The Enemy of our Better Selves
Process Theology and the Devil
Today, there are many who believe that certain politicians have entered into a Faustian bargain. They have, perhaps knowingly or unknowingly, sacrificed their moral integrity, ethical principles, or dedication to the common good in exchange for power, influence, or personal gain. While this accusation is not new in the realm of politics, it resonates strongly in an era marked by stark political polarization, widespread distrust of leaders, and the perception that public service is often subordinated to private ambition. It can seem as if some politicians have made a pact with the devil, albeit disguised as a commitment to the good.
It is important to recognize, however, that the politicians are not alone in making such a pact. We all choose convenience over principle at certain times in our lives, or seek approval over authenticity, or choose individual pleasure over the common good. We, too, have our Faustian bargains, although we, like the politicians, don't admit it to ourselves - a form of self-deception which pleases devil.
Even if we do not make long-term bargains, we make momentary bargains. we yield to temptations to harm others and ourselves, thinking the yielding will make us "happy." The momentary bargains are pernicious, no less than the long-term bargains, In accusing politicians of making Faustian bargains, there is no need to exclude ourselves from the accused.
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A Faustian bargain is an agreement with the devil in which a person trades their soul or moral integrity for worldly gains, such as power, knowledge, or success, often resulting in their ultimate downfall. While we may or may not believe in the devil as a literal agent at work in the world, we rightly recognize that, within us and around us, there are, to use Whitehead's language, "lures for feeling" that lead us astray from our better selves.
These lures are not simply ideas we entertain in a clinical or philosophical fashion; they are temptations—urges to deceive others, to harm them, take vengeance on them —and they hold a seductive power.
Taken collectively, the term "devil" serves as a fitting metaphor for these destructive forces. A philosophy or theology that fails to include the devil, understood in this way, risks being untrue to the realities of life. It presents the good life as something that simply unfolds with ease if only we wake up to the way things are. But life never unfolds with such ease. It always involves struggle against negative tendencies in the human heart that are powerful in their own right I offer, then, a process understanding of the devil.
It is important to recognize, however, that the politicians are not alone in making such a pact. We all choose convenience over principle at certain times in our lives, or seek approval over authenticity, or choose individual pleasure over the common good. We, too, have our Faustian bargains, although we, like the politicians, don't admit it to ourselves - a form of self-deception which pleases devil.
Even if we do not make long-term bargains, we make momentary bargains. we yield to temptations to harm others and ourselves, thinking the yielding will make us "happy." The momentary bargains are pernicious, no less than the long-term bargains, In accusing politicians of making Faustian bargains, there is no need to exclude ourselves from the accused.
*
A Faustian bargain is an agreement with the devil in which a person trades their soul or moral integrity for worldly gains, such as power, knowledge, or success, often resulting in their ultimate downfall. While we may or may not believe in the devil as a literal agent at work in the world, we rightly recognize that, within us and around us, there are, to use Whitehead's language, "lures for feeling" that lead us astray from our better selves.
These lures are not simply ideas we entertain in a clinical or philosophical fashion; they are temptations—urges to deceive others, to harm them, take vengeance on them —and they hold a seductive power.
Taken collectively, the term "devil" serves as a fitting metaphor for these destructive forces. A philosophy or theology that fails to include the devil, understood in this way, risks being untrue to the realities of life. It presents the good life as something that simply unfolds with ease if only we wake up to the way things are. But life never unfolds with such ease. It always involves struggle against negative tendencies in the human heart that are powerful in their own right I offer, then, a process understanding of the devil.
The Devil as the Enemy
of our Better Selves
What is it, in us and around us, that tempts us to harm ourselves and others, even though God resides within each of us as a constant lure toward love? Why do we make Faustian bargains—agreements where we trade what is most precious in exchange for fleeting power, pleasure, or security—with this counter-divine calling, in in one or another of its many manifestations, despite knowing we would be better off, perhaps even happier, if we gave ourselves fully to love?
Some might call it "the ego," others "the will to power," or "patriarchy." In certain contexts, these terms can be illuminating. But I suggest we think of it more broadly as "the devil" or "the seducer." By "devil," I mean to name the fact that this counter-divine calling is not merely an abstract force but an active, calling presence—a "lure for feeling," to use Whitehead’s technical language—both within us and beyond us. It seduces us into making Faustian bargains, pulling us away from our better intentions.
