Hilariously, but not surprisingly, prof mentions musical artists throwing up the horns without actually researching that action's actual origins. Here, I'll help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_horns
For those that don't want to read, its origins are Indian and Italian, and in both cultures were used as a way to ward off evil spirits, not invoke them. That's also where Ronnie James Dio learned to do it. He had an Italian grandmother. From there, it spread like wildfire in pop culture. But, let's not get facts in the way of a good conspiracy ramble.
The idea of the devil is hilarious because it limits god in some way. Either god chooses to not do away with the devil once and for all, which makes god not innately good, or he can't, which means he's not all powerful. Of course, the whole notion of god and satan battling it out for people's souls is a component of the hubris element of faith. You might be a loser in this life, but god and satan both want you on their team, and they'll fight for you.
For those that don't want to read, its origins are Indian and Italian, and in both cultures were used as a way to ward off evil spirits, not invoke them. That's also where Ronnie James Dio learned to do it. He had an Italian grandmother. From there, it spread like wildfire in pop culture. But, let's not get facts in the way of a good conspiracy ramble.
The idea of the devil is hilarious because it limits god in some way. Either god chooses to not do away with the devil once and for all, which makes god not innately good, or he can't, which means he's not all powerful. Of course, the whole notion of god and satan battling it out for people's souls is a component of the hubris element of faith. You might be a loser in this life, but god and satan both want you on their team, and they'll fight for you.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
