Within Reason #79 Elaine Pagels - The Origin of Satan
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Aug 11, 2024 Elaine Pagels, Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University, dives deep into the origins and evolution of Satan across Jewish and Christian traditions. She discusses how Satan transformed from a biblical adversary to a symbol of ultimate evil, shaped by historical contexts like Roman occupation. Pagels also critiques the portrayal of good versus evil in the New Testament and the roots of Christian anti-Judaism, revealing how these narratives have influenced societal perceptions and biases throughout history.
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Satan's Evolution
- Satan's image evolved from a minor accuser in the Hebrew Bible.
- He later became the overlord of evil in Jewish and Christian traditions, influenced by conflicts and social dynamics.
Satan in the Dead Sea Scrolls
- The Dead Sea Scrolls reveal Satan as a leader of fallen angels seducing God's people.
- This reflects real-world conflicts between Jewish groups, especially concerning Roman collaboration.
Satan in the New Testament
- The New Testament portrays Satan as a prominent figure tempting Jesus and opposing God.
- This development stems from pre-existing Jewish beliefs, like those in the Dead Sea Scrolls, about a cosmic battle.
