Original scientific paper
The Approach to Marulić's Demonology in ''The Evangelistarium''
Irvin Lukežić
; Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka , Hrvatska
Abstract
The relationship towards the demons is important for the understanding of Marulić's world view and morals. Marulić's demonology is relied firstly on the Old Testament, which reflects folk beliefs that divinize the forces hidden behind the evils of humanity, emphasizing, however, God's supremacy. Marulić recalls rather rarely the New Testament, which inherits these beliefs, but in which the theme of demonic obsession is connected with the figure of Christ. This means that Marulić deals indirectly with the Judaic tradition and its demonology. In order for them to better arrange their lives, Marulić recommends to his readers temperance and restraint in everything, especially in the physical delight and in food and drink. In order to supress lavishness and intemperance, he suggests ''to shut up the windows of one's own senses'', to decline immediately dishonest, evil and sinful thoughts. Besides, we cannot live an idle and lazy life; we have to be humble and patient, avoid curses, outbursts of hate and physical squaring of accounts, boasting and immodesty. We must be ready to help others, especially the poor, and spend life in deep devotion, taking Christ as a model. One should shun the corrupt and bad company, and make friends only with honest, good and clever people. According to Marulić's opinion, the man alone cannot resist these numerous and various dangers. He cannot trust his own powers only, but he must use faith and prayers. If man prays earnestly and invokes sincerely God's help, he can count that his prayers will be granted, that his previous piece of mind will finally return in spite of all. After he is freed from demonic temptation man must not relax or become arrogant; on the contrary, he must thank God humbly and contritely. God will reward such an individual with his future blessing offering him the permanent protection against evil. If he resists steadily carnal and other mundane yearnings, a sincere Christian will be rewarded with the happiest and immortal life that waits for him after his death.
Keywords
Old Testament; New Testament; Marulić; world-view; morals
Hrčak ID:
259399
URI
Publication date:
11.12.2016.
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