The Lord of Spirits The Gods of the Nations
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Feb 10, 2022 Orthodox Christian priests discuss ancient heathen religion, exploring gods of the nations in the Bible and the relationship between Watchers, demons, and giants. They delve into Greek mythology, sacrifice, idolatry, and the significance of offering Christ on the altar. The podcast touches on misconceptions of idolatry, physical objects' holiness, the myth of Medusa, origins of gargoyles, and household gods in religion. Lastly, they discuss the impact of idolatry on individuals and encourage exploration of OrthodoxIntro.org.
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Translation Shapes Theological Claims
- The Hebrew word translated as "worthless" (elil) is used to mock foreign gods, not necessarily to deny their existence.
- Translators sometimes insert "idols" or "demons," which changes the theological claim and flattens ancient nuance.
Old English Calls Pagan Gods "Hill Devils"
- Father Stephen reads an Old English Psalter rendering that calls pagan gods "hill devils," showing early English interpretation.
- This quirky etymology illustrates how translations carried theological judgment across eras.
Pagan Worship Is Treated As Real Spiritual Interaction
- Multiple New Testament texts (1 Cor 10:20; Deut 32:17) present pagan sacrifices as directed to demons or territorial spirits.
- The Hebrew shedim likely reflects Babylonian tutelary spirits rather than mere fiction.