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Satan’s Origin Story Is WAY DARKER Than You Think - Professor Elaine Pagels

MythVision TV

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Elaine Pagels, a Princeton professor and author of The Origin of Satan, joins MythVision to reveal one of the most shocking truths about the history of Christianity: Satan did not emerge as a “cosmic demon” the way most people imagine.

In this episode, we explore how the figure of Satan was shaped over time — from ancient Judaism to early Christianity — and how the concept of “good versus evil” became a powerful social and political weapon.

Pagels explains why Satan barely appears in the Old Testament, how the Gospels began associating religious enemies with the “devil,” and how this narrative helped justify historical persecution, including the rise of Christian anti-Judaism.

💥 This episode is essential for anyone interested in:

Early Christianity

Biblical history

Apocryphal Gospels

Gnosticism

The origins of the idea of the “devil”

Politics and religion in the ancient world

📚 Check out Elaine Pagels’ recommended books in the description and support MythVision for future in-person interviews!

https://www.elaine-pagels.com/

Help support MythVision's trip to interview Dr. Elaine Pagels in person - https://gofund.me/b43e3f43

#MythVision #Christianity #Jesus #Mythical #JesusMythTheory #HistoricalJesus #JesusDebate #BiblicalCriticism #ReligiousHistory #JesusMyth #ChristMythTheory #Skepticism #SecularScholarship #CriticalThinking #AtheistPerspective #FaithVsFact #BeliefQuestions #HistoricalJesus #ApocalypticProphet #Eschatology #BiblicalStudies #NewTestament #MythVision #MythVision
#Mítico #JesusHistórico #DebateSobreJesus

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20 Comments

@svemory 7 months ago

Can't get enough of her -- and what a fantastic interviewer!

@REGENETARIANISM 7 months ago (edited)

Interesting side note about that car crash in high school that Elaine Pagels' friend (who was actually her boyfriend) died in. One of the survivors of that crash, who was one of her friends who played music, was Jerry Garcia. Garcia was grateful he didn't also die in that crash. Thus, Garcia band name, The Grateful Dead, was also due to that crash.

@forwardpeace 5 months ago

I think a great many people have had the same experience as Prof. Pagels--having a Born Again experience as a youth, then growing out of it, or being shocked out of it by the people in the religion. It happened to me.

@TheQuietAltar-t3w 3 months ago

What a nice introduction to your channel for myself! Loved it.

@averiemaddox6493 6 months ago

I remember when this book came out. It blew up! I’m so glad you are having her on the show

@theshrocknpiper2685 7 months ago

I loved this!! Thank you for this interview. 🎉🎉

@01waterlilly 4 months ago

I have been aware of Pagels since the early 80's, living amongst an 'alternative' community in Bristol, England. This lady is held in high regard and it is awesome that prople are still finding her and her and her writings and being inspired. ❤

@JMaxwell1000 6 months ago

I LOVE Prof. Pagels. Her insights are wisdom for the ages. Thank you so much for having her as a frequent guest. She is a breath of truth.

@honved1 5 months ago

45:56. "Luminous beings are we Luke, not this crude matter"

@slouter72 5 months ago

I first heard Dr. Paigels on Bill Moyers back in the day. Bought The Gnostic Gospels and my eyes were opened to another world of Christianity. I’m truly grateful.

@edwardrichardson8254 7 months ago

Pagels is a doll. "Revelations" is terrific.

@davashorb6116 7 months ago

Dr. Pagel's work opened my mind.

@annalyon8443 3 months ago

I need to add her more to my extensive library. Now that I am retired I have time to read. Glad to see you interviewed.

@Ramenomen 13 days ago

Over thirty years later and I'm still learning from her.

@mrxprogrammingtutorials2732 6 months ago

I like this pod-caster he is informed and asks good questions

@debrahaley910 7 months ago

I left the evangelical indoctrination. My pastor left my church and went to work in the Billy Graham organization. I found that people lack compassion. If you have a human problem all they can do is proseltize I and judge your faith. If you have a problem it must be because you sin. They condemn everyone who does not believe their paradigm.

@seunjegede1103 7 months ago

Who pushed the Romans to crucify Jesus? The Jews!

@ChrisM-ve6qc 3 months ago

I was dissuaded from listening to this because other commenters asked “when does the discussion about satan begin?” Gonna keep moving.

@samm1830 6 months ago

Great job by both of you, Ms Pagels is brilliant and Derek you're well informed and ask great questions. Thank you for this interview and bless you both.