture or religion believing them all to be among the damned. This perspective is his to have and did make the final chapter wildly funny.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking

the author caused me to question all I had ever learned about this subject. I enjoy reads that make think and question the norm.

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF