Satan and Demons in the Apostolic Fathers : A Minority Report

The writers of Didache, 1 Clement, Shepherd of Hermas, Martyrdom of Polycarp, and 2 Clement consistently identify humans as the origin and cause of evil, rather than Satan or demons. Showing no interest in demons, possession, or exorcism, they exhibit a strong concern with ethical and psychological dualism. They recommend that evil impulses be overcome with internal self-control supplemented by prayer and good thoughts. These texts show a distinct marginalization or even demythologization of satanological terminology. This study makes three particular contributions. One is a synthesis of the evidence for a strong trend of Adamic etiology of sin (as opposed to an Enochic etiology) within the Apostolic Fathers. A second is the evidence it presents for a first century demythologizing Christianity which survived into the second century, but only as a minority report. A third is a systematic application of lexicographical analysis to early Christian satanology