Although the Devil still 'lives' in modern popular culture; for the past 250 years he has become marginal to the dominant concerns of Western intellectual thought. That life could not be thought or imagined without him; that he was a part of the everyday; continually present in nature and history; and active at the depths of our selves; has been all but forgotten. It is the aim of this work to bring modern readers to a deeper appreciation of how; from the early centuries of the Christian period through to the recent beginnings of the modern world; the human story could not be told and human life could not be lived apart from the ‘life’ of the Devil. With that comes the deeper recognition that; for the better part of the last two thousand years; the battle between good and evil in the hearts and minds of men and women was but the reflection of a cosmic battle between God and Satan; the divine and the diabolic; that was at the heart of history itself.―from The DevilLucifer; Mephistopheles; Beelzebub; Ha-Satan or the Adversary; Iblis or Shaitan: no matter what name he travels under; the Devil has throughout the ages and across civilizations been a compelling and charismatic presence. In Christianity; Judaism; and Islam; the supposed reign of God has long been challenged by the fiery malice of his opponent; as contending forces of good and evil have between them weighed human souls in the balance.In The Devil; Philip C. Almond explores the figure of evil incarnate from the first centuries of the Christian era. Along the way; he describes the rise of demonology as an intellectual and theological pursuit; the persecution as witches of women believed to consort with the Devil and his minions; and the decline in the belief in Hell and in angels and demons as corporeal beings as a result of the Enlightenment. Almond shows that the Prince of Darkness remains an irresistible subject in history; religion; art; literature; and culture. Almond brilliantly locates the “life†of the Devil within the broader Christian story of which it is inextricably a part; the “demonic paradox†of the Devil as both God’s enforcer and his enemy is at the heart of Christianity. Woven throughout the account of the Christian history of the Devil is another complex and complicated history: that of the idea of the Devil in Western thought. Sorcery; witchcraft; possession; even melancholy; have all been laid at the Devil’s doorstep. Until the Enlightenment enforced a “disenchantment†with the old archetypes; even rational figures such as Thomas Aquinas were obsessed with the nature of the Devil and the specific characteristics of the orders of demons and angels. It was a significant moment both in the history of demonology and in theology when Benedict de Spinoza (1632–1677) denied the Devil’s existence; almost four hundred years later; popular fascination with the idea of the Devil has not yet dimmed.
#14074 in Books Baker Pub Group/Baker Books 2012-04-01 2012-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .58 x 5.50l; .80 #File Name: 0801072719256 pagesunChristian What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity and Why It Matters
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Information is slightly dated. This provides a valuable view ...By WI-BrunnerInformation is slightly dated. This provides a valuable view "from the outside" of how people understand the term "Christian."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Jaw-dropping reality check for anyone who calls themselves 'Christian'By Lois ErmatingerAmerican Christianity has shifted far from the mandate of Jesus ("Everyone will know you are my followers by the great love you show") and has instead become known as anti-gay; overtly political; judgmental and isolated. Whether or not this is entirely accurate; perception is reality and these labels are how Christians are perceived by a majority of people; especially in the emerging generation of 18 to 30-year olds in this country. Jesus was known as one who lived a perfect life yet embraced ALL people; regardless of their lifestyle; social status or mental or physical health. He went into their world without worrying about what the religious establishment thought was acceptable and without regard to his reputation. He brought beauty; healing and restoration wherever he went and to whomever he touched. If his followers did the same; there is no injustice on this planet that could not be reversed!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. UnChristian is a wake up callBy DuaneDo you often wonder why Christians fall under such scrutiny? It is far to easy to believe it is entirely based on people that do not have faith; or do not believe as Christians do. It is much harder to turn the criticism inward for fault that might lie in the way we act and think. In this book David strikes a good balance between believing God's word with conviction and loving people; without judgement that do not hold the same point of view. His research and data gathered from ordinary people interviewed off the street was illuminating. I found myself many times falling into one of the stereotypes presented by this book. UnChristian is a book every Christian should read. Thinking you are right can go from principle to arrogance in a matter of moments.
