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Diagnosing the Demonic
Can you recognize the presence of evil spirits?
Recognizing the presence of demonic spirits would be easy if each demonized person had symptoms that were as dramatic as those we saw in movies like The Exorcist, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and The Rite. They've taught us what deliverance looks like: ...
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DAVID JAMES
The Word of God provides none of the so-called symptoms or sources of demonization that are listed by this author. This is a deeply spiritual and theological issue - yet the Bible neither provides a basis for diagnosing nor dealing with demons as this author suggests. Bottom line, when it comes to spiritual and theological issues - if it isn't in the Bible, someone just made it up. Unfortunately, this falls squarely into this category - it is made up. This is pure speculation with no biblical warrant. I, too, am surprised that CT and LJ published this article. David James The Alliance for Biblical Integrity www.biblicalintegrity.org
Jan Collins
I agree with Matt that this article was offensive. This poor girl was not only the victim but she cried to god for help multiple times. Where was he? so you blame her and you chalk up god's absence or total callousness to the work of demons? And how about the patriarchal and biblical attitude that gives the father the idea that he can have that kind of power? Why aren't you calling his disgusting and violent behavior demonic? Am I understanding this correctly that you are calling MIchelle the demon possessed one? wow. perhaps demons cause brain damage.
Moira Bell
After a family member of mine went through deliverance with Dr. Appleby and had transformational results, my interest was piqued. Eventually, my husband and I went through the process for ourselves and joined Dr. Appleby's deliverance team. Every week we see believers set free from struggles that have dogged their lives for years. I'm always impressed when counselors bring patients to us because their therapeutic interventions have not helped, and we see their client set free i one deliverance session. Our hope is that this quarter of Jesus' ministry is restored to the church after centuries of neglect. Certainly, there is no less demonic activity on the earth today than when He walked here.
Theophile
Hi David, There is the other way to get the demon, where God has informed us that if we reject His commands, He will send us a strong delusion, that we believe a lie. This would seem to require obedience to God's commandments(rather than doctrines and traditions of men), not "deliverance" by men. Didn't Jesus indicate this when he said after casting out demons, more would return to that "clean house" if things stayed the same? Could the forsaking the Sabbath commandment, to keep the day of the sun, in accordance with the council of Laodicea(a group of Pagan influenced men) 300 years after Christ be the strong delusion dividing the church? Could this worship of Liberty(a graven image of Isus in NY