Satan and Demons in the Apostolic Fathers [Elektronisk resurs] A Minority Report

• The writers of Didache, 1 Clement, Shepherd of Hermas, Martyrdom of Polycarp, and 2 Clement consistently identify humans as the origin and cause of evil, rather than Satan or demons. Showing no interest in demons, possession, or exorcism, they exhibit a strong concern with ethical and psychological dualism. They recommend that evil impulses be overcome with internal self-control supplemented by prayer and good thoughts. These texts show a distinct marginalization or even demythologization of satanological terminology. This study makes three particular contributions. One is a synthesis of the evidence for a strong trend of Adamic etiology of sin (as opposed to an Enochic etiology) within the Apostolic Fathers. A second is the evidence it presents for a first century demythologizing Christianity which survived into the second century, but only as a minority report. A third is a systematic application of lexicographical analysis to early Christian satanology. 

Ämnesord

Humanities  (hsv)

Philosophy, Ethics and Religion  (hsv)

Religious Studies  (hsv)

Humaniora  (hsv)

Filosofi, etik och religion  (hsv)

Religionsvetenskap  (hsv)

Indexterm och SAB-rubrik

Satan

demons

exorcism

sin

Paul

Adam

etiology

Didache

First Clement

Second Clement

Shepherd of Hermas

Martyrdom of Polycarp