Cognitive linguistics and the demonology of Luke’s gospel

This thesis is the first work to apply conceptual metaphor theory (e.g. Lakoff and Johnson 1980) and conceptual blending theory (e.g. Fauconnier and Turner 2002) to Luke’s conception and portrayal of demons, exorcisms, and Satan, with particular attention paid to Luke’s use of the Septuagint. By applying cognitive linguistics to biblical texts, I have been able to illuminate difficult passages and to develop new insights into the text, thus demonstrating the usefulness of cognitive linguistics as a methodology for examining biblical narrative as well as epistolary or discursive texts. Chapters 1 and 2 respectively outline past scholarship on NT demonology (especially Lukan demonology) and the cognitive linguistic fields of conceptual metaphor theory and conceptual blending theory (particularly their increasing use in biblical studies). Chapter 3 contains a brief contextual overview of demons and Satan in the Greco-Roman world and in the Jewish scriptures, in preparation to discuss conceptual blending in Chapter 4, which focuses on Luke 4:1-13 and 4:33-37. Chapters 5 and 6 explore specific conceptual metaphors in the rest of the gospel (particularly the WARFARE metaphor), and their application to specific questions in Luke’s work, while Chapter 7 suggests future possible research. Luke presents Satan as the leader of an enemy nation, and as such possession, exorcism, demons, evangelism, and other elements can all be conceptually mapped according to the WARFARE metaphor. Thus, applied to the particular fields of demonology and Satanology, conceptual metaphor theory can also help to deepen our understanding of Luke’s Christology, his presentation of the Gentile mission, and his understanding of the Septuagint and of Hellenistic culture. The topic of demonology cannot be ignored, and the field of cognitive linguistics provides a new, exciting lens through which to view it.