Demonology and Devil-lore
Mar 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
805
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About this ebook
Written in the 19th century, this lengthy and thorough text documents the various manifestations of demons and devils in the Christian religion. The forms they take, and the means by which they appear in the physical world, are cataloged. How they correspond to actual phenomena, such as death and pestilence, is likewise noted. Conway draws upon various writings within the Biblical scriptures, together with later works published in the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries, to arrive at his own comprehensive treatment of the subject. The second volume of the work concerns devils. Various figures such as Ahriman and Viswámitra receive chapters, in which the writings about them are quoted to form a complete image of their behavior and meanings. Appearances of devils in later works, such as the diabolical Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust, are also cataloged. The overarching aim of Conway's thesis is to draw parallels between the various demonic and devilish phenomena, while noting their overall influence across the history of Christianity. The text is informative in tone and does not stray to dogmatism; Conway instead provides sourced information in a factual, studied tone. For his part, Conway was not a believer in the lore of demons. Although he served variously as a Methodist, Unitarian and Freethought minister in life, he had little time for the supernatural elements of Christianity. It is thus that Demonology and Devil-lore is an effort toward debunking and discounting what Conway viewed as the fantastical elements of a faith he otherwise identified with spiritually and morally. Today, Demonology and Devil-lore is somewhat archaic in terms of tone owing to its age. However, it still counts among the most thorough, in-depth and wide-ranging treatments of a subject which has fascinated religious and non-religious persons alike for centuries. (Goodreads)
About the author
Moncure Daniel Conway (1832-1907) was a remarkable American author, clergyman, and abolitionist whose life and work bridged the tumultuous 19th century. Born into a slaveholding family in Virginia, Conway's journey from Southern aristocracy to radical reformer is a testament to his intellectual and moral evolution. Educated at Dickinson College and Harvard Divinity School, he initially served as a Methodist minister before his growing anti-slavery convictions led him to join the Unitarian Church, a move that scandalized his conservative roots.Conway's literary contributions span a diverse array of subjects, from religion and philosophy to social justice. His fearless advocacy for abolition and women's rights made him a controversial figure in his time, often placing him at odds with both his Southern heritage and more conservative contemporaries. He was a prolific writer and a compelling orator, whose works and speeches resonated with the progressive movements of his era.Living in England for much of his later life, Conway became a prominent figure in transatlantic intellectual circles, influencing contemporaries such as Charles Darwin and Thomas Huxley. His writings often challenged the status quo, promoting free thought and secularism, which were revolutionary ideas during his lifetime.Conway's legacy is that of a relentless seeker of truth and justice, whose life story reflects the broader struggles and transformations of 19th-century America. His courage to defy societal norms and advocate for universal human rights continues to inspire modern readers and thinkers.
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