Includes bibliographical references (pages 301-312) and indexes.
Contents:
Part 3: Demons and spirits in the Bible and its cognitive environment -- Part 1: How do we go about reading the Bible? -- The entailments of conflict theology. The genres of Scripture -- The genres of Scripture: prophecy and apocalyptic -- The genres of Scripture: wisdom and discourse -- Part 2: What are the "demons and spirits" that we want to know about? -- Can we gain knowledge of demons and spirits from outside the Bible? -- Do evil spirit beings really exist? -- What is a "demon" within the Bible's cognitive environment? -- Demons should be defined relative to a culture's conception of gods -- Part 3: Demons and spirits in the Bible and its cognitive environment -- Divine combat and enemies of the gods -- The serpent -- Demons and idolatry -- Evil gods and angels -- The fall of Satan -- Demons and spirits in the age of the church -- Demons and the problem of evil -- The entailments of conflict theology.
Summary:
Some people believe that a battle of cosmic proportions is raging as Satan and his demons seek to destroy Christians and undermine God's plans. Others believe that all talk of demons in the Bible and theology only reflects pre-modern superstitions that should be re-interpreted in philosophical and psychological terms. Despite their contrasts, both believe that the Bible directly or indirectly intends to teach readers about reality. Another path is possible. What if references to demons in the Bible are similar to references about the shape and structure of the cosmos representing the beliefs familiar to the ancient audience but used only as a framework for teaching about the plans and purposes of God? This approach is here worked out through detailed examination of hermeneutical method, the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman contexts, each of the biblical terms and passages, and the essentials of biblical and systematic theology. Unlike many scholarly treatments of demons, readers will not find an assessment of the metaphysical realities. Instead they will be introduced to a hermeneutical, exegetical, and theological feast regarding what the Bible, understood in its ancient context, teaches. -- Publisher's description.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.