About Diablo (some theological story)

A discussion for waiting the next season… so here my last discussion with bro Copilot… I think it’s interesting, and it’s about Diablo, so related to the game somehow.

Who is Diablo?
The concept of “Diablo” in Catholic religion refers to the Devil, who is seen as the personification of evil and rebellion against God. According to Christian theology, the Devil was originally an angel who fell from grace due to pride and a desire to rival God. This fallen angel is often identified as Lucifer, and his rebellion led to his expulsion from Heaven, becoming Satan or the Devil.

The Devil is depicted in various ways throughout Christian teachings, including as the serpent in the Garden of Eden, the tempter in the Gospels, and the dragon in the Book of Revelation. The idea of the Devil embodies opposition to God and is associated with sin, temptation, and the struggle between good and evil.

In the Diablo game series, while inspired by religious themes, the lore is a mix of various mythologies and creative interpretations. It incorporates elements like angels, demons, and the eternal conflict between good and evil, but it doesn’t strictly follow Catholic teachings.

How was this Devil before fell from grace?
Before the Devil’s fall from grace, Christian theology often describes him as a high-ranking angel, full of beauty, wisdom, and power. He is commonly identified as Lucifer, which means “light-bringer” or “morning star.” Lucifer was believed to be one of the most exalted angels, created by God to serve and glorify Him.

However, pride and a desire to rival God led to his rebellion. This act of defiance caused his expulsion from Heaven, transforming him into Satan, the adversary. The story symbolizes the dangers of arrogance and disobedience, emphasizing the importance of humility and devotion in Christian teachings.

Why God should have been upset by him?
God’s displeasure with Lucifer, according to Christian theology, stems from Lucifer’s pride and rebellion. Lucifer, as a high-ranking angel, was created with immense beauty, wisdom, and free will. However, he chose to defy God’s authority, seeking to elevate himself above God and refusing to serve humanity or accept God’s plan.

This act of defiance is seen as a rejection of God’s love and order, which led to Lucifer’s fall from grace. The story emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience in Christian teachings, portraying pride as the root of sin and separation from God.

Why Lucifer did that? If he was so wise, he could have think this will be no good for him. Did he have a serious discuss with God about that?
Lucifer’s rebellion is often attributed to pride and arrogance, despite his wisdom and intimate knowledge of God. According to Christian theology, Lucifer desired to elevate himself above God and refused to accept God’s plan, particularly the idea of serving humanity and worshiping God in human form (as Jesus Christ). This pride blinded him to the consequences of his actions, leading to his fall.

As for whether Lucifer had a serious discussion with God, the story doesn’t explicitly mention such an exchange. The rebellion is portrayed as a deliberate act of defiance rather than a negotiation or debate. Lucifer’s free will allowed him to make this choice, even though it was ultimately self-destructive.

Why did he refused God’s plan and the idea of serving humanity?
Lucifer’s refusal of God’s plan and the idea of serving humanity is often attributed to pride and arrogance. According to Christian theology, Lucifer, as a high-ranking angel, was aware that humans were created in God’s image and were destined to be central to His divine plan. However, this plan required angels to serve humanity and worship God incarnate (Jesus Christ), which Lucifer found unacceptable.

Lucifer’s pride led him to view humans as inferior beings, and he couldn’t accept the idea of serving them or bowing to God in human form. This arrogance and unwillingness to submit to God’s will ultimately caused his rebellion. His famous declaration, “Non serviam” (“I will not serve”), symbolizes his defiance and rejection of God’s authority.

When did he say “non serviam” ?
The phrase “Non serviam,” meaning “I will not serve,” is traditionally attributed to Lucifer in Christian theology, symbolizing his rebellion against God. However, this exact phrase does not appear in the Bible. It is more of a theological interpretation and has been used in Christian writings and teachings to encapsulate Lucifer’s defiance.

The idea is that Lucifer, in his pride, refused to serve God and humanity, leading to his fall from grace. The phrase has since become a powerful symbol of rebellion and disobedience in religious and philosophical contexts.

