Devils and Demons

Outline for test #1

Interim 1998

Reading: Murray, God of the Witches

Who is the Devil?

Evaluating supernatural reports

proving the existence of the Devil?

Basic intro to problem of theodicy

Defining Evil

personal vs. Abstract
evil vs. Bad

dark side of god

Evaluating Murray

problem of continuity (neolithic period esp.)
Faries and elves
problem of believing inquisitors' evidence

Witches sabbaths

inversion/perversion of catholic practice
broom riding & halucinogens

Parallels between witch accusations and common demonization of the 'other' in western history

early christians by Romans
other mystery religions by Romans
Gnostics by Christians
Jews by Christians

History of the inquisition

Early Gnostic theology
Cathari
parallels between Cathari and witch theology
?? survival of Cathari as 'witches'
?? impostition of Cathari theology on witches by inquisitors
Were there any witches at all?

Magic

definitions
categories of
relation to science
fear of magic and magicians
'black' magic

The Devil and sexuality

iconography of ithyphalic gods
role of ritual sex in nature religions
hierodules (male and female)
Pan as model for devil iconography
Pan's personality in Greek mythology
Devil as personification of sexual indulgence without love or family
Liminal sexuality as locus of magicsl power
blood as containing magical life-power
semen as containing magical life-power