The Evolution of Demons: From Ambivalent Spirits to Angels and Demons

Last Updated: 30 Mar 2023

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A general life in demons as ambivalent spirits or aspects of God was an original part of Israel's theology which in later periods became separated into -?good spirits (angels) and evil spirits (demons). " (Anchor Bible Dictionary, Demons, p. 1) As history went on, the stories about these ambivalent spirits were embellished and evolved into tales of angels and demons. The language used to describe the demons is incredibly poetic and uses references to natural phenomenon. This context raises the issue of how poetic references to natural phenomena should be interpreted-?as literal references to the physical phenomena, as poetic humiliations or personifications, or as references to actual demons or deities. Translation in general of terms dealing with demons is problematic. Translations are influenced by many factors: philological evidence and trends, theology, and previous decisions regarding understandings of the term demon and proper ways to interpret each particular text.

Identifications and understandings of demons in the Old Testament are strongly influenced by the wider context within which demons are discussed; past contexts have included magic and witchcraft, popular religion, official patriotic rituals, poetic symbolism, and religious psychology. " (Anchor Bible Dictionary, Demons, p. 2) Since the words surrounding these spirits have so many references to nature, they were often associated with destruction and blamed for natural disaster. The most generally accepted understanding Is of demons as evil spirits who live In ruins and the desert and are responsible for Illness and natural disasters. " (Anchor Bible When I think of ruins, I think of destruction and decay. When I look at Gonzales demons, they look as If they themselves are crumbling and decomposing. He very destruction they are known to cause Is represented through their gruesome appearance.

I feel that the aspect of nature Is represented In his organic use of the animal bones, teeth, and horns. There are a few specific, annalistic demons that nave Eden place together tongue various texts Dye Interpreters: "wool Deadest, howling creatures, ostriches, hyenas, Jackals. (Longboat 1949: 41-43)" (Anchor Bible Dictionary, Demons, p. 2) The term "wild beasts" reminds me of those snarling devil heads, and I can't help but think Gonzalez was inspired by these annalistic demons himself.

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