Why do we always portray the devil as having horns, a tail, and cloven hooves?

i don't think there's anything biblical about this. in fact, i'm fairly sure lucifer was a cherub. so why did we start drawing/painting him as a red guy with a moustache, a pitchfork, horns, a tail, and cloven hooves? does this image come from mythology?

Why do we always portray the devil as having horns, a tail, and cloven hooves?
The pagan god pan was used as a model for the devil to help convert pagans. He was a fawn.. horns and cloven hooves The forked tail is from the dragon or (worm). I'm not sure about the pitch fork but is probably something to do with Zeus's trident. The church loved to use other pagan gods in there representations of the devil. To help scare pagans to convert
Reply:the images you see are human imaginaation, here's what the 'bible says about him (2 Corinthians 11:12-15) 12 Now what I am doing I will still do, that I may cut off the pretext from those who are wanting a pretext for being found equal to us in the office of which they boast. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.








(Acts 20:29-30) . . .I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among YOU and will not treat the flock with tenderness, 30 and from among YOU yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves. . .





(Colossians 2:8) . . .Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry YOU off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ. . .
Reply:thats the cartoon version, of satan lol
Reply:It is man's way of painting evil as he sees it, yes Satan was a cherub and was a very beautiful one at that, he also stood in a very important spot in heaven.
Reply:Lucifer was an arcangel like Michael.





The reason he is shown with horns is to tear down pagan religions whose gods (Pan for example) had horns. The pitchfork is from greek gods etc





It is just an ancient smear campaign against pagans.





Lucifer is mentioned as the most beautiful angel of them all. Far from horns etc..
Reply:Yes it does, Pagan, probably. Like I said on another answer a few minute ago; the early Catholic church found it easier to introduce Christianity by not changing too much, practices that were already in place.
Reply:Demonize Pan
Reply:it's in the malleficus malleforum or witch hunters bible, also many other period books on deamonology--you think satan looks funky you should see the pics of astaroth
Reply:It comes from the Horned God of the Pagan religion Baphomet


I believe Wiki has a whole article on where it started.


and I just found it.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horned_God
Reply:Why did we start painting pictures of Cherubs?





The pictures of Angels are just to make it more pleasing, when in all reality, Holy things aren't that pretty....there are descriptions of what angels look like. But I forget what verses they are.
Reply:Drew, I wanted to answer your similar question about angels, but it was already closed.





Actually, I wanted to pose another question: Why do we always depict angels with wings at all. The ones who came to Lot were mistaken as men, and Daniel called Gabriel a man. I have heard of many angel sightings, and none had wings.





A pastor from Redding CA spoke of an angel sighting, and then called Bob Jones. After Kris described the situation, Bob asked Kris, "Was he buff, look like a Native American and have a very perturbed look on his face?" Kris answered "Yes" in astonishment, and Bob simply replied, "That was Gabriel."





As for why we depict the devil as having horns, a tail, and cloven hooves could be because of how he is described in revelation, but he is also described as transformed into an angel of light in II Cor 11:14.





p.s. Be sure to take another look at your question, "Should you leave her for her own sake?"



Nanny