The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (639 page)

 
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Devil
.

In Jewish scripture, the figure of
Satan
is that of an adversary (1 Kings 11. 14), allowed by God to engage in his probing work (Job 1–2, Zecheriah 3. 1 f., 1 Chronicles 21.1; cf. 2 Samuel 24. 1). In later Judaism, although Jewish folklore includes stories about Ashmedai, the king of
demons
and Lilith his queen, the figure of the devil is not significant.
In both Christianity and Islam, the devil and Satan are at times identified, and yet also appear as separate figures.
The devil is named in the
Qur’
n
Ibl
s, perhaps from Gk.,
diabolos
, though Muslims derive the name from Arab.,
balasa
, ‘he despaired’ (
sc
. of the mercy of God). But he is also al-Shait
n, Satan, and ‘the enemy of God’.
Although Ibl
s and (al-)Shait
n are identified, Shaitan also has a distinct existence, perhaps as the leader of the
jinn
.
See also
DEMON
for near-equivalent figures in other religions.

 
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Devil’s advocate
or advocatus diaboli
.

Person appointed by the Roman Catholic Congregation of Rites to contest the claims of those put forward for beatification or canonization (i.e. being recognized officially as saints). His more correct name is
promotor fidei
(promoter of the faith); the supporter of the proposal is known as
advocatus Dei
(advocate of God).

 
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Devotio Moderna
(Christian community)
:

see
GROOTE, G.

 
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