In reference to the demonic, Unger briefly assesses personhood by inseparably correlating it with ontological reality. Persons are who they are because of their relationship with the divine. Barth’s perspective on personhood is not intrinsically linked to the physical nature. Personhood itself is a divisive issue between the two theologians. This thesis initially delves into the demonological offerings of a pair of twentieth century theologians, Karl Barth and Merrill Unger, in order to discern their particular positions upon the subject. Is the demonic personal or impersonal? The question is rarely treated in depth. Keywords: Demonology Witchcraft Satan Devil Occult Demonic Influences Spiritual warfare Strategic level spiritual warfare. This article wants to point out that a Reformed hermeneutical study and interpretation of relevant biblical perspectives may enrich the lives of Christians and bring some balance between current extremes in the understanding and application of biblical data on demonology. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider the subject of demonology that deals with Satan and his fallen angels from the perspective of traditional Reformed systematic theology and hermeneutics. On the other hand, there are Reformed theologians in South Africa who expressed opinions and even Reformed denominations that have made synodical decisions that the Devil does not exist as a person and that the existence of demons are myths. Witchcraft still causes major social problems in South Africa and Africa. In the debates about lacunas in Western theological education and the need to decolonise Reformed theological education in South Africa, the necessity of understanding demonology has been pointed out as an important area for more research and contextualisation by several researchers. Christians are planted on the sure ground of the Scriptures, prepared for the spiritual realities of the world in which we live. A biblical, Evangelical demonology also rises to modern challenges, including skepticism and speculation. Through this study of the demonic, the assertion that “demonology matters” is presented, as the doctrine of the demonic relates to the reliability of the Bible and the quality of our salvation. Demonic activity throughout the Bible is surveyed, and the argument is offered that demons do act as malevolent personal beings intent on instigating evil in the created order. After highlighting particular contributions from Kato, criteria are outlined for the project before launching into the primary content. Then an Evangelical demonology itself is constructed. Since Kato views the world outside of Christ as the dominion of Satan and the demonic, he advocates that one must turn to Christ for redemption. After discerning some of the major themes of Kato’s soteriology, his exclusivism (and how it relates to demonology) is specifically discussed. Furthermore, Kato’s writings on the demonic are inherently linked to soteriology. Kato’s demonology gravitates to the biblical material, and thus it delivers both challenges and affirmations to every party. Human perceptions concerning the demonic are often inseparable from prevailing cultural attitudes, and the temptation to exalt one’s own culture must be avoided, especially due to the new norm of multicultural churches, para-church organizations, and seminaries. In an increasingly intermingled world, with many backgrounds being represented in multicultural Christian communities, Kato’s demonology is a superior model. Overall, Kato’s work presents timely contributions for our demonological goals, especially considering the multicultural context. His demonological efforts are headlined by a booklet on the spirits, and throughout the rest of Kato’s theological output, Satan and his wicked comrades are frequently mentioned. To begin the process, Byang Kato’s background and demonology is examined, since Kato himself has a unique relationship to demonic practices by virtue of his upbringing. What composes an Evangelical demonology? This dissertation aims to provide a fresh Evangelical demonology, reflecting and systematizing the biblical material on the demonic.
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