Apocryphal Literature, the Characterization of Satan, and the Descensus ad Inferos Tradition in England in the Middle Ages

This article discusses the role of apocrypha, specifically, the Gospel of Nicodemus in transmitting theological concepts that are not developed in Scripture and considers how such texts were transmitted across the centuries. In particular, this article examines the contribution of the Gospel of Nico...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Donnelly, Colleen (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2017
In: Religion & theology
Year: 2017, Volume: 24, Issue: 3/4, Pages: 321-349
IxTheo Classification:HC New Testament
KAB Church history 30-500; early Christianity
KAC Church history 500-1500; Middle Ages
KBF British Isles
NBH Angelology; demonology
Further subjects:B Gospel of Nicodemus descensus ad infernos apocrypha Middle English cycle drama vernacular religion Harrowing of Hell oral tradition
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:This article discusses the role of apocrypha, specifically, the Gospel of Nicodemus in transmitting theological concepts that are not developed in Scripture and considers how such texts were transmitted across the centuries. In particular, this article examines the contribution of the Gospel of Nicodemus and other apocryphal sources to the characterization of Satan, as developed in the descensus ad inferos tradition in England throughout the Middle Ages and also considers how authors’ varying intents, the needs of audiences, and modes of presentation may have impacted the manner in which characters were portrayed and the event was structured.
ISSN:1574-3012
Contains:In: Religion & theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15743012-02403004