It is perhaps a generalism that there is a high expectation and reports of demonic possession in non-Western contexts. There may be a couple of reasons for this. First, that we see what we expect to see. Western-secular societies are more likely to see events and phenomena through that lens and so provide natural explanations. Meanwhile, non-western cultures might see the same phenomena through a spiritual lens. It is possible both that this leads to an under reporting of demonic activity in western contexts and an over-reporting in non-Western contexts. The same may be said of the differences between charismatic/non-charismatic expectation and experience.
Previously we saw that the devil and demons are real and are given some attention in the Bible, however, perhaps not as much as we might expect. There are specific clusters of demon possession, specifically we find them in the Gospels. It seems that the arrival of Jesus drew Satan’s forces out into more open conflict.
Because of this, some Christians have argued that demonic activity clustered particularly around the life of Jesus and so, we can. Expect it to be rare or even completely absent in this form today. However, I would argue that the coming of the Holy Spirit and his presence in the church and individual believers means that we are in a similar situation so should not be surprised to see demonic activity particularly where there is significant Gospel activity bearing fruit.
Why do some places seem to see more demonic activity than others?
Secondly, I think that we do need to pay attention to two things that may be of a challenge to those of us in the west. These arise out of the fact the demons and the Devil whilst powerful are finite. First, this means that we expect them to focus their efforts on believers and churches that are “on the ball.” If the devil seems quiet, perhaps it is because we are too! Second, we have talked about the use of proxies. The devil does not need to send in his demonic shock troops when he can rely on his proxy representatives through our idolatrous culture, godless authorities and our own sinful desires.
Can demons be present in specific places
People will sometimes talk about sensing the presence of evil in particular places, their home, a specific building etc. The Bible does not seem to talk in such terms and so I’m cautious about the idea of territorial or geographical demons. In Luke 8 and Matthew 8, when Jesus casts out the legion of demons, they expect and desire to be sent to possess other living beings, in this case the herd of pigs. Jesus also tells a parable in Luke 11:24-28 of a spirit that is cast out of a person, it looks for somewhere to go and eventually returns to the same person with more demons. Whilst Jesus’ purpose here was to use the story to point to the state of unrepentant Israel and therefore believers rather than to teach demonology, I would suggest that the parable is based on reality.
So, what is going on in such situations? I think it is right to take seriously a person’s sense of evil. Back to the concept of proxies, we can think in terms of how memories and experiences linger. In terms of PTSD, we talk about the body counting the score. I would suggest that places do for us as well. It is fascinating to think about how bereaved people will talk about sensing the presence of a loved one after they have gone, especially in certain places and at certain times. I think we can treat such experiences seriously and credibly without believing in ghosts. The person has left their mark.
Whilst this is speculative and to be treated with caution, I am open to the possibility that such an imprint might extend beyond those who experienced things in a place. Something seems to seep into the culture and feel of a place. This can be for both good or ill. People may have a sense of peace in a particular house or church building.
In such cases where someone expresses fear or distress about a particular place, whilst I don ‘t tend to think about demons flying about the place. I would still take the situation seriously and I would pray for that evil to depart. It is, in the experience of many effective, not least because it helps to change the experience of the person who has asked for help.
Demon possession and exorcism
Demon possession in the Bible has an impact on physical health, mental health and behaviour (things that today might come under the category of ‘disorders’). The Bible is able to distinguish between natural health. behavioural issues and those attributed specifically to demons/unclean spirits possessing a person. Where there is demon possession it tends to be obvious and in fact the demons will identify themselves.
For that reason. I would tend, unless there is something overt and obvious to focus on the presenting issues with someone who comes to see me pastorally. It might be helpful to reverse engineer Jonathan Edwards advice on spiritual phenomena/manifestations. He was of the view that falling/weeping etc were neither a sign of a spiritual work happening or against it happening. In the same way, a physical or mental health symptom may have direct demonic causes or may not.
Again, it is worth remembering the proxy principle. We can see the link between The Devil/demonic agendas without the need to assume possession or the specific presence of evil spirits. What we know is that their desire is to see disordered lives, households and communities.
Jesus’ parable in Luke 11 is a helpful reminder that demons are looking for vacant possession. For that reason, we can reassure Christians that it is not possible for them to be possessed by demons. People have sometimes distinguished demonic oppression from possession but my comments above would suggest that we probably need to be cautious here. Do Christians live in a world where they are facing the affects of the devil’s agenda to bring disorder and chaos? Yes. Are Christians going to be sensitive to demon possession in others? Yes? Are demons likely to use possession of a non-Christian to oppress a Christian? I think so. However, should we think of demons flying around us causing us pain, messing about with the workings of our washing machine to cause it to break down or creating traffic jams? I strongly doubt it.
When we do meet cases of demon possession, what should we do? Some churches and people have highly complex rituals and processes to go through. In the Church of England, exorcism requires a bishop’s approval and involvement. However, what we see in the New Testament is that prayer and a simple command is sufficient for demons to leave. We do not need to fear danger from demons.
Faithroots 