Archive for August, 2008
Posted by owner on
August 31, 2008
For me, its a 25th aniversary trip, returning on the 15th of September. What about when we reurn? Two new series of articles.
First: Adherents of New Age (Neopagan) religions such as Wicca are doubling every 18 to 30 months. They are now the third most populous faith in the US–behind Christian and Muslim faiths and ahead of Judaism. Demondope will look at neopagan religions, their beliefs–and the spiritual forces behind them.
Second: What can we learn about demonic oppression and possession from missionaries who are thrust into a culture where demons are openly active? We’ll find out as we share the experiences of Fred Blind, who served God for decades among the tribesmen of Surinam.
Please register, so when I return I can alert you to these and other new blog postings.
Posted by owner on
August 23, 2008
In The Blind Prophet Zaki’s encounter with a demon is described this way:
Shortly afterward Zaki sensed the end of the passageway. But before he reached it the exit was blocked by a sinister shape. Terrified, Zaki pressed himself against the wall. It was coming his way! As the shape approached Zaki could see the monster clearly. The creature’s distorted shape mocked the form of humans and of Zaki’s angel. Crooked arms and legs sprouted grotesquely from a bulky torso. Its skin was like obsidian, but cracked and pitted. Shreds of what had once been wings hung down from its massive shoulders. Its huge head was thrust forward, red eyes fixed on the place where Zaki stood. The demon’s nose was flattened as if by a blow, and two jagged teeth overlapped its thin, cruel lips. Although its legs seemed too short and its arms hung apelike, the creature moved effortlessly as if through the air.
Zaki opened his mouth to scream, but before he could utter a sound the creature swept by him, totally unaware of Zaki’s presence in the demons’ lair.
Just my imagination?
Yes, and no. The Bible never gives a description of demons in their natural state, or even as they might appear to humans. This isn’t true of angels. When angels vist human beings occur they’re typically protrayed as looking like human males (Gen 15, Gen. 19, Judges 6, etc.). When angels are seen in their natural state they’re described as “radiant beings” (Gen. 28, Judges 2, Daniel 3 and 8, etc). Satan himself before his rebellion was identified as Lucifer, “light bearer.” So we have justification for the typical artistic depiction of angels as humanoid and radiant–though not for their depition as female. But we still have no description of demons either as they might appear to humans or in that natural state.
So we have to get at their appearance indirectly, by first asking, What do we know about deamons? Well, we know that demons were once angels. We know that they followed Satan in his rebellion against the Creator, and that they were expelled from “heaven.” In a sense, they are anti-angels. We also know something else. We know that throughout Scripture “light” and “darkness” stand in stark contrast. While light is a characteristic of God and goodness, darkness is characteristic of Satan and evil. And I think this is enough information to give us a likely portait of demons. If angels who are good are portrayed as “radient beings,” it’s seems valid to assume that demons who are evil are the opposite: still roughly humanoid but now dark, misshapen, and sinister.
At any rate, in the Invisible War novels, that’s the way I describe the demons who inhabit the dimensions next to our own, who feed on human suffering and whose hostility to humankind is rooted in the fact that God loves us. God’s love for human beings is motivation enough for Satan and his demons to hate humans and to delight in causing us pain.
Perhaps one reason there’s no record of demons appearing to humans is that demons could never maintain the fiction that they are “angels of light” if those they seek to decieve saw what the spirits they assume are “good” are really like!
Posted by owner on
August 21, 2008
Demon Possession
Demonization” is the general term used to characterize assaults on humans by “demons” or “evil spirits.” The most serious of these assaults are internal, involving demon possession (the invasion of a person by a demon or demons who takes up residence in the
Demon possession can be classified as extreme or typical. In typical demon possession, discussed in this article, the symptoms are often dismissed as personality quirks or psychological problems.
A Case of Typical Demonization
In his Gospel, Mark describes an incident that has all the marks of typical demon possession (Mark 1:21-15, NIV):
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet,” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him.” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Several things mark this man as a victim of typical demon possession. Contrast these with symptoms of extreme demon possession, discussed in another article.
1. The man was in the synagogue. In contrast to the alienation of an individual suffering extreme demonization, this man was social. He joined everyone in his village on the Sabbath.
2. The man fit in easily. Rather than being hostile and violent this man was part of the normal Sabbath crowd, sitting with his neighbors in the men’s section of the Synagogue.
3. The man appeared normal. There apparently was nothing to distinguish him from others in the congregation. He was simply “in the synagogue” with everyone else on the Sabbath. There’s no suggestion here that people were uncomfortable in his presence, as they obviously are in NT accounts of extreme demonization.
