I mean the devil is literally the great deceiver. in all biblical portrayals the only thing devil does is lie essentially. the lies sow doubts and people lose their faith.

what you’re describing is more along the lines of demons. and they’re technically easier to deal with because it’s so obvious.

I’m not religious but the devil really is a clever construct in Christianity, and highlights the best “feature”: salvation is based on faith and faith alone and everyone can be saved.

it is so much more effective at brainwashing than materialistic control