Seven Heads, Ten Horns: The History of the Devil

On offer this week: a short overview of the demonology of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This week Klaus gets into the history of the community that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls and introduces some of the malevolent entities that dwell in those ancient documents.Email the pod with questions and comments at 7h10hpod@gmail.comWe're gradually posting the books and articles we use to make the pod. Check out the bibliography here: https://7h10hpod.blogspot.com/2020/11/works-consulted.html

What happens when angels patrolling the newly-created world get a little too randy and start behaving recklessly?This episode marks our transition to a more chronological attempt at narrating the history of the Devil. We start with an important set of stories about the origins of demons that takes root around the interpretation and retelling of a rather cryptic moment in the book of Genesis, chapter 6. Taking the Genesis version as our starting point, we move on to discuss Second Temple era pseudepigrapha (= non-canonical works that present themselves as having been recorded by major characters from the Hebrew Bible.) We pay special attention to the books of Enoch & Jubilees and the demonologies that result from these dramatic new renditions of the Watchers Story.Email us with questions and comments at 7h10hpod@gmail.com

This week's episode centers on the demonic as a conceptual and cultural tool for imposing or resisting power structures. Demonization has a complicated history in Christianity: it justifies the suppression of many aspects of pre-Christian Roman civilization, provides a key rationale for early-modern European colonization, but also enables a contemporary Womanist critique of white supremacy. Just in time for the US's electoral rituals of inclusion and exclusion from the national community, we delve into the politics of demonization.Many thanks to Ernest J. Mitchell for the library-access-assist with Delores S. Williams' article "The Color of Feminism: Or, Speaking the Black Woman's Tongue."Email us with questions and comments at 7h10hpod@gmail.com

This week on the pod we cover the history of Halloween as it is practiced in the USA and intersects with the history of the Devil.A really useful source for this week's material is Nicholas Rogers' Halloween : From Pagan Ritual to Party Night.Email us with questions and comments at 7h10hpod@gmail.com

This week we take a break from excavating ancient accounts of the Devil from the dustbin / slaughter bench of history to talk about some horror movie classics just in time for Halloween season. The films we discuss are Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) & Hereditary (2018). We spoil the hell out of these movies but it's totally worth it for the trick-or-pod thrill!Email us with questions and comments at 7h10hpod@gmail.com

Discover how John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' reshaped the image of Satan into a rebellious anti-hero! Dive into the duality of evil as Milton portrays Satan's internal struggles and complex motivations. Explore the irony of his punishment as he transforms into a serpent, exemplifying divine justice. The discussion also touches on themes of free will versus servitude, painting a striking portrait of ambition and defeat. Get ready to rethink the nature of good and evil through the lens of this epic poem!

Dive into the intriguing world of dualism and its implications on the devil's identity. Explore fascinating notions of good versus evil through the lens of ancient sects like the Essenes and the Cathars. Discover how Manichaean cosmology reshaped beliefs and the challenges it posed to Orthodox Christianity. Unravel the political dynamics that influenced these religious interpretations and learn how these age-old conflicts continue to resonate in modern thought. It’s a captivating journey through theology, history, and the eternal battle of light and darkness.

Explore the world of demonic possession and exorcism across different eras. Discover how early Christian narratives shaped beliefs and practices, especially during the High Middle Ages. Delve into the unsettling case of Yves of Tréguier and the chaotic environment of 17th century France. Analyze the sociocultural impact of the iconic film 'The Exorcist,' revealing its themes of evil and modern anxieties. Finally, unravel the complex interplay between theology, morality, and historical perceptions surrounding possession.

The discussion dives into the gritty characters of the Hebrew Bible, revealing their influence on the concept of the Devil. Explore the moral complexities of Pharaoh's hardened heart and divine power in the Exodus tale. Delve into the evolution of Satan and Leviathan, highlighting the tensions between chaos and divine authority. The podcast also examines the transition from divine to human kingship, with a focus on the flaws of Saul compared to the ideal King David. It challenges listeners to rethink the nature of evil and its cosmic implications.

Klaus and Travis dive into the age-old theme of temptation, starting from the Garden of Eden. They explore the serpent's complex role and how it morphed into a symbol of evil in Christian theology. The duo examines the deeper meanings of Genesis and the implications of Adam and Eve's disobedience. They also discuss Jesus' temptations in the desert, highlighting the struggle between physical desires and spiritual commitment. The conversation delves into the narratives of free will, revealing fascinating insights into moral choices in biblical texts.