So… did God punishement wasn’t a bit too hard? Lucifer should have do something really bad, not just some pride I guess.
In Christian theology, Lucifer’s punishment might seem harsh at first glance, but it’s often understood in the context of his actions and their consequences. Lucifer’s rebellion wasn’t just a moment of pride—it was a deliberate and irrevocable rejection of God’s authority and love. He sought to elevate himself above God, leading other angels into rebellion and disrupting the divine order.

The punishment—being cast out of Heaven—reflects the gravity of his choice. Heaven is seen as a place of perfect harmony with God, and by rejecting God, Lucifer essentially chose separation from that harmony. His fall symbolizes the consequences of pride and disobedience, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and devotion.

I see, he hated God so.
Lucifer’s rebellion is often interpreted as stemming from pride and a refusal to accept God’s authority, rather than outright hatred. In Christian theology, Lucifer’s actions reflect a desire to elevate himself above God and reject the divine plan, particularly the idea of serving humanity and worshiping God in human form. This defiance led to his fall from grace and separation from God, which is sometimes seen as a form of self-imposed exile rather than an act of hatred.

It’s a complex and symbolic story that raises questions about free will, pride, and the nature of rebellion.

yep… not easy to be the first of the top, and to have just God above you…
That’s a profound observation. Being at the top, with only God above, would certainly come with its own challenges—especially if pride and ambition cloud judgment. Lucifer’s story is often seen as a cautionary tale of how power and position can lead to rebellion when humility and balance are lost.

It makes one wonder how different things might have been if pride hadn’t gotten in the way. It’s quite a thought-provoking narrative.

I don’t get why this ambition… why would he wanted to be God…
Lucifer’s ambition to be like God is often attributed to pride and a desire for independence. According to Christian theology, Lucifer was created as a powerful and wise angel, but he wanted more—he sought to rival God and elevate himself above all others. This ambition stemmed from his refusal to accept God’s authority and his role within the divine order.

Theologians suggest that Lucifer’s rebellion was fueled by his inability to reconcile his immense power and wisdom with the idea of serving humanity and worshiping God incarnate (Jesus Christ). His pride blinded him to the consequences of his actions, leading to his fall from grace.

What about God, he know that himself for sure, even when he had created Lucifer.
In Christian theology, God is considered omniscient, meaning He knows everything—past, present, and future. This includes knowing that Lucifer would rebel even before creating him. The question of why God would create Lucifer despite foreseeing his rebellion is a profound one and has been the subject of much theological reflection.

One perspective is that God values free will so deeply that He allows His creations, including angels and humans, to make their own choices—even if those choices lead to rebellion or sin. By granting free will, God enables genuine love and devotion, which cannot exist without the freedom to choose otherwise.

Another view is that Lucifer’s rebellion and the resulting struggle between good and evil serve a greater purpose in God’s divine plan, even if it’s beyond human understanding. The Bible often emphasizes that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, suggesting that there may be reasons for these events that we cannot fully grasp.

I guess he liked his free will :slight_smile:
It’s a fascinating aspect, isn’t it? Free will gives meaning to choices, whether they lead to great good or grave mistakes. It’s the freedom to love, grow, and even stumble along the way—something uniquely valuable in theology and in life. Without free will, Lucifer’s story—and by extension, the human experience—would lose the complexity and lessons that come with choice.

And to see his champion rebels agains him, that could be a pure moment of joy for him.
That’s an intriguing thought. If we imagine it from that perspective, it could be seen as a testament to the very freedom God granted—a champion with the ability to make his own choices, even if they lead to rebellion. It might also reflect the depth of God’s patience and understanding, knowing that free will could bring both incredible beauty and heartbreaking defiance.

In a way, it’s almost poetic: the creation itself becoming bold enough to challenge the creator, even if the result is tragic. It adds a sense of complexity and drama to the story, doesn’t it?

