Michael J Morris | University of Mary, Bismarck (original) (raw)

Papers by Michael J Morris

Research paper thumbnail of Deuteronomy in the Matthean and Lucan Temptation in Light of Early Jewish Antidemonic Tradition (CBQ)

An ancient antidemonic technique called "apotropaism " is a preventative measure in which a petit... more An ancient antidemonic technique called "apotropaism " is a preventative measure in which a petition or incantation ensures protection from filture demonic harm. When examining demonological features in the Synoptic Gospels alongside early Jewish apotropaic tradition, one instance that is given attention is the use of quotations from Deuteronomy by Jesus in the Matthean and Lucan temptations (Matt 4:1 ‫؛‬ 11 ‫־‬ Luke 4:1-13). Several scholars point out that Jesus' reliance on Deuteronomy in the context of Satanic confrontation is similar to the apofropaic effect of torah observance in the Damascus Document. References to this parallel, however, are brief. Neither a substantive analysis of the relationship between the Deuteronomy expressions and early Jewish apotropaism nor a discussion of how apotropaic elements impact broader issues of Synoptic Gospel demonology has been offered. Therefore, in this essay I measure features of the temptation in the double tradition against early Jewish apotropaism, while taking into account the larger demonologies and portrayals of Jesus in Matthew and Luke. The result is a deeper reflection on the Deuteronomy quotations in the temptation in light of Second Temple antidemonic tradition.

Research paper thumbnail of Apotropaic Inversion in the Temptation and at Qumran (WUNT II.412, Mohr Siebeck)

Reviews by Michael J Morris

Research paper thumbnail of The Myth of Rebellious Angels (Stuckenbruck) (CBQ)

Catholic Biblical Quarterly , 2018

Stuckenbruck has made many contributions to discussions about "fallen" and "rebellious" angel nar... more Stuckenbruck has made many contributions to discussions about "fallen" and "rebellious" angel narratives in early Judaism and their reception in antiquity. The volume under review comprises previously unpublished and published (but updated) material that examines fallen angel myths present in 1 Enoch and their influence on NT texts. Over the course

Research paper thumbnail of The Fallen Angels Traditions (eds. Harkins, Bautch, Endres) (CBQ)

Catholic Biblical Quarterly , 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Evil and the Devil (eds. Frölich and Koskenniemi) (DSD)

Dead Sea Discoveries, 2016

Books by Michael J Morris

Research paper thumbnail of Warding Off Evil: Apotropaic Tradition in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Synoptic Gospels (WUNT II.451, Mohr Siebeck)

Michael J. Morris examines aspects of synoptic gospel demonology; specically, human responses to ... more Michael J. Morris examines aspects of synoptic gospel demonology; specically, human responses to demonic evil. It is clear that early Christian demonology can be more fully understood against the background of early Jewish traditions. In the Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, there are two fundamental ways by which protection against demons is sought. The rst anti-demonic method is " exorcism, " and the second is characterized by its preventative nature and is typically referred to as " apotropaism. " Although many contributions have been made on the topic of exorcism in the gospels, less attention has been paid to the presence of apotropaic features in the gospel texts. Therefore, Michael J. Morris oers a timely examination of apotropaic tradition in early Judaism and its signicance for demonological material in the synoptic gospels. He shows how the presence of apotropaisms not only shape conversations about early Christian demonology, but also have broader implications for the understanding of evil, eschatology, and the depiction of Jesus in relation to each gospel.

Research paper thumbnail of Deuteronomy in the Matthean and Lucan Temptation in Light of Early Jewish Antidemonic Tradition (CBQ)

An ancient antidemonic technique called "apotropaism " is a preventative measure in which a petit... more An ancient antidemonic technique called "apotropaism " is a preventative measure in which a petition or incantation ensures protection from filture demonic harm. When examining demonological features in the Synoptic Gospels alongside early Jewish apotropaic tradition, one instance that is given attention is the use of quotations from Deuteronomy by Jesus in the Matthean and Lucan temptations (Matt 4:1 ‫؛‬ 11 ‫־‬ Luke 4:1-13). Several scholars point out that Jesus' reliance on Deuteronomy in the context of Satanic confrontation is similar to the apofropaic effect of torah observance in the Damascus Document. References to this parallel, however, are brief. Neither a substantive analysis of the relationship between the Deuteronomy expressions and early Jewish apotropaism nor a discussion of how apotropaic elements impact broader issues of Synoptic Gospel demonology has been offered. Therefore, in this essay I measure features of the temptation in the double tradition against early Jewish apotropaism, while taking into account the larger demonologies and portrayals of Jesus in Matthew and Luke. The result is a deeper reflection on the Deuteronomy quotations in the temptation in light of Second Temple antidemonic tradition.

Research paper thumbnail of Apotropaic Inversion in the Temptation and at Qumran (WUNT II.412, Mohr Siebeck)

Research paper thumbnail of The Myth of Rebellious Angels (Stuckenbruck) (CBQ)

Catholic Biblical Quarterly , 2018

Stuckenbruck has made many contributions to discussions about "fallen" and "rebellious" angel nar... more Stuckenbruck has made many contributions to discussions about "fallen" and "rebellious" angel narratives in early Judaism and their reception in antiquity. The volume under review comprises previously unpublished and published (but updated) material that examines fallen angel myths present in 1 Enoch and their influence on NT texts. Over the course

Research paper thumbnail of The Fallen Angels Traditions (eds. Harkins, Bautch, Endres) (CBQ)

Catholic Biblical Quarterly , 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Evil and the Devil (eds. Frölich and Koskenniemi) (DSD)

Dead Sea Discoveries, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Warding Off Evil: Apotropaic Tradition in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Synoptic Gospels (WUNT II.451, Mohr Siebeck)

Michael J. Morris examines aspects of synoptic gospel demonology; specically, human responses to ... more Michael J. Morris examines aspects of synoptic gospel demonology; specically, human responses to demonic evil. It is clear that early Christian demonology can be more fully understood against the background of early Jewish traditions. In the Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, there are two fundamental ways by which protection against demons is sought. The rst anti-demonic method is " exorcism, " and the second is characterized by its preventative nature and is typically referred to as " apotropaism. " Although many contributions have been made on the topic of exorcism in the gospels, less attention has been paid to the presence of apotropaic features in the gospel texts. Therefore, Michael J. Morris oers a timely examination of apotropaic tradition in early Judaism and its signicance for demonological material in the synoptic gospels. He shows how the presence of apotropaisms not only shape conversations about early Christian demonology, but also have broader implications for the understanding of evil, eschatology, and the depiction of Jesus in relation to each gospel.