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The Historical and Theological Evolution of Satan ,the Devil and, Hell
*Includes pictures of historic art depicting the Devil and Hell.
*Explains the origins of the belief in Hell, and the way in which descriptions of Hell changed over time.
*Includes a Bibliography for further reading.
*Includes a Table of Contents.
The Catholic Church has defined Hell as "a state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed”, but the images most have of the Devil and Hell are far more vivid. Even non-Christians are fully familiar with the idea of Hell being a fiery realm of eternal damnation, and the Devil has been depicted so frequently in literature, movies, and television that the figure is instantly recognizable.
While most people know the fairly consistent description of Hell that exists today, the description of Hell has evolved countless times over the centuries, including within the Christian faith. During medieval times, many Christian writers described parts or all of Hell as cold and desolate places, going as far back as the 4th century work Apocalypse of Paul. At the same time, the concepts of the Devil and Hell are not unique to Christianity; other major faiths have similar concepts, while ancient religions had an underworld and assorted characters, such as the Greeks’ Hades.
Satan, the Devil, and the History of Hell looks at the historical origins of these crucial concepts, as well as the evolution of them over time among Christian and Jewish works, in an effort to trace the history and development of them as central religious tenets. This work includes pictures of historic artwork and a bibliography.
*Explains the origins of the belief in Hell, and the way in which descriptions of Hell changed over time.
*Includes a Bibliography for further reading.
*Includes a Table of Contents.
The Catholic Church has defined Hell as "a state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed”, but the images most have of the Devil and Hell are far more vivid. Even non-Christians are fully familiar with the idea of Hell being a fiery realm of eternal damnation, and the Devil has been depicted so frequently in literature, movies, and television that the figure is instantly recognizable.
While most people know the fairly consistent description of Hell that exists today, the description of Hell has evolved countless times over the centuries, including within the Christian faith. During medieval times, many Christian writers described parts or all of Hell as cold and desolate places, going as far back as the 4th century work Apocalypse of Paul. At the same time, the concepts of the Devil and Hell are not unique to Christianity; other major faiths have similar concepts, while ancient religions had an underworld and assorted characters, such as the Greeks’ Hades.
Satan, the Devil, and the History of Hell looks at the historical origins of these crucial concepts, as well as the evolution of them over time among Christian and Jewish works, in an effort to trace the history and development of them as central religious tenets. This work includes pictures of historic artwork and a bibliography.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 5, 2013
Rather interesting look at the development of the Devil. Focusing on Biblical sources as well as where the description might be sourced from.
May 22, 2018
Another short essay sketching out the history of the concept of a punishment in the afterlife, useful for organizing the basic themes regarding the history of hell.
August 31, 2019
Overview
The book foes a decent job in a short amount of time giving an overview of the evolution of thought regarding the satan in Jewish and Christian thought.
The book foes a decent job in a short amount of time giving an overview of the evolution of thought regarding the satan in Jewish and Christian thought.
July 12, 2015
A useful study
General, yet at the same time it covers the subject from many angles making the book perfect for getting one's feet wet in the ocean of materials covering the ideas of Satan, hell and the origins and manifestations of evil as understood in a pre-enlightenment Christian framework. This book is an accessible initiation into a complex field of interdisciplinary study.
General, yet at the same time it covers the subject from many angles making the book perfect for getting one's feet wet in the ocean of materials covering the ideas of Satan, hell and the origins and manifestations of evil as understood in a pre-enlightenment Christian framework. This book is an accessible initiation into a complex field of interdisciplinary study.
April 2, 2025
A wonderfully thorough, yet concise overview and/or summary of scholarship regarding the development of the concepts of Hell and Satan/the Devil into what we know today. Well worth the hour and change (or two hours and change if you're reading carefully and taking notes,) that it takes to finish, and a great starting point for anyone who is interested in the subject.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews