The Discernment of Spirits

The commandments, or mandates, contain teachings on faith, simplicity, truth, chastity and courage—as well as lessons on how to deal with spirits and demons. This text includes one of the earliest examples of the idea that human conduct can be classified as either good or bad—influenced by God or by evil spirit—and that people can discern the presence of a good or evil spirit by examining their feelings and inclinations:

“Now listen” he [the Shepherd] said, “about faith. There are two angels with a person, one that is right and one that is evil.”

“So how am I to know sir,” I [Hermas] said, “the workings of each, since both angels live with me?”

“Listen,” he said, “and you will understand them. The angel of right is sensitive to shame, meek and tranquil. When that angel enters your heart, it immediately speaks with you about justice, about purity, about reverence, about contentment and about every right deed and every honorable virtue. When all of this enters your heart, you know that the right angel is with you. These are the works of the right angel. Believe in it and its works. Now look at the works of the angel of evil. First of all, it is bad-tempered, and bitter and stupid, and its works are evil, undermining the servants of God. When this one enters your heart, know it from its works.”

“How am I to recognize it, sir,” I said, “I do not understand.”