Tuesday 5 July 2011

Kathryn Hager - John Cassian: The Devil in the Details


It is widely accepted that Evagrius Ponticus had a large influence on the writings of John Cassian. Cassian’s use of the eight vices compiled by Evagrius are a clear indication of this influence. Many scholars also deem Cassian’s demonology to be an inheritance of Evagrius, but a closer look shows how he both inherit and develops Evagrian concepts. An important part of his demonology is his conception of the person of the Devil. Cassian’s origin story of the Devil vastly departs from Evagrius’ making the role of the Devil in either theologian’s writings serve a different purpose. 

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