4. The man was clothed. He looked and acted like everyone else. There was no obvious violation of the mores of polite society.
5. The man was outwardly religious. He came to the Sabbath worship service, and undoubtedly (outwardly) participated by reciting the set prayers said in unison during the service.
6. Antipathy to God and Jesus. Even though outwardly religious, he could not stand to be in the presence of Jesus in that Synagogue. He was forced to cry out.
7. The demon’s presence was only confirmed when the demon spoke out. Whatever internal symptoms the man was experiencing were confirmed only when the demon spoke out.
Summary
In typical demon possession the presence of an evil spirit (demon) is not obvious to observers. The person fits in well, appears normal, and may even appear religious, attending church or synagogue and taking part in the services. The individual himself or herself may even be unaware of the evil spirit’s presence, although there normally are troubling signs the individual may misinterpret. Yet in time there will be evidence in some aspect of the individual’s personality of demonic influence or control.
Internal Indications of Demon Possession
Those who have been released from demon possession often associate growing despair, depression, and suicidal thoughts with their experience. An even better indication is a diminishing desire for prayer, confused thoughts or a feeling of hostility when reading the Bible, a strong impulse to curse or shout out when another person is praying or preaching the Word. This general and growing hostility toward the God of Scripture (but not toward other kinds of “spirituality”) is one of the clearer internal tests of demonization.
Additional Indications of Demon Possession
Those who have been released from demon possession also associate various addictions with their experience. This may be addiction to alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, etc. While the demonized person will normally try to hide the addiction in time it is likely to gain such control over his life that it affects and becomes apparent to family and friends. Of course, not all addictions are due to demonization. But an addiction may be the first outward sign of demonic influence.
A Case in Point?
The case of Joy Suzanne Johnson (see IN THE NEWS, July 2, 2008) may be a case in point. Johnson was heavily involved in the occult, which is a point of entry for demons. Yet she was well liked and respected in her community, active in the local Democratic Party, and president of the United Nations Association of Wake County. Joy even traveled to Iraq with the Christian Peacemaker Team before the 2003 war, and often speaks to groups about her experience in the Middle East. When Joy and her husband were arrested on charges which included forcing a man into a dog cage and terrorizing him for hours, as well as the second-degree rape of a woman, the Raleigh News and Observer found many acquaintances who were “shocked” at the charges and at the couple’s reputed involvement in “satanic worship.”
Conclusions
Anyone who reads the newspaper or searches the Internet will find cases that might involve demon possession. This is not to suggest that all such incidents are inspired by demons, or that destructive addictions or the practice of secret sins are invariably demonically inspired.
It is also not to suggest that should one find himself experiencing depression or other possible internal indications of demonization he should blame demons. At the same time, should one observe clusters of the symptoms described above, he or she may wish to consider demon possession, especially if there has been any past involvement in occult practices.
Caveat
It is important before considering demon possession to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Have a medical checkup to eliminate physical causes. See a psychiatrist and explore the possibility of unusual stress or a chemical imbalance being the cause. Remember: any reputable Christian counselor or pastor will ask a person to take these steps before examining the possibility of demonization.
Posted by owner on
August 18, 2008
In an uncertain world we humans sometimes long for help in making decisions. It’s no wonder the idea that there are friendly spirits out there who are eager to help is really attractive. Check out “sprit guide” on the Internet and you discover a long tradition in Spiritualist churches and among mediums and psychics claiming that such beings exist, and are accessible to anyone. Most adepts claim that these spirits were once humans who lived past lives here on earth. Others speak of them as angels–although they don’t mean the angles the Bible speaks of–or are “evolved [eg., advanced] beings of unknown origin. just why these spirits are so eager to aid humans isn’t explained, although one theory is that its based on reciprocity: spirit guides help you now, and before you’re reincarnated and in an immaterial state, you’ll help them next time they rotate back to earth.
The help offered by spirit guides can range from the life-altering to the mundane. Should you change jobs? Ask your spirit guide. Is the person you’re dating [or married to!] your soul-mate or should you look for someone else? Ask your spirit guide. Is the traffic heavy up ahead and should you take an alternate route? Ask your spirit guide. There’s plenty of people who testify that they have, and that they’ve recieved helpful advice and guidance.
One question often asked is, are there malevolent beings out there, and might a person contact one of them by mistake. The answer typrically given is, Yes, there’s evil out there. But if you concentrate on contacting a spirit of light rather than darkness, or specificly reject evil spirits, you’ll connect with a spirit guide who has your best insterests at heart. After all, we’re assured, true spirit guides have no agenda of their own. When questioned further about how you can tell, one common answer is that when you contact a spirit guide, you feel the love. Another answer is, discernment. You’ll just know.
