Paranormal: Thoughts on Demon Possession & Exorcism

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/demonsmp3/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Observations about demons</strong></p><ul><li>No <i>clear </i>instance in the entire Old Testament.<ul><li>Yet stories of the demonic were common in surrounding lands.</li><li>There may be a connection between idolatry and the demonic in Deuteronomy 32:17.</li><li>Was the Lord protecting his people? Or were those outside the covenant people of God merely superstitious.</li></ul></li><li>In the New Testament, possessions appear only in the early decades.<ul><li>Thus exorcism was part of the apostolic mission (Mark 3:13-14).</li><li>No instructions are given in the letters, which deal with practical Christian living. (Were there no longer any active demons in the 50s or 60s?)</li><li>Did the apostles succeed in "mopping up"?</li><li>Could a Christian be possessed? How does that square with 1 Corinthians 10:13?</li></ul></li><li>Sloppy demonology today<ul><li>False personifications of sin. ("A demon of laziness," for example.)</li><li>Details of possessions and exorcisms do not match what is found in the N.T.<ul><li>N.T. exorcisms were highly public, not staged or ambiguous.</li><li>Exorcisms took place immediately; they were not multi-stage events.</li><li>Blaspheming demons? In the N.T., the spirits were respectful.</li><li>The possessed did not acquire Satanic or miraculous powers.</li><li>The demons recognized <i>who</i> Jesus was, but not <i>why</i> he had come to earth (Mark 1:24, 3:11, 5:7; Luke 8:21).</li><li>God concealed his plans from these malevolent powers. His wisdom was hidden (1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:9): the evil powers orchestrated Christ's crucifixion (1 Corinthians 2:6-8; John 13:27), yet this was the means by which these same evil powers effect their own ruin (Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8).</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Some early Christians believed the demons were fallen angels. Others held different views. I