The History of Demons, Part Two: From Scripture to the Silver Screen | Halloween Special

How did the spirits of the ancient world become the demons of modern nightmares?

In the conclusion of our Halloween special, we pick up after our exploration of the Book of Enoch and turn to the New Testament, early Christianity, and the centuries of interpretation that followed.

From “unclean spirits” and the story of Legion to debates about pagan gods, fallen angels, and Lucifer, we examine how different texts and traditions became woven into a familiar supernatural story. We also explore Revelation’s symbolic, apocalyptic imagery—and why reading it in its historical and literary context matters.

Then we follow demons beyond scripture, through demonology, witch trials, literature, and modern horror. How much of what we picture today comes from ancient religious texts, and how much comes from the stories told afterward?

In part two:

• Demons, possession, and exorcism in the New Testament.
• Legion, Beelzebul, and the language of “unclean spirits.”
• Early Christian interpretations of pagan gods and demonic powers.
• How Satan, Lucifer, fallen angels, and demons became connected in later traditions.
• Revelation’s imagery and the importance of understanding apocalyptic literature.
• Demonology and witch trials.
• The influence of Dante, Milton, and the Faust tradition.
• Modern horror—and Pazuzu’s journey from ancient protective figure to cinematic terror.

The beings we call demons have never had one universally agreed-upon history. Their story is also a story about how human beings explain suffering, imagine evil, and give shape to the unknown.

Research resources and historical writings

• Justin Martyr — Second Apology, especially chapter 5. An early Christian account connecting transgressing angels and demons. This is a primary historical source rather than modern academic analysis.
• https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0127.htm
• Augustine — The City of God, Book IX. An influential Christian discussion of demons and their supposed role as intermediaries. This is a primary historical source.
• https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf102.iv.IX.html
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art — “Pazuzu: Beyond Good and Evil.” Historical context for comparing the ancient Pazuzu with his modern horror counterpart.
• https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2014/assyria-to-iberia/blog/posts/pazuzu

Biblical texts explored

• Mark 5:1–20: The story of Legion.
• Matthew 12:22–32: Beelzebul and accusations concerning Jesus’ exorcisms.
• Isaiah 14: A passage central to later interpretations of Lucifer.
• Jude: References relevant to Enochic traditions and transgressing angels.
• Revelation 12: The dragon, heavenly conflict, and apocalyptic symbolism.

Literary works discussed

• Dante Alighieri — Inferno.
• John Milton — Paradise Lost.
• The Faust tradition.

These literary works are explored for their influence on popular imagination, distinct from ancient scripture and historical evidence.

New to this series? Start with part one for Mesopotamian spirits, Greek and Persian traditions, the Watchers, and the Book of Enoch.

If you enjoyed our Halloween special leave a rating or review, and share both episodes with someone curious about the history behind the things that scare us.

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The History of Demons, Part One: Ancient Spirits and the Watchers | Halloween Special

Before there was The Exorcist, there was Pazuzu. Before demons became synonymous with fallen angels, ancient cultures told very different stories about the unseen beings surrounding them.

In part one of our Halloween special, we trace the history of demons from ancient Mesopotamia through Greek and Persian traditions and into the religious world of ancient Judaism.

Along the way, we encounter protective demons, dangerous spirits, mysterious giants, and angels who cross a forbidden boundary. We also explore the Book of Enoch—a text that helped shape influential ideas about evil spirits, yet was excluded from most Christian biblical canons while remaining scripture in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo tradition.

This isn’t an attempt to settle whether demons exist. It’s an exploration of how people’s understanding of their origins, nature, and purpose has changed across thousands of years.

In part one:

• Mesopotamian spirits and the dangers of applying modern definitions to ancient beliefs.
• Lamashtu, Pazuzu, and the use of frightening beings for protection.
• The Greek daimōn and the changing language of the supernatural.
• Zoroastrian traditions and the complexities of tracing religious influence.
• Genesis 6, the “sons of God,” and the Nephilim.
• The Book of Enoch’s Watchers, giants, and explanation for evil spirits.
• Why Enoch remained scripture in Ethiopian Christianity while most other Christian traditions did not include it in their Bibles.

Research resources

• ORACC — Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses. Scholarly reference material on Mesopotamian religion and supernatural beings.
• https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/amgg/
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art — “Pazuzu: Beyond Good and Evil.” Pazuzu’s protective role and his relationship to Lamashtu.
• https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2014/assyria-to-iberia/blog/posts/pazuzu
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art — “Amulet with a Lamashtu Demon.” Material evidence of ancient protective practices.
• https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/326961
• Encyclopaedia Iranica — “DĒW.” A scholarly reference on demons in Iranian and Zoroastrian traditions.
• https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dew/
• Israel Antiquities Authority — The Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library. A manuscript archive relevant to Second Temple Judaism and Enochic traditions.
• https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/

Primary texts explored

• Genesis 6:1–4: The “sons of God” and the Nephilim.
• 1 Enoch, especially chapters 6–16: The Watchers, the giants, and the spirits that emerge after their destruction.

Ancient religious texts are discussed as evidence of historical beliefs, alongside modern scholarship and archaeological material.

Coming in part two: We follow these traditions into the New Testament and explore how later theology, literature, and horror helped create the demons we recognize today.

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What does it mean to offer sanctuary—and what happens when the demands of conscience come into conflict with the law?

In Part Two of our conversation with historian and author Dr. Lloyd Barba, we continue exploring the legacy of the Sanctuary Movement and its relevance to the world we’re living in today.

Lloyd is the co-author, alongside Sergio M. González, of Sanctuary in America: How Activists Defied the Government and Defended Immigrants—And Why It Still Matters. Their book tells the story of people who mobilized to support immigrants and refugees, and the tensions their actions exposed between faith, government, and moral responsibility. Oxford Academic

As we wrap up this conversation, we invite you to consider what sanctuary can mean beyond the walls of a church—and what it asks of individuals and communities who believe that every person deserves dignity and safety.

If you missed the first half of our conversation, be sure to go back and listen to Part One!

📖 Learn more about the book:

Sanctuary in America by Lloyd D. Barba and Sergio M. González

Every life has a before. Every life has an after.

John’s new podcast, This Is Who We Become, is a series of conversations with people who have experienced moments that changed the course of their lives—and who are willing to share what happened next.

We’ve already announced some of our first guests, and there’s much more to come. Join the mailing list to hear about new guest announcements, launch updates, and upcoming episodes!

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