Abstract
The purpose of this present article is to attempt to correct a seemingly widespread misinterpretation of Gustaf Aulen’s view of the demonic, and therefore to seek to make his attempted revival of the “classic” view of the atonement more intelligible to the contemporary Christian. That such an effort needs to be undertaken seems evident from an examination of recent theological writing concerning the Christian doctrine of reconciliation, much of which holds the notion that Aulen is operating out of the same mythological bag as were the writers of the New Testament, the Early Church Fathers, as well as Martin Luther.
To illustrate and document this kind of interpretation of Aulen, the work of several theologians may be utilized.