Thoughts on Prologue: Loss of Light

So, why did I put a lengthy story about Lucifer in my book, and why so near the beginning of it? Might such a tale make some readers feel too uncomfortable to read any further? I expected there would be some discomfort. I felt uncomfortable while writing it. Who wants to dwell upon Lucifer and evilness anyway? 

There is a question I felt compelled to address … Is Satan (formerly known as Lucifer) real? Evil exists. Anyone over the age of accountability knows that. But is there really a malevolent being who personifies that evil … or is it all figurative?

I am convinced there is such a being. My belief is based on two types of evidence: the word of God and personal experience.

I have been blessed with many spiritual confirmations that the holy scriptures contain the word of God, and they are abundantly clear on this matter. A spirit son of God, born in the morning of premortality, once in authority in the presence of God, a “shining one,” rebelled against his Father and “sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ. Wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about.” (Isaiah 14:12-20; Doctrine and Covenants 76:25-29). As a side note, I can’t help imaging the grief of our Heavenly Parents as this “Son of the Morning” rebelled, as he betrayed his loving parents, as he persuaded so many beloved spirit children of God to follow after him. Did there have to be a devil to bring about an “opposition in all things?” Lehi seems to allude to it (2 Nephi 2:11-18; See also, James E. Faust, “The Great Imitator,” October 1987 General Conference). In the end, the question is moot. There is a devil, and “whatsoever is evil cometh from [him]” (Alma 5:40).

My second type of evidence is personal experience. Fortunately, my encounters with an evil presence have occurred only rarely. But the few times I have felt such a presence have taught me that Satan is frightening and powerful. I absolutely do not want to flirt with his power in any way, shape, or form.

When I read in the scriptures that “the dragon (Satan) was wroth with the woman (Christ’s church) and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17), it is obvious to me that, as much as we would like to, we cannot deny or ignore this bitter enemy of God who strives to make us miserable like he is (2 Nephi 2:17-18), to rob us of our happiness … our faith, our spiritual comfort and inspiration, our self-esteem, our peace of mind, our goals, hopes, and dreams, our beloved families and friends, our mortal longevity, and our divine potential. Like any enemy, we must be aware of (and beware of) his pernicious ambitions and strategies. My main objective in writing Prologue: Loss of Light was to state clearly, “Satan, I see you! I see you in wars, in terrorism, in all acts of violence, in abuse, in selfishness, and in all that causes suffering and loss. I see you and I call you out, warning us all of your tactics and evil designs.”

Satan is a liar (John 8:44; Moses 4:4; Doctrine and Covenants 93:24-25). He whispers that evil is good, and good is evil (Isaiah 5:20). He tempts people under his influence to mock those who put their faith in God, calling them naïve and weak. He employs greed, selfishness, hatred, shame, false sophistication, and pride; then laughs at anyone caught in his web (Moses 7:26). He cannot be trusted.

Alma 30:60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.

Alma 36:3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

I used to tell my students that God is all about wings: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31), and Satan is all about chains: “And behold I say unto you all that this was a snare of the adversary, which he has laid to catch this people, that he might bring you into subjection unto him, that he might encircle you about with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlasting destruction, according to the power of his captivity.” (Alma 12:6). And yet, some people feel that the Gospel is holding them down and that a worldly lifestyle would give them freedom. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32).

Too often we demonstrate our lack of faith in the prophetic words, “Wickedness never was happiness.” (Alma 41:10). To the honest seeker of truth I say, God has given you light! When faced with a dilemma, a difficult choice, a painful experience, or a challenge that wrenches your heart, look for that light! It will guide you through life’s darkest moments.

The two prologues, placed side by side, remind us that there is indeed opposition in all things. They give a perspective that is evident throughout my book, and throughout our entire lives for that matter. Behind mortal scenes, ultimate good and ultimate evil operate unceasingly, enticing us to be our best selves or our worst selves. Most of us fall somewhere in between these two extremes. I am so grateful for the grace and loving forgiveness of our Savior.

                                                                                                                 —Richard B. Scoville