Satan, saints, and heretics: A history of political demonology in the Middle Ages

This project shows how and why demonology was used in the medieval ages as a legitimate political strategy, both by the Church and by seculars. The importance of demonology to the European medieval culture is firmly established through an examination of relevant Jewish and Christian biblical and extrabiblical texts. The avenues by which demonology was transmitted -- patristic and theological writings, hagiographies, sermons, and secular literatures -- is also examined to underscore the integration of demonology into the religious and lay culture.;Those thought to be involved with the demonic ran the gamut from the highest to lowest classes, and the entire Christian community was responsible for indentifying and dealing with anyone thought to be implicated with or directed by Satan or his demons. In the teleological worldview of the European Middle Ages, all Christians were intimately involved in protecting and strengthening the community until the End Time and Final Judgment arrived. Any number of charges -- apostate, heretic, schismatic, idolater -- were directly linked to Satan's influence and might be leveled against an individual or group. This project investigates a number of these groups and individuals as well as their accusers.