It is best understood as "the enemy of our better self," however else it might be envisioned. This force is not a fixed entity but an evolving presence, woven into the psychic, social, and cultural currents of life, skillfully disguising harm as "the good," "the true," or "the beautiful."
Counter-Divine Lures
In process terms, "the devil" functions as a counter-lure to God's call toward love, creativity, and wholeness. Just as divine lures invite us toward greater harmony and richness of experience, these harmful lures draw us toward dissonance, fragmentation, and destruction. They exploit our fears, desires, and insecurities, sometimes masquerading as virtues. For example:
- Under the rubric of "the good": Justifying harm to others in the name of duty or righteousness.
- Under the rubric of "the true": Rigid adherence to dogma or ideology that blinds us to complexity or compassion.
- Under the rubric of "the beautiful": Pursuing aesthetic ideals at the expense of ethical considerations or authenticity.
Individual and Collective Dimensions
This enemy of our better self is not confined to individual psychology but operates within collective systems as well. It can manifest in societal structures, cultural norms, or collective ideologies that perpetuate harm under the guise of progress, justice, or tradition. For instance:
- A society's obsession with economic growth might lure it into environmental degradation.
- A political movement might justify oppression in the name of national security or moral purity.
Persuasive not Coercive Power
In process thought, persuasion is central to the nature of all lures, divine or otherwise. The devil, like God, does not force; it tempts. This means the harmful lure is always an invitation, never an imposition, leaving room for human agency and the possibility of resistance. Recognizing the seductive appeal of these lures is crucial for developing the discernment needed to align with divine callings.
Personification or Presence?
Process theology leaves open the possibility of personifying "the devil" but does not require it. Whether understood as a symbolic figure, a metaphor for destructive tendencies, or an actual agent within the web of existence, "the devil" is better grasped as a multiplicity of luring presences rather than a singular being. These presences are as diverse and dynamic as the contexts in which they operate, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the world.
Practical Implications
Understanding "the devil" in this way has profound practical implications:
- Self-awareness: Cultivating an awareness of the lures within our own lives and recognizing how they operate under deceptive guises.
- Collective discernment: Examining the ways societal norms and systems can lure entire communities toward harm.
- Compassionate resistance: Engaging practices that align us with divine callings—practices of love, justice, creativity, and care—while resisting the harmful lures that tempt us toward harm.
In this view, "the devil" is not a supernatural scapegoat but a deeply integrated aspect of the world's relational dynamics. It reminds us of our capacity for both cooperation with divine aims and deviation from them, inviting us into the ongoing task of discernment and transformation.
Politics and the Faustian Bargain
In the context of politics, a Faustian bargain presents itself in several ways:
1. Sacrificing Truth for Power: Some politicians have embraced misinformation, propaganda, or outright lies to consolidate their base of support. By doing so, they prioritize short-term political gain over the long-term health of democratic institutions and public trust. The pursuit of power overrides their responsibility to foster transparency, truth, and accountability.
2. Prioritizing Loyalty Over Ethics: A Faustian bargain can also involve prioritizing loyalty to party, ideology, or powerful allies over adherence to ethical principles or the greater good. Leaders may feel compelled to defend indefensible actions or align themselves with corrupt individuals to maintain their own political survival or ascendancy.
3. Exploiting Fear and Division: In exchange for maintaining control, some politicians stoke fear, scapegoat marginalized communities, and deepen societal divisions. They abandon the ideal of unity and mutual understanding, opting instead for a strategy that pits groups against one another to secure votes and retain power.
4. Trading the Public Good for Corporate or Special Interests: Another manifestation of the Faustian bargain occurs when politicians prioritize the interests of wealthy donors, corporations, or lobbyists over the needs of their constituents. By aligning themselves with powerful economic interests, they risk undermining their responsibility to create policies that benefit the broader population and promote equity and sustainability.
Recognizing Our Own Temptation
While it is easy to critique politicians for succumbing to Faustian bargains, we must also recognize that, at an individual and personal level, we ourselves face similar temptations. These bargains may not be as public or dramatic, but they are no less real. We are all confronted with moments where we might sacrifice integrity, relationships, or long-term well-being for short-term personal gain, comfort, or recognition.
