This document announces a talk examining the origins and functions of early Jewish beliefs about demonic forces, which had profound cultural influence by shaping Christian religious beliefs, even if rabbinic Judaism rejected them. The talk will discuss how while modern Christians do not take the mythology literally, variations on these beliefs remain common among conservative evangelical and Pentecostal Christians worldwide. It provides details on the speaker, Carol Newsom, her position at Emory University, and the event sponsors.

1. ANCIENT NEAR EAST
MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES
t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f t e x a s at a u s t i n
APRIL 22, 2013
5:00 P.M. AVAYA AUDITORIUM
(ACE 2.302)
This talk will examine the origins and functions of
speculation on demonic forces in early Judaism, a worldview
with profound and lasting cultural effects.Although rabbinic
Judaism largely rejected it, this worldview strongly shaped
Christian religious beliefs. And while modernist Christians
do not take the mythology of evil spirits literally, variations
on these beliefs remain common among conservative
evangelical and Pentecostal Christians throughout the world.
Carol A. Newsom is Charles Howard Candler Professor
of Old Testament at Emory University’s Candler School of
Theology. She recently served as president of the Society of
Biblical Literature and is a senior fellow at Emory University’s
Center for the Study of Law and Religion.
Sponsored by:
Middle Eastern Studies
Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies
Department of Religious Studies
CAROL NEWSOM
EMORY
UNIVERSITY
demons and evil angels in early judaism