Demonization
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Demonization is the reinterpretation of polytheistic deities as demons by other religions, generally monotheistic ones. Rather than denying the existence of the other religion's pantheon entirely, the proselytizer says instead that they are not truly gods but demons trying to deceive their followers. Demonization is most closely associated with Christian missionaries to pagans during the spread of Christianity, though Judaism, Islam, and other religions have had similar practices; for instance, some strains of Hinduism considered the Buddha an incarnation of Vishnu sent to deceive people.
The term has since been expanded to refer to general characterization of individuals, groups, or political bodies as evil.
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[edit] Background
The purpose of demonization is to facilitate oppressive actions against the demonized individual or group, ranging from ostracism to genocide. A common practice in early Judaism, founded on religious texts,[1][2] was the demonization of rival deities.[3] This would later transfer to Christianity and result in the persecution and suppression of pagan religions.[4] Classic examples of this kind of religious demonization include Baphomet (thought by some to be a corruption of Mohammad) and Beelzebub. The allegation that the Knights Templar worshipped Baphomet may have been used because of the likeness of this horned deity with the Christian images of Satan[5] and its supposed association with the founder of Islam[6]. The language of demonization was invoked during the Spanish inquisition leading to the expulsion of Jews from Spain.[7]
Demonizing an individual, group or culture generally involves a suspension of the normal considerations of humane behaviour and respect. Given that the subjects of demonization are portrayed as evil and/or subhuman beyond any dispute, then any means of self-defense is considered legitimate, in proportion to the threat represented.
One purpose of the demonization of individuals - as opposed to groups - is to divert attention from their arguments, and discredit them personally by ad hominem attacks. Alleging that they are fascists, communists, racists, religious fanatics or some other despised category of individuals is particularly effective not only in undermining individuals with controversial views, but in isolating them from public support.
[edit] Demonizing religion
Many religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have been demonized, both by elements within their religions and outside. At the extreme, demonizing religion has led to religious violence and wars.
Many pagans and gnostics, as well as indigenous people around the world identify demonization as the historical basis for the oppression of their spiritual beliefs, as well. Whereas the original Hebrew scriptures taught that "the Gods of the gentiles are nothing", the Greek Septuagint translation of that same passage, used by the early Christian Church, asserted that "all the Gods of the heathens are devils".[4]
[edit] See also
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
[edit] Notes and References
- ^ "Ye shall destroy their altars, and break in pieces their pillars, and ye shall cut down their groves, and the graven images of their gods ye shall burn with fire." Exodus 34:13
- ^ "And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword." Joshua 6:21
- ^ "Demons in the Old Testament", Dennis Bratcher, 2006, retrieved 06 May 207.[1]
- ^ a b "The Greek Septuagint translated into English", psalm 95:5, translated by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton, 1851. Jerome would follow the Greek text rather than the Hebrew when he translated the Latin Vulgate edition of the bible. The "devils" epithet would still appear in bibles up until the end of the 20th century when the consensus reverted back to the original Hebrew text for modern translations
- ^ " Pentacles and Pentagrams", Religious Tolerance, retrieved 06 May 2007[2]
- ^ "Baphomet", Enyclopedia Britannica, 1911 Edition, retrieved 06 May 2007.[3]
- ^ "Edict of the Expulsion of the Jews", 1492, Translated from the Castilian by Edward Peters, retrieved 06 May 2007.[4]
fr:diabolisation pl:demonizacja
