The Old Enemy

Rating:
Summary: The Old Stumbling Block
Review: Forsyth produced a wonderful survey of the development of "Satan" from his "humble" origins as a "thing"--a "stumbling block" or "stn." Along the way, Forsyth discusses the early combat myths, biblical and extra-biblical sources. Reasoned treatments of these sources usually drown the reader unless one has a Ph.D. in various ancient languages. Forsyth succeeds in discussing these sources without wandering into linguistic minutia. When he does discuss the linguistics behind names, he does so clearly and succinctly.

To give an example, he provides a measured explanation of how the concept of "fallen angels" developed from the Genesis passages refering to the "sons of the gods" who come to Earth and mate with human women.

I cannot recommend this book too highly.

Rating:
Summary: The Old Stumbling Block
Review: Forsyth produced a wonderful survey of the development of "Satan" from his "humble" origins as a "thing"--a "stumbling block" or "stn." Along the way, Forsyth discusses the early combat myths, biblical and extra-biblical sources. Reasoned treatments of these sources usually drown the reader unless one has a Ph.D. in various ancient languages. Forsyth succeeds in discussing these sources without wandering into linguistic minutia. When he does discuss the linguistics behind names, he does so clearly and succinctly.

To give an example, he provides a measured explanation of how the concept of "fallen angels" developed from the Genesis passages refering to the "sons of the gods" who come to Earth and mate with human women.

I cannot recommend this book too highly.