Hi All, new member here but long time podcast listener. Also, I did see the forum rules post regarding using the advanced search but I could not find a way to make it work on mobile – so my apologies if this thread already exists. 

I am curious about the evolution of the Christian antagonist character. For example, from what I’ve researched online, Lucifer (light bringer) predates Christianity by a lot and is part of a pair of deities, the other being called Noxifer (night bringer), and both represent the planet Venus since it can be seen on the horizon in the mornings and evenings, and thus represents cycles of rebirth, etc. How did this well-respected and prevalent deity become the Christian antagonist? There are plenty of other more devious deities to choose from. Maybe Lucifer (and/or Noxifer) could use a fresh look! 

As a practicing Pagan who has a deep interest in Christianity and Christo-pagan spirituality, I want to learn more about how Christianity changed how existing deities were viewed. Many modern Pagans connect to a range of deities (and some believe they are supernatural beings, some believe they are egregores, some believe they are energy, etc). I’m not asking the question to create a reconstructionist approach to ancient religion, just to learn more about how Lucifer was seen socially, religiously, and how that changed over time. NOTE: This has nothing to do with Satan-worship! Pagans generally venerate nature and natural forces that pre-date Christianity. 

Thanks all!