I’m preaching on Luke 8.26-38 this Sunday where Jesus cures a demon possessed man. It is a remarkable before and after transformation as the wild naked animal living among the dead is changed to a fervent missionary, clothed and in his right mind.
It’s leaving me unsettled though. Do we see demon possession like this today? I don’t expect to in the average week. Where I have seen people manifesting behaviour like this I assume there is mental illness rather than demon possession involved. Is that a fair assumption?
March 12, 2009 at 9:21 am
Given that the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported last year that the lifetime incidence of mental illness in Australia is nearly 50%, then yes, that’s the most likely outcome.
On the other hand, demons didn’t just quietly skulk away because of the Enlightenment. You cross the line with Tarot, drugs, Masonry, seances etc, and you’re inviting trouble.
March 12, 2009 at 11:03 am
Scott
is there a way to say this is demon possession or mental illness or both?
March 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I wonder how surprised the pig farmer was when the pigs went off the cliff!
I agree with Scott.. I know some of my friends that get into the ‘dark side’ so to speak (tarot, etc). I don’t think they realize the danger.
March 23, 2009 at 9:11 am
Michael, tough call. Jesus seemed to be able to know immediately whether he was dealing with demon or disease – and he had the power to resolve both issues on the spot. In principle, we do too (2 Cor 2:11, James 5:15). In practice, you’ve just got to get to know their story. If they acknoledge crossing spiritual boundaries and are willing for you to rebuke any associated spirit , well and good. Otherwise just counsel them, and suggest a mental health professional if they need more than that.
March 23, 2009 at 1:51 pm
The discussion of this at sydneyanglicans.net picks this up Scott – you might want to check it out there
July 12, 2009 at 5:51 am
Hi!
I have seen much mental illness and a small amount of demonic posession.
Between these two there is a large grey area (hard to diagnose without special spiritual discernment)
In Luke’s account and in the Mark 5 account we see the saviour dialogue with the demons. This makes it clear that it is posession and not mental illness.
October 7, 2009 at 6:47 am
Personally I do not believe in demon possession today. The reason is that no one has the gift any longer to rebuke these evil spirits, therefore I believe we can be oppressed by evil spirits and this is done by our activities we choose to participate in. If we choose to do good and abstain from evil, we have no worries, but if we choose to get drunk, get high on drugs, partake in pornography, then bad things are going to happen to us. God made us freewill agents, meaning we can make choices which can bring good or evil in our lives. I choose to live a righteous life, which at times is very challenging. I suggest staying in the word of God and associating with like minded Christians. I have yet to know of any that are living this kind of lifestyle to be oppressed by the devil.
Friends 4 Life!
October 7, 2009 at 11:51 am
Thanks Eddie
what do you make of Ephesians 6?