The struggle between the 'image of God' and Satan in the Greek Life of Adam and Eve

Rivka Nir

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

According to a tradition in the Greek Life of Adam and Eve (GLAE), Seth and his mother Eve were confronted by a wild beast that attacked Seth. This article asserts that Seth's battle with the beast should be understood as a struggle between the 'image of God' and Satan, and viewed in a Christian context. The claim is based on three aspects of the story: how the beast is described, why it attacked Seth and only he could control it, and why the beast was confined to its dwelling place until the Day of Judgement. The struggle between Seth and the beast/Satan should be seen as a link in the chain of struggle between the image of God and Satan. It begins in Paradise between Adam, the image of God, and Satan, as recounted in the story of Satan's fall from heaven, continues on earth between Seth, Adam's descendant, and Satan, and will culminate with the final victory of Jesus, the ultimate image of God, over Satan at the end of times.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)327-339
Number of pages13
JournalScottish Journal of Theology
Volume61
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2008

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