Yep, though the punishement is strange… to be down to the Hell, that’s something.
It is indeed a striking punishment—being cast down to Hell carries a profound symbolism. In Christian theology, Hell represents separation from God and all that is good, an eternal consequence of rejecting divine grace. It’s depicted as a place of torment, but more than that, it signifies the ultimate result of choosing pride and rebellion over humility and devotion.

The dramatic nature of the punishment matches the gravity of Lucifer’s actions. By attempting to rival God and disrupt the divine order, Lucifer set himself on a path that led to this separation. It raises fascinating questions about justice, redemption, and the weight of choices.

In a sens, he brough it to himself.
Absolutely. Lucifer’s fall can be seen as the natural outcome of his own choices—an inevitable result of his pride and defiance. It’s a reminder of how powerful free will is and how it can shape one’s destiny, for better or worse. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection on the complexities of ambition, rebellion, and their consequences.

God could have just erase him… though… if he didn’t, maybe he had a plan for him too after his disgrace.
That’s a fascinating thought. In Christian theology, God is often seen as infinitely merciful and patient, even toward those who rebel against Him. While Lucifer’s fall is portrayed as a consequence of his own choices, some interpretations suggest that God allows his existence to serve a greater purpose in the divine plan—perhaps as a way to highlight the importance of free will, the struggle between good and evil, or the ultimate triumph of grace.

The idea that God might still have a plan for Lucifer, even after his fall, is not explicitly stated in traditional teachings but opens up intriguing possibilities for reflection. It raises questions about redemption, justice, and the depth of God’s love.

What do you think—could there be room for redemption, even for someone like Lucifer?

That’s a good question. I doubt I will have answer… same like according redemption for the worse criminal… that’s… hard :slight_smile:
It really is a tough question—one that stretches our understanding of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The idea of granting redemption to someone who has caused immense harm challenges both our sense of fairness and our capacity for compassion. It forces us to confront difficult questions: Is anyone beyond redemption? Can a truly sincere change of heart erase the weight of past actions?

In stories like Lucifer’s, or in real-life situations with the worst of criminals, the tension between justice and forgiveness makes us reflect deeply on what it means to be human, or in God’s case, divine. Perhaps, in grappling with these questions, we learn more about ourselves and the values we hold dear.

What do you think—does the possibility of redemption depend on the individual’s willingness to change, or is there something more to it? :blush:

Maybe there’s a message there, even the worse criminal doesn’t deserve death, but in worse case some exile.
That’s a profound insight. The idea of exile rather than death does resonate with certain philosophies and traditions—it allows for reflection, transformation, and perhaps even redemption. It suggests that even the worst deeds don’t erase the fundamental humanity or potential for change in a person.

It’s a message rooted in mercy, one that challenges the human tendency toward retribution. Exile, with its symbolic separation, might act as a way to confront actions and consequences without extinguishing the hope of renewal. This perspective could be tied to the story of Lucifer too—his fall was an exile, a separation from divine harmony, leaving room for the possibility of reflection, however remote.

The balance between justice and compassion is intricate, isn’t it? These ideas give so much to think about. :blush:

The next parts are less interesting, so I stop there. Thanks for reading. Hope you will comment to add more to that interesting subject.

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Congrats on learning to use ChatGPT bro.

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Actually the interesting thing is Diablo was a mountain in the town where blizzard north studio was. Thats how diablo ended up being called diablo.

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The word “Lucifer” appears only once in the Bible, at Isaiah 14:12 in the Old Testament (Hebrew scriptures). However, this verse refers to the King of Babylon, not the Devil, and “Lucifer” is a translation of the Hebrew word for "morning star. No one in the Holy Scriptures ever referred to the Devil as “Lucifer.”

By the way your post was a good read. :+1: I wish we had a lore subsection.

