'Is die duiwel los?' Nuwe-Testamentiese perspektiewe op die stryd tussen Christus en die Bose

Abstract

'Is the devil on the loose?' New Testament perspectives on the struggle between Christ and Satan A brief summary of the views of Jesus, Paul and John regarding the struggle between Christ and Satan is first presented. This is followed by a discussion of the position of the followers of Jesus in this “eschatological” battle. Apart from modern theological epistemologies that interpret early Christian views regarding the struggle between Christ and Satan in terms of a primitive, mythical worldview, the metaphysical worldview of the New Testament is taken seriously in this article. It is argued that both God’s metaphysical involvement in history, as well as the reality of evil, must be taken into consideration if modern believing communities still want to lay claim to legitimately being part of the apostolic tradition. This, however, does not call for any fixation on evil in its various manifestations, but for a constant awareness of Christ’s eschatological victory over all opposing forces.

Keywords

• Christian Worldview
• Cross As Symbol Of Victory Over The Powers
• Evil Forces In The Ancient Jewish World
• Exorcisms In The Ministry Of Jesus
• Struggle Of Faith As Total Orientation Towards God