Angels and demons

Spirit beings are fascinating. They can be wicked good of dual nature or non-existent. They announce accompany heal injure sway charm fight tempt and judge. They can bring us closer to or distract us from God. In this volume the particular focus is on how angelic and demonic concepts are overtly expressed or are more obliquely reflected in different religions. Specific themes covered include spiritual warfare spirit beings and the origin of evil angelic and demonic roles human suffering and spiritual powers use of talismans sacred texts and the practical outworking of beliefs. The contributors - all Christian scholars - mostly write as detached observers of the religious traditions they are describing. Nevertheless they do not shy away from taking a stand on controversial issues. Here you will find a great diversity of thought some striking thematic similarities and a fascinating view of worlds far removed from our usual experience. The contributors are Allen Anderson Andy Bannister Ruth Bradby Keith Ferdinando Theodore Gabriel Chris Gnanakan Willam Kay Bill Musk Martin Parsons Chris Partridge Peter Riddell Nigel Scotland and Amy Summers-Minette.