A fresh, evidence‑based look at how the idea of the devil has grown from many cultures and eras.
This examination traces the pedigree of a powerful symbol, from ancient gods to modern devils, and shows how beliefs change shape and meaning over time.
Beginning with the premise that every idea has a pedigree, the book surveys how notions of evil have been built, bent, and passed along across civilizations. It pulls together philosophy, theology, and history to explain why the devil exists in the imagination as a complex, evolving concept rather than a single figure.
- See how ancient deities and later demonologies contribute to the modern devil’s image.
- Explore cross‑cultural influences from Hebrew, Greek, Persian, and other traditions.
- Learn how ideas about morality, religion, and society help shape beliefs about evil.
- Understand the methods scholars use to trace ideas back to their origins and transformations.
Ideal for readers of religious history, mythology, and cultural studies who want a clear, thoughtful account of how a single concept can bear many faces across time.