Demons
How biblical texts and later Christian traditions describe hostile spiritual beings, temptation and evil.
Christianity in depth
Figures and personalities in Christian traditions
A reading guide to divine and supernatural beings, biblical personalities, saints and other figures whose identities are understood differently across Christian communities and historical sources.
Text, traditionand interpretation
People in texts and traditions
Human personalities
These entries examine people associated with Christian scripture, non-canonical writings, church teaching and seasonal customs.
Barnabas
A guide to Barnabas and to the much later work known as the Gospel of Barnabas, including questions about its date and authorship.
Judas
Context for Judas and the Gospel of Judas, a non-canonical text whose account differs from New Testament narratives.
Mary
An overview of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with particular attention to teachings and devotion in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Saint Nicholas
The historical bishop, the traditions associated with him and their later relationship to the figure of Santa Claus.
Saint Valentine
Historical uncertainty, religious commemoration and the development of customs bearing the name Valentine.
Reading the collection
Names carry history
Names such as Yeshua, Jesus, Yahweh and Jehovah reflect different languages, transliteration systems and religious practices. Their appearance in an article does not imply that every Christian community prefers or interprets them in the same way.
Some entries concern scriptural narratives, while others discuss later church teaching, non-canonical literature, folklore or popular custom. Each should be read in its own historical and literary setting.
What is includedDefinitions, source context, theological viewpoints and distinctions among traditions.
Keep in mindHistorical claims and confessional beliefs answer different kinds of questions.
Our approach
How to use these guides
A simple method for separating sources, interpretations and later traditions.
Identify
Note whether a figure comes from scripture, later literature, doctrine or popular custom.
Place
Consider the language, date, authorship and community connected with each source.
Compare
Look for meaningful differences among denominations and academic interpretations.
Follow
Use the linked entries to examine the evidence and terminology in greater depth.
Reader guide
Frequently asked questions
Why use both Yeshua and Jesus?
Yeshua reflects a Hebrew and Aramaic form of the name, while Jesus is the established English form derived through Greek and Latin. Usage varies with the subject and community.
Are Yahweh and Jehovah presented as separate gods?
No. They are different renderings associated with the divine name in the Hebrew Bible. Traditions differ over pronunciation and whether the name should be spoken.
Does every Christian tradition understand Satan and demons alike?
No. Interpretations range from personal supernatural beings to symbolic readings of evil, with many positions between them.
Are non-canonical gospels part of the Christian Bible?
Works such as the Gospel of Judas and Gospel of Barnabas are not included in the standard Christian biblical canon. They also come from different periods and historical settings.
Why include saints and seasonal figures?
Their stories show how history, devotion, legend and popular custom can interact beyond the biblical text.
Where can I read more about Christianity?
Visit the Christianity overview, explore beliefs and creeds, or review denominations.