The origin of Satan
by Elaine Pagels · first published 1995
3mentions
2recommended by
3HN commenters
2017–2024first – last mentioned
67% recommend33% neutral
Who is Satan in the New Testament, and what is the evil that he represents? In this groundbreaking book, Elaine Pagels, Princeton's distinguished historian of religion, traces the evolution of Satan from its origins in the Hebrew Bible, where Satan is at first merely obstructive, to the New Testament, where Satan becomes the Prince of Darkness, the bitter enemy of God and man, evil incarnate. In The Origin of Satan, Pagels shows that the four Christian gospels tell two very different stories. The first is the story of Jesus' moral genius: his lessons of love, forgiveness, and redemption. The
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I've been reading a lot about the early church for about a year and really enjoying it. I'm an atheist but I'm also a history nerd so it's been truly fascinating. Here are some that I've enjoyed: - The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels; I read this one so casually that I don't have a good summary due to poor memory. - The Passover Plot by Hugh J Schonfield; author contends that Jesus believed that he was the prophesied…
on “Silver amulet is the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps” ↗Also, anything by Elaine Pagels - Gnostic Gospels, Origin of Satan, etc. Really opened my eyes to what Christianity could have been if not for the toxic influence of Paul.
on “How an obscure cult grew to become the dominant religion of the Western world” ↗Elaine Pagels is the one who got publication credit for the lost Gospels of Thomas.. that was discussed across the globe in literate circles. That book you mention by her is new to me (1995). The Origin of Satan: How Christians Demonized Jews, Pagans, and Heretics. New York: Vintage Books. ISBN 978-0-679-40140-7
on “Silver amulet is the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps” ↗