The Testament of Job, written sometime between 100 BC-100 AD, shows how Satan’s role and character evolved from a servant of God to the spirit of idolatry and vengeance.
The Devil is the personification of evil in many religious belief systems. He is often the direct adversary of God and is engaged in the cosmic battle between good and evil. In Christianity and Islam, the Devil is portrayed as a fallen angel or demon responsible for tempting humanity to sin against God or directly acting in ways to cause harm to individuals. Read articles about the Devil below.
Reader Q&A: What literary works include the devil and/or the Faust myth?
An English lit grad student asks about independent study topics involving Milton, Dante and the Faust Myth.
Reader Q&A: What literary works include the devil and/or the Faust myth?Read More
Sleep Paralysis: Demon Encounters and Terror in the Night
If you’ve ever woken up but felt paralyzed – or perhaps you’ve seen things, heard voices, or felt an evil presence. Relax – it’s probably just sleep paralysis.
Sleep Paralysis: Demon Encounters and Terror in the NightRead More
Adam’s Pact With the Devil
Early legends about how Satan deceived Adam and Eve a second time – and his contract with Adam.
Satan
Satan is the title of the devil, the chief adversary of Jesus and mankind in Christian traditions.
Mephistophiles
Mephistophiles is the name of the devil in the Faust myths of the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance.
Melchiresa
Melchiresa is the one of the names for a predominant evil being in several of the fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Mastema
Mastema is another name for Satan in the Book of Jubilees and other non-biblical texts.
Fallen Angels
Two accounts of the fallen angels story – one of Satan and one of the Watchers.
Lucifer
Lucifer was once one of the Seraphim who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.
Iblis
In the Qur’an, the Devil has 2 names. Iblis, probably derived from the Greek diabolos and used always in the singular and as a personal name.
Beelzebub
Ba’al-zebub, also called Beelzebub or Beelzebul is known as the lord of the flies. The name derives from the Canaanite “‘Baal” meaning “lord.”