Wollaston Research Seminar (June)

Please join us on June 9th either in-person or on Zoom.

Rev Dr David J Cohen (Morling College, Australian University of Theology) to present: The Vulnerable Psalmist: Navigating External, Internal and Otherworldly Demons

Abstract: This paper examines how psalmists navigate adversarial forces described as ‘demons.’ It is argued that these ‘demons’ can manifest as external, internal, or otherworldly entities. Such adversaries significantly increase the psalmist’s vulnerability, impacting their levels of distress, sense of agency, and perception of relationship with God. Focusing on Psalms 13 (external demons), 51 (internal demons), and 91 (otherworldly demons), the paper explores the psalmists’ struggle with the dissonance between their theological beliefs and lived experiences. Psalm 13 highlights distress from external enemies and perceived divine inaction, revealing a process of grappling for agency through prayer while aligning with God. Psalm 51 addresses the internal demons of guilt and shame stemming from personal sin, encompassing introspection and a plea for divine purification grounded in the covenant. Psalm 91 addresses otherworldly threats, demonstrating anticipatory confidence in divine protection rather than lament. Across these examples, prayer serves as a crucial medium for processing these encounters, enabling psalmists to move from vulnerability toward hope and resolution, often finding a sense of shared agency with God rooted in covenantal promises.

Join our mailing list by contacting research@wollaston.edu.au. Zoom invitations and pre-reading will be distributed to this list in advance.

Event details

·        Monday 9 June 2025

·        2:00-3:30pm (Perth local time)

·        This event is offered in-person and online (via Zoom)

All in-person seminars are held in the Gerald New Room, Wollaston Theological College, Mt Claremont 6010.