By recognizing these moments in our own lives, we can better understand the pressures faced by those in public positions and cultivate compassion rather than condemnation, while also striving to hold ourselves and others accountable.
Process Philosophy and the Faustian Bargain
Process philosophy, with its emphasis on relationality and the ongoing unfolding of experience, offers a framework for resisting the Faustian lure—not just for politicians but for each of us. It reminds us that our actions are never isolated; they ripple outward, shaping the world and ourselves in profound ways. And it reminds us that happiness is itself a relational phenomenon: we are happiest when we help others - all of them - and their happiness is part of our own. These views include a cosmology and theology:
Multiplicity of Possibilities: Every moment carries multiple lures, and the Faustian bargain is only one among many. Process thought encourages us to attune ourselves to those lures that promote beauty, harmony, and depth of experience rather than narrow self-interest.
The Role of the Sacred: In the process worldview, God or the sacred is present as a lure toward wholeness, integrity, and relational flourishing. This sacred presence invites us to resist the Faustian temptation by aligning ourselves with values that transcend immediate gratification.
The Capacity for Redemption: Even when we succumb to the Faustian bargain, process thought emphasizes the availability of new possibilities. Each moment offers a fresh chance to reorient ourselves, to seek reconciliation and healing.
A Call to Action
In today's world, the Faustian bargain can take many forms: prioritizing profit over environmental stewardship, sacrificing personal relationships for professional ambition, or trading authenticity for social approval. These choices may seem small in the moment but, cumulatively, they shape the trajectory of our lives and the world.
To resist the Faustian lure, we need practices of discernment, communities of accountability, and a deep sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. Just as politicians must be held accountable to the public good, we too must examine our own lives, striving to live with integrity and relational sensitivity.
By fostering a vision of life that values process over possession, being over having, and relationship over domination, we can collectively resist the normalization of such compromises. This path not only critiques the Faustian bargains of others but offers a hopeful framework for living with integrity and creativity in the face of life’s most challenging lures. In this way, we can navigate a world full of temptations with clarity and purpose, holding ourselves and others accountable while trusting in the sacred possibilities that emerge in every moment.
1. Sacrificing Truth for Power: Some politicians have embraced misinformation, propaganda, or outright lies to consolidate their base of support. By doing so, they prioritize short-term political gain over the long-term health of democratic institutions and public trust. The pursuit of power overrides their responsibility to foster transparency, truth, and accountability.
2. Prioritizing Loyalty Over Ethics: A Faustian bargain can also involve prioritizing loyalty to party, ideology, or powerful allies over adherence to ethical principles or the greater good. Leaders may feel compelled to defend indefensible actions or align themselves with corrupt individuals to maintain their own political survival or ascendancy.
3. Exploiting Fear and Division: In exchange for maintaining control, some politicians stoke fear, scapegoat marginalized communities, and deepen societal divisions. They abandon the ideal of unity and mutual understanding, opting instead for a strategy that pits groups against one another to secure votes and retain power.
4. Trading the Public Good for Corporate or Special Interests: Another manifestation of the Faustian bargain occurs when politicians prioritize the interests of wealthy donors, corporations, or lobbyists over the needs of their constituents. By aligning themselves with powerful economic interests, they risk undermining their responsibility to create policies that benefit the broader population and promote equity and sustainability.
Recognizing Our Own Temptation
While it is easy to critique politicians for succumbing to Faustian bargains, we must also recognize that, at an individual and personal level, we ourselves face similar temptations. These bargains may not be as public or dramatic, but they are no less real. We are all confronted with moments where we might sacrifice integrity, relationships, or long-term well-being for short-term personal gain, comfort, or recognition.
- Compromising for Convenience: How often do we choose convenience over principle, ignoring the broader impact of our actions—whether through consumer choices, workplace decisions, or how we treat others in everyday interactions?
- Trading Authenticity for Approval: In a world dominated by social media and curated personas, many of us are tempted to present a version of ourselves that secures approval or admiration, even if it means losing touch with our true selves.
- Prioritizing Individual Gain Over Collective Good: Whether in small acts of self-interest or larger decisions, we often face the choice to prioritize personal benefit over the well-being of others, be it in family, community, or global contexts.
