“Biblical” demonology?

Posted by owner on June 22, 2010

Just what is “biblical demonology” anyway? That’s a good question, given the emergence of fascination with the paranormal, with occult religions and with witchcraft. So, since it’s a good question, it deserves an answer. Let’s start by characterizing those fascinating areas I just mentioned.

The Paranormal
“Paranormal” is a term generally applied to unexplained phenomenon. The appearance of apparitions (ghosts?), extra sensory perception, precognition, out of body experiences, “far seeing,” premonitions, and many other experiences are stuffed into this broad category.

There are a variety of explanations offered for such phenomena, with each category often having its own list of possible causes. For example, at least five theories have been advanced for reported experiences of ghosts. And every other category of paranormal phenomenon seems to have its own cluster of possible explanations.

Occult Religions

A new pagan movement intent on recovering pre-Christian nature-based religions is exploding in the West. There are over a hundred occult or neopagan religions, ranging from Wicca to Odinism. They have in common a focus on and a reverence for nature, along with a common view of a spirit world populated by gods, goddesses and a variety of other spirit beings. In some of these religious “paths” spirit beings are worshipped; in nearly all paths they are honored. None of the occult religions view themselves as exclusive; and their practitioners almost universally accept the “truth” of the beliefs of those taking other similar paths.

Witchcraft and sorcery

The growing interest in witchcraft and sorcery is reflected in the practices of Wicca and other occult religions, as well as in the practice of occult arts by those who are not “religious.” The search for guidance from tarot card readings, palmistry, astrology, and Ouija boards, as well as the use of spells for protection or for the manipulation of circumstances or other persons, is increasingly common. The practitioner of Magick may or may not attribute the effectiveness of his efforts to influence events to supernatural beings.

Demons

Each of these three areas of interest has a link to demonology. Demons are one of the possible explanations offered for most paranormal phenomena. Many people are convinced that demons are active in neopagan religions, and that any efficacy witchcraft may have can be attributed to demons. But these links do not define demonology.

By definition “demonology” is “the study of demons.” This is a broad definition, and tells us nothing about possible sources of information on demons. “Biblical demonology” is far more specific, and puts the focus squarely on Scripture as the information source. And this leads me to the main point of this post.

The Bible specifically links demons to pagan religions and to occult practices such as witchcraft, sorcery and the rest. So, biblical demonology provides a basis for critiquing these two movements, their lack of truth value, and the dangers of involvement in them.

Yet biblical demonology does not provide information which enables us to evaluate paranormal experiences. Biblical demonology provides no significant help in answering such questions as, “What are those ghosts people report seeing?” or “How do premonitions work?” Paranormal researchers offer evidence that humans really have experienced these and other unexplained phenomena. But even if we accept that evidence, biblical demonology provides no basis for explaining the phenomena.

To put it bluntly, to attribute such phenomena to demons is speculative at best. And such speculation distracts us from the real purpose of studying biblical demonology.

Why biblical demonology?

Scripture reveals the existence of s spirit world populated by God’s angels and by demons who follow Satan. These represent two competing kingdoms, one of light and the other of darkness, and these two kingdoms impinge on us and our world. Scripture portrays the dark kingdom and unveils the strategies Satan and his followers use to hold human in bondage. The Scriptures also paint Christ as Victor over the forces of evil in this dark world, and hands us the spiritual weapons we need to share in his victory.

Satan binds. Jesus frees. And the reason we study biblical demonology is to understand Satan’s ways that we might lead others to the freedom Christ won for us on the Cross.

Don’t be surprised, then, if this blog ignores the paranormal questions that pique our curiosity. Don’t look for ghost stories or for speculation about ESP and precognition. Do however look for studies of Satan’s ways and God’s remedies. Do look for the theme of freedom. You’ll find it in almost every post, whether it’s a study of a Bible passage, a plan for a support group meeting, or a reminder that I’m available to conduct a FREEDOM WORKSHOP in your neck of the woods.

Biblical demonology, rightly understood, ignores speculation about what has not been revealed to focus on breaking loose from Satan’s snares, to live in the glorious freedom Jesus Christ provides.