From Gospel to Life: Dealing with Demons

 Today's Gospel : Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his followers went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority. In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

Augustine, City of God, 21: Moreover, how great is the power which the lowliness of God, appearing in the form of a servant, has over the pride of devils, the devils themselves know so well, that they express it to the same Lord clothed in the weakness of flesh. For there follows, "And he cried out, saying, What have we to do we Thee, Jesus of Nazareth, &c." For it is evident in these words that there was in them knowledge, but there was not charity; and the reason was, that they feared their punishment from Him, and loved not the righteousness in Him. "

There is  a controversy brewing in todays society about the reality of demons. Are they real? Are they a psychosis? Demonology - the study and doctrine of demons or evil spirits - is not exclusive to Christianity or Psychology. And while doctrine about them vary they are commonly held in many cultures. It is our western "enlightened" culture that puts almost no emphasis on them.

When men, materialized by the growth of wealth and the comforts of civilization, and enlightened by science and new philosophies, could scarce find faith to believe in the pure truths of revealed religion, there could be little room for any belief in the doctrines of demons. The whole thing was now rudely rejected as a dream and a delusion. Learned men marveled at the credulity of their fathers, with their faith in ghosts, and demons, and black magic, but felt it impossible to take any serious interest in the subject in their age of enlightenment.

Yet study and experience show that not only do they exist but can co-exist with psychological pathologies. Many counselors have noted very specific criteria where a Multiple Personality sufferer also possessed by an evil spirit can be diagnosed and treated. I am one such counselor who was trained in that process.

There are many many paranormal programs on the TV and cable. An incomplete but long list can be seen here. With such a list of available content it is difficult to know how to discern what is truly paranormal and what is psychological. The following is a podcast by Fr. Thomas Euteneuer called "Discerning Demonic Activity". it is a helpful talk on : Discerning demonic activity, The power of the Catholic faith, Addiction and the role of the devil, What can be done if it is determined that the devil is actually doing harm to someone we love.

click for audio.

Whether one personally believes in demons and spirits in no way makes them more or less real. The same with belief in God. You can be affected as a nonbeliever in as much a way as if you were a believer. We need to be aware and with prayer and fasting stand against all evil in our day.

Join the discussion at Free Republic.

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