By recognizing these moments in our own lives, we can better understand the pressures faced by those in public positions and cultivate compassion rather than condemnation, while also striving to hold ourselves and others accountable.
Process Philosophy and the Faustian Bargain
Process philosophy, with its emphasis on relationality and the ongoing unfolding of experience, offers a framework for resisting the Faustian lure—not just for politicians but for each of us. It reminds us that our actions are never isolated; they ripple outward, shaping the world and ourselves in profound ways. And it reminds us that happiness is itself a relational phenomenon: we are happiest when we help others - all of them - and their happiness is part of our own. These views include a cosmology and theology:
Multiplicity of Possibilities: Every moment carries multiple lures, and the Faustian bargain is only one among many. Process thought encourages us to attune ourselves to those lures that promote beauty, harmony, and depth of experience rather than narrow self-interest.
The Role of the Sacred: In the process worldview, God or the sacred is present as a lure toward wholeness, integrity, and relational flourishing. This sacred presence invites us to resist the Faustian temptation by aligning ourselves with values that transcend immediate gratification.
The Capacity for Redemption: Even when we succumb to the Faustian bargain, process thought emphasizes the availability of new possibilities. Each moment offers a fresh chance to reorient ourselves, to seek reconciliation and healing.
A Call to Action
In today's world, the Faustian bargain can take many forms: prioritizing profit over environmental stewardship, sacrificing personal relationships for professional ambition, or trading authenticity for social approval. These choices may seem small in the moment but, cumulatively, they shape the trajectory of our lives and the world.
To resist the Faustian lure, we need practices of discernment, communities of accountability, and a deep sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. Just as politicians must be held accountable to the public good, we too must examine our own lives, striving to live with integrity and relational sensitivity.
By fostering a vision of life that values process over possession, being over having, and relationship over domination, we can collectively resist the normalization of such compromises. This path not only critiques the Faustian bargains of others but offers a hopeful framework for living with integrity and creativity in the face of life’s most challenging lures. In this way, we can navigate a world full of temptations with clarity and purpose, holding ourselves and others accountable while trusting in the sacred possibilities that emerge in every moment.
Appendix:
The Faustian Bargain in Art and Literature
The Faustian bargain—a pact where an individual trades their soul or moral integrity for power, knowledge, or personal gain—has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Originating in German folklore and first popularized in the 16th-century Historia von D. Johann Fausten, the story of Faust resonates as both a cautionary tale and an exploration of the human desire to transcend limits. This legend, with its themes of ambition, temptation, and the consequences of overreaching, has inspired some of the greatest writers and artists in history, each interpreting the bargain through their unique cultural and philosophical lenses.
Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus presented Faust as a tragic figure emblematic of the Renaissance, torn between the promise of limitless power and the price of eternal damnation. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe expanded this narrative into a sweeping philosophical drama, where Faust’s striving and eventual redemption reflected Enlightenment ideals and Romantic notions of humanity’s potential. The modern era brought further reinterpretations: Thomas Mann’s Doctor Faustus reframed the bargain as an allegory for Germany’s descent into totalitarianism, while Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita infused the tale with satire, magic, and hope.
Beyond literature, the Faustian bargain has found expression in music, film, and visual art, from Gounod’s operatic Faust to F.W. Murnau’s haunting silent film. This rich history of adaptation and reinvention reveals the enduring relevance of the Faustian myth, reflecting humanity’s fascination with ambition, the seduction of shortcuts, and the moral dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of power.
Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus presented Faust as a tragic figure emblematic of the Renaissance, torn between the promise of limitless power and the price of eternal damnation. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe expanded this narrative into a sweeping philosophical drama, where Faust’s striving and eventual redemption reflected Enlightenment ideals and Romantic notions of humanity’s potential. The modern era brought further reinterpretations: Thomas Mann’s Doctor Faustus reframed the bargain as an allegory for Germany’s descent into totalitarianism, while Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita infused the tale with satire, magic, and hope.
Beyond literature, the Faustian bargain has found expression in music, film, and visual art, from Gounod’s operatic Faust to F.W. Murnau’s haunting silent film. This rich history of adaptation and reinvention reveals the enduring relevance of the Faustian myth, reflecting humanity’s fascination with ambition, the seduction of shortcuts, and the moral dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of power.