Devil


 
 
Devil

The Devil is the name given to a supernatural entity who, in most Western religions, is the central embodiment of evil. This entity is commonly referred to by a variety of other names, including Satan, Asmodai, Beelzebub, Lucifer and/or Mephistopheles. In classic demonology, however, each of these alternate names refers to a specific supernatural entity, and there is significant disagreement as to whether any of these specific entities is actually evil. The English word devil is derived from the Greek word diabolos ("to slander"), and the term devil can refer to a greater demon in the hierarchy of Hell. In other languages devil may be derived from the same Indo-European root word for deva, which roughly translates as "angel".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some scholars believe that the notion of a central supernatural embodiment of evil, as well as the notion of angels, first arose in Western monotheism when Judaism came into contact with the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. Unlike classical monotheism, Zoroastrianism features two gods, one good and one evil, locked in a cosmic struggle where both are more or less evenly matched and the outcome is uncertain. Ahura Mazda ("Wise Lord"), also known as Ohrmazd, is the god of light, and Ahriman ("Evil Spirit"), also known as Angra Mainyu, is the god of darkness. In a final battle between the supernatural forces of good and evil, human souls will be judged in a fiery ordeal, and only the good will survive. Accordingly, humans are urged to align themselves with the god of light and his angels and to shun the god of darkness and his demons.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Christianity views Satan as a being created by God, whereas the evil god of Zoroastrianism is not a created being.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


 

Supernatural: The supernatural (Latin: super- "exceeding" + nature) comprises forces and phenomena which are beyond the realm of current scientific understanding, and which may actually directly contradict conventional scientific understandings....

Western: The word western is an adjective used to refer to things that are in the West. It also has a number of more specific meanings:...

Religion: Religion (see etymology below) —sometimes used interchangeably with faith or belief system—is commonly defined as belief concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such belief. In its broadest sense som...


Devil related Images and Photos (experimental)

Devil DVD
Devil DVD
Devil Horse
Devil Horse
101 Dalmations Cruella De Vil Pop! Disney Pop! Vinyl Figure
101 Dalmations Cruella De Vil Pop! Disney Pop! Vinyl Figure
Devil May Cry 4
Devil May Cry 4
Devil Blu-ray DVD
Devil Blu-ray DVD
The Devil's Own
The Devil's Own
Devil's Gulch
Devil's Gulch
White Devil
White Devil
Disney Underground Cruella de Vil Life of Crime Giclee Print
Disney Underground Cruella de Vil Life of Crime Giclee Print
Tasmanian Devil, Dr. Devil Jacket - Boys
Tasmanian Devil, Dr. Devil Jacket - Boys
Devil's Double
Devil's Double
Tasmanian Devil, Devil May Hare Jacket
Tasmanian Devil, Devil May Hare Jacket

~ Table of Content ~

Introduction
Concept of The Devil in World Religions
Names of the devil
The devil in literature
The devil in film and television
The devil in video games
The devil on the internet
Bibliography
See also
 
FR: Diable


 

~ Related Subjects ~

Supernatural (2) - Nature (1) - Super- (1) - West (1) - Adjective (1) - Ahriman (1) - Ahura Mazda (1) - Latin (1) - Soul (1) - Divine (1) - Sacred (1) - Development of religion (1) - Moral code (1) - Faith (1) - Etymology (1) -
 

~ Community ~

History Forum
Come and discuss about History, Civilizations, Historical Events and Figures
History Web-Ring
A community of sites, blogs and forums dedicated to History. Do not hesitate to submit your site.