demonology

religion

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June 25, 2026

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Demonology is the study of demons or evil spirits, and the belief in them. In many religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, demons are viewed as malevolent spiritual beings that hinder humans from achieving their spiritual aspirations or well-being. These beings can be fallen angels, like Satan, or other entities that tempt humans to sin and cause calamities. Belief in demons is not tied to a specific cosmic view and has a long history across various cultures, often representing former gods or spiritual beings that were overpowered by dominant religious beliefs. In popular belief, demons are sometimes depicted with horrifying characteristics to instill fear or ward off their influence.1234

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Judaism
Early stages to the 6th century ce
…angelology (doctrine about angels) and demonology (doctrine about devils); mythical geography and uranography (description of the heavens); contemplation of the divine manifestations, whose background was the Jerusalem Temple worship and the visions of the moving “throne” (merkava, “chariot”) in the prophecy of Ezekiel; reflection on the double origin of human…
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…angelology (doctrine about angels) and demonology (doctrine about devils); mythical geography and uranography (description of the heavens); contemplation of the divine manifestations, whose background was the Jerusalem Temple worship and the visions of the moving “throne” (merkava, “chariot”) in the prophecy of Ezekiel; reflection on the double origin of human…
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