Most practitioners of the occult tell us that while there’ll probably be one or two spirit guides with whom a person has a special relationship, there are lots of spirits who may come to our aid, depending on what we’re asking about. Put quite simply, a person who sets out to seek a spirit guide opens himself or herself up to a host of supernatural beings.
What does the Bible have to say?
The search for supernatural help in decision-making is nothing new. Nor is the notion that it’s possible through occult means to contact supernatural spirit beings. In fact, the Bible warns specifically against such practices, decisively ruling them out for God’s people.
Ancient Israel was forbidden to imitate the “detestable” practices of the people of Canaan, which included divination or sorcery, engaging in witchcraft, casting spells, or practicing as a medium or spiritist who consuls the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-13).
Why this stern prohibition?
The Bible makes it clear that God created the material and spiritual universe. He populated the spiritual universe with angels. The most powerful of these angels, Lucifer, led a rebellion against the Creator. As a result Lucifer was transformed into Satan, and the angels who followed him became demons. The spiritual universe described in Scripture is populated by angels [good spirits loyal to God] and demons [evil spirits in rebellion against God]. The reason occult practices are ruled out in Scripture is simple: the only spirits a person might contact through such means are evil spirits. And demons do not have our best interests at heart.
What about the idea that the spirit guides people contact today are the spirits of loved ones who have died, persons awaiting reincarnation, or the “evolved” spirits of persons who died long ago? There is no biblical support for the concept of reincarnation: the idea that person lives many lives, dying and coming back again and again. As the New Testament book of Hebrews states, “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (9:27). We only go around once in life. And after we die we must give an account to God.
Is there supernatural help?
In the Deuteronomy passage that forbids seeking supernatural help through occult means God promised that he would send his Old Testament people prophets. God would personally provide the special guidances they needed that could not be found in the Law of Moses. The New Testament also promises God’s personal guidance to Christians through the Holy Spirit. To look away from God to spirits truly is, as Deuteronomy lables it, “detestible.”
But it’s not the insult that disturbs God. It’s the fact that human beings can contact spirits through occult means–and the spirits we contact are evil spirits. Rather than having our best interests at heart, the demons who inhabit the spirit realm are hostile to us and intent on our harm.
This doesn’t mean that a spirit guide will nudge you toward decisions that will prove disasterous. In fact, the decisions they enmcourage may seem to benefit you! That’s because the greater benefit a person seems to receive from an association with a spirit guide or any form of the occult tightens the grip of the demonic on his or her life. And the primary goal of demons is to blind humans to the love of God in Christ, and to keep us from looking to him for salvation and for power to live godly, loving, and productive lives.
If a person truly wants supernatural aid, the Person to look to is the God of Scripture, who loves us and gave his own Son to die on Calvary in payment for our sin.
Posted by owner on
August 13, 2008
Pastor leads occult service
Christianity Today Magazine (August 2008) reports Nigerian pastor Benjamin Ojobu was arrested for using a human head in an occult service to prepare charms for fighting witchcraft and to ensure prosperity. Ojobu protested that he is both a native doctor and a “man of God.”
John Abraham Goodson, facilitator for the Network of Nigerian Missionaries Overseas, says that dual allegiance to Christianity and the occult is common in West Africa, where the practice of voodoo is ingrained in the culture.
[Demondope comments: In many cultures where the supernatural realm is viewed as real demons operate more openly than in materialistic societies. Watch for an upcoming study on Satan's Divices, which will examine how demons operate in cultures like ours.] Benjamin-Lee Hegeman, a former missionary to Africa, observes that “these types of practices only seem to crack when devastating wars occur” as they have in Rwanda and Southern Sudan. “The worst disasters have had a purifying effect on the church. The very syncretistic could not survive–only authentic Christianity was able to survive.”
[Demondope comments: Note the parallel with Israel's experience as recorded in the book of Judges. Sin led to subjugation by foreign enemies until a purified people turned to the Lord, and God sent a Judge to deliver his people.]
Posted by owner on
August 6, 2008
Posted by owner on
August 6, 2008
Demon possession can be categorized as typical, and extreme.
In extreme demon possession the grip of the demon is obvious
to observers. A case reported in three of the Gospels yields
the following symptoms of extreme possession.
