Demons and Evil Spirits in Early Judaism and Christianity - Prof. Matthias Henze

Dr. Matthias Henze talk will explore the origins of the beliefs in demons and evil spirits. The rich literature of the late Second Temple period attests to a wide array of speculations about the origin, nature, and function of demons and evil forces. There are incantations against demons and liturgies for exorcism among the Dead Sea Scrolls. While rabbinic Judaism later on dismissed such beliefs and practices, demons had a major impact on Christianity and continue to be alive and well in some Christian circles today. Dr. Henze is the Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism and Founding Director of the Program in Jewish Studies at Rice University.