Brill - Demons in Early Judaism and Christianity Volume 113

Explore the complex theological landscape of antiquity with Demons in Early Judaism and Christianity: Characters and Characteristics. This scholarly volume from the Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity series examines how early religious traditions understood demonic beings. Instead of simple definitions, this work investigates the nature of these entities. It asks whether demons were viewed as physical, embodied beings or if they functioned as metaphors for social and psychological realities. The text looks at the connection between demons and the personification of abstract concepts like fear and impurity, as well as their relationship to phenomena such as disease. By focusing on the specific characteristics of these figures, the book provides a deep look into how Jews and Christians in antiquity addressed fundamental theological questions. This is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in the history of religion and the development of early theological thought.