1. The individual is drastically antisocial.
2. The individual is hostile and violent.
3. The individual demonstrates unusual physical strength.
4. The individual is moved by fits of rage.
5. The individual often violates moral norms.
6. The individual is openly hostile to God and Jesus.
7. The individual is obviously not “in his right mind.”
Registered users can access a study of extreme demon possession
under the category, Demon Possession, and can make comments and ask questions.
Posted by owner on
August 5, 2008
That’s right. Demons. Evil Spirits. Fallen Angels. Call ‘em what you will, all too many people fall under the influence of evil supernatural beings few admit believing in. Take the case of two people who moved in with Joy Suzzane Johnson, vice chairperson of the Durham County Young Democrats and her husband Joseph Scott Craig, co owners of the occult web site Indigo Dawn, who were arrested for assaulting and raping their borders as part of “satanic rituals.”..
According to Dr. Larry Richards of www.demon.dope,com, the online site of the Center for the Study of Biblical Demonology, those supposedly “good” New Age spirits really don’t have anyone’s best interests in mind. “Avoid them,” counsels Richards, a retired seminary professor and the author of over 200 Christian books and Study Bibles.
Asked about the Top Ten Ways to Dodge Demons, Richards produced the following tongue in cheek list.
10 If you run across a web site like Indigo Dawn, don’t move in with the owners. Run!
9 If your mother-in-law claims, “But these spirits are good!” quickly add “for nothing!”
8 If a friend offers to help you get your own personal spirit guide, tell her you already own a TomTom.
7 If a vice-chair of the local Democratic or Republican Party promises there’s a New Age coming, register Independent.
6 If Uncle Caz calls and invites you along while a medium contacts Aunt Sophie, tell Caz you take a large.
5 If someone says they’re into Wicca, pray they’re talking about furniture.
4 If you’re offered a sure fire spell to curse a co-worker,
say your prefer good old fashioned gossip.
3 If a friend asks why you’re not curious about your past lives, remind her what curiosity did for the cat.
2 If you’re offered occult powers to help you become all you can be, join the Marines. You’re safer in Iraq.
1 If someone suggests you have psychic powers, take two aspirin. You’ll feel better in the morning.
Posted by owner on
August 4, 2008
In the news
New Age Spirit Guides Down Wrong Path
July 2, Durham, N.C. Joy Suzanne Johnson was arraigned in Durham County court today on multiple charges of “instigating and encouraging” her husband, Joseph Scott Craig, who has been charged with rape, forcible sexual offense, three counts of second-degree kidnapping and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The July 1st headline in the Raleigh N.C. News and Observer announcing the arrest read, Jolting tales surface of satanic rituals.
Johnson, an official in the Durham Democratic Party and vice chairperson of the local Young Democrats, is a partner with her husband and Diana Palmer, first vice chairperson of the local Democratic Party, in Indigo Dawn, a company whose web site offers private instruction in channeling, spirit guide communication, intuitive guidance and other occult practices.
On the web site Johnson explains the significance of the Indigo Dawn name. She writes, “Indigo children are born with an indigo aura. Indigo children are crucial to bringing about the New Age. Indigo is the color of the third-eye chakra, which represents psychic ability and clairvoyance.”
Former co-workers of Craig were shocked at the charges, which included forcing a man into a dog cage and terrorizing him for hours, as well as the second-degree rape of a woman. The News and Observer quoted one acquaintance who said, “He wasn’t walking around chanting or anything. He was a normal person.” Another acquaintance agreed. “You’d see him wear black pants and a T-shirt with weird stuff on it, but it wasn’t that different.”
For background, see archived articles on >Spirit Guides >New Age >Indeterminate Demonization >Moral Impact of the Occult
July 3, Durham, N.C. Leaders of the Church of Satan, founded in San Francisco, denied any association with Joy Suzanne Johnson and her husband Joseph Scott Craig, who have been charged in Durham County Court with crimes which included second degree rape, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon. While the pair, and a third party charged Wednesday, Diana Palmer, are partners in a New Age business called Indigo Dawn that offers various occult services, Church of Satan officials say neither Johnson nor Craig are members.
According to her attorney Mr. Palmer, who is also first vice chairperson of the Durham Democratic Party, “vehemently denies any association whatsoever with a satanic cult.”
In the same article in the Raleigh News and Observer, long time friends of Johnson are reported to have noticed “changes” in Johnson, a 1996 graduate of Raleigh’s Millbrook High school, after she met Craig. A new acquaintance of the couple who met them after moving into their neighborhood two weeks ago remarked, “I know a lot of people who think they’re shams and go to shamans. It doesn’t mean they’re in a satanic cult.” .For further background, see archived articles on >Satan worship >shamanism