Literary Demonology QUESTION from Richard Schoen February 29, 2000 I am in the beginning stages of a fictional novel. I would like any information you can provide me with on the demons Mephistopheles and Baal (Characteristics, historical facts of cult worship, literary information, etc...). Thankyou
ANSWER by Mrs. Suzanne Fortin, B.A. on March 4, 2000 Dear Mr. Schoen
As far as I know, Church Tradition only names one demon, Satan, the other demons being anonymous. Mepistopheles is just another name for the devil. Baal is a god in Middle Eastern mythology who became associated with evil. Sometimes Christians have associated pagan idols with demons in order to explain natural or supernatural activities attributed to idol worship.
Other than that, there's not much to say about demons on historical or literary level, at least nothing which would concord with the Church's teaching and Tradition. I don't know that there is a lot on the history of Satan worship. As I wish to present material which is useful or edifying to Catholics, I do not wish to undertake research on this matter. I don't want to encourage undue curiosity in demons, especially with information which is not rooted in solid Catholic theology.
Thank you for writing.
God Bless, Suzanne

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