The Devil Is Dead: A Historical Survey and Study of the Decline of the Doctrine of Evil

Abstract

The doctrine of the Devil seems to be in decline in Western Christianity: A 2009 Barna study of American Christians found that less than forty percent of Christians believe that the Devil is a real being, not merely a symbol of evil. This thesis tackles three questions related to the decline of the doctrine of the Devil: How did Western Christianity reach this point? What are the implications of this decline? How can Christians reclaim the doctrine of the Devil? To answer these questions, this thesis is divided into four parts. The first part provides a broad survey of various developments and changes within the doctrine of the Devil. The second portion of this thesis summarizes the main causes for the decline of the doctrine of the Devil. The third part explores the implications of this decline and its effects both on believers and unbelievers. Finally, the fourth portion of this thesis provides some thoughts on how the doctrine of the Devil can be reclaimed by focusing on the Biblical basis for a theology of the Devil, and the Devil’s importance in theology and the Christian’s life.