The Devil

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.

Satan and the Testament of Job

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.

Satan and the Testament of JobRead More

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.

Adam’s Pact With the DevilRead More

Satan

Satan is the title of the devil, the chief adversary of Jesus and mankind in Christian traditions.

SatanRead More

Mephistophiles

Mephistophiles is the name of the devil in the Faust myths of the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance.

MephistophilesRead More

Melchiresa

Melchiresa is the one of the names for a predominant evil being in several of the fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

MelchiresaRead More

Mastema

Mastema is another name for Satan in the Book of Jubilees and other non-biblical texts.

MastemaRead More

Fallen Angels

Two accounts of the fallen angels story – one of Satan and one of the Watchers.

Fallen AngelsRead More

Lucifer

Lucifer was once one of the Seraphim who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.

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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.

IblisRead More

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.”

BeelzebubRead More