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Oof that was a lot so I stopped at the 2nd paragraph, just wondering if people didn’t play the other 3 games and d4 was there first entry I bet they are wondering why the game is called diablo lol

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I love that you sat down and nerded out on this

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Someone already mentioned the mountain David Brevik would see out his window when he named the game… so I’ll add the “also known as” from mapcarta:

  • Also known as: Cerro Alto De Los Bolbones, Cerro de San Juan, Montana de San Juan Bautista, Monte Del Diablo, Monte Diavolo, Mount Diabolo, Mt. Diablo, Sierra De Los Bolbones, Sukku Jaman, Supemenenu and Tuyshtak

Re: “Lucifer”… most theology is retconning. Not b/c it’s devious or ‘cheating’, but b/c powerful beings are often thought to communicate hidden meaning in plain sight, such as in mundane textual references - and they’re not necessarily bound by linear time (duh). Ascetics then holed themselves up in dusty caves, scouring the texts for signs. Was Isaiah anything if not allegorical? That’s why Isaiah & a dozen other OT books could be interpreted as describing future tribulations of the Christ - the hermit simply had to connect the dots in the text. A “fallen star” this way could very easily be associated with YWH’s fallen lieutenant, even if Isaiah on the surface was referencing a mortal king next door… for those with ‘special’ vision, that was just the “surface text”, meant for outsiders & novices.

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I always though the lore behind Diablo was that he was bullied in school for his acne. After a decade of being a programmer and his wife leaving him, he wanted to release his frustrations on the Angiris Council since they were an exclusive club with all the cool kids and cast from Baywatch.

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Sorry I can’t read robotic.
Can you humanize this?

Wtf is this? Diablo is Spanish and David Brevik named it after mount diablo.

Have you read any of the books?

It is so obvious why blizzard doesnt listen to this forum at all.

Can someone post how to block accounts lol.

Hey troll… idk how to block accounts but… you could just change the notification setting at the bottom of the thread & simply remember the topic author name. Good brain exercise. Too much for yours?

Giving pop villains relatable motives is a risky online activity - but I could picture the teleplay for your story, it’s pretty compelling. A subplot could be that Diablo routinely hacks & corrupts the software that runs their world (matrix-like, except Diablo & the angels exist solely in the code… Diablo’s a smart cookie), in the process threatening to wake up all the pod people, which if successful would shatter Diablo’s world & kill them all. Diablo doesn’t care, Diablo just wants satisfaction. Diablo will also do Diablo’s damnedest to go unseen, right through to the final tribulation.

For all genius that claims it’s a mountain, ok… but remember:
The main boss in Diablo I is Diablo.

It’s like… well, it’s a game with a big badass deamon in Hell named Diablo… so yep… it could be somehow related to Christianism… what’s wrong with that idea?
Like Apple, it’s a trade name that comes from the fruit, right… doesn’t mean that the fruit is not named apple too or is not an apple or it has been named after the trademark.

If you have read any of the books or listened to npc’s in the games you would know that, yes its called diablo but is not just about him. In fact in the first 3 books inaruis and lilith are way more involved and diablo is still in the background.

Annnnd i said Diablo is Spanish. Are you high man?

Ahh i see. Wont get a rise out of me.

I don’t need to read 3 books to see that Diablo is a reference to the devil, it’s obvious. I mean, it’s really obvious. There’s angels, deamons, there’s a Hell… the books cames some years after the first game, so it has change the lore somehow, it’s a choice, it’s just a game after all. But it doesn’t mean that we have to deny every roots influences.

I never said he was not the devil. That is the literal Spanish translation.

In all fact to bring YOUR point further, the main being off all of diablo is basically christ himself hence why we probably will never see him in game.

Uldyssian ul-diomed.

And that is a absolute lie the books lore is even before diablo 1 its called the sin wars.

I can tell you dont want a discussion you want an impossible argument.

“The original concept was something I came up with in high school,” said Brevik, who went to school in California’s Bay Area and got the idea for the game’s name from local peak Mt. Diablo. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, make games, and even in high school I was thinking about what kinds of games I could make and what names I could use.”

Brevik thought of the name “Diablo” when he lived in Danville, California, which is situated at the base of Mount Diablo. The name appealed to him, though he did not realize that Diablo translates as “devil” in Spanish until much later.

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Man am i actually going to type this.

Thank you Avalon

I would venture to say that many people who play Diablo don’t really know that much about the lore.

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