What is Demonology?

"Wildcats shall meet with hyenas, goat-demons shall call to each other; there too Lilith shall repose, and find a place to rest"

Though the aforementioned verse has been categorized as misinterpreted, Lilith refers to a female Mesopotamian demon considered to be the bearer of disease and death. Other references among the Dead Sea Scrolls and the story of Gilgamesh also include the name. Apparently, Persian pottery was discovered with incantation verses, once again referring to Lilith, imprinted on them. Though demonology remains exclusive in various aspects of religious texts, and the majority refers to demons in a negative manner, some interpretations actually conceive that the titular associated may derive from a less demeaning source. The current definition of "demon" is originally interpreted via the New Testament as a malignant spirit; however, it is uncertain whether or not the term is accurately identifying these supernatural beings in association to the devil.

Definition of Demonology: "The study of demons or demonic beliefs" (The Free Dictionary, 2010).

The previous definition appears to reveal the respective answer associated with this article. Demonology is simply the study and interpretation of demonic presence, etc. However, comprehending the term is entirely different, as various aspects play a role in demonology. For example, in the 15^th century, Alphonso de Spina, Bishop of Thermopylae in Greece, insisted that poltergeist, nightmares, familiars, fates, and succubi are all considered different species of demons.

As previously mentioned, though the different species of demons are usually referred to in a negative connotation, other sources reveal different motives for demons. Possessions by demons do not always involve circumstances modern day culture views in films such as the Exorcist, etc. In fact, religious research claims that individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses are more apt to psychic abilities. I vaguely recall a story regarding a professor who initially treated a patient with mental disabilities, who claimed to predict future occurrences. As time surpassed the patient, the prophecies surprising revealed factual.

Apparently, the Catholic Encyclopedia mentions that God commands a demon to commit murder in the Book of Tobias. Naturally, I would like to research this notion, but to think that God is "commanding" demons may strike fear in believers. Unless, of course, the demon was categorized inaccurately. To conclude, I have related much of this article to Christian demonology, though many separate perspectives remain unnoticed and unmentioned. However, I simply wanted readers to acknowledge the basis of demonology as well as historical occurrences, and the considerable amount of room for interpretation.

The Free Dictionary (2010). Definition of demonology. Retrieved Jan 22, 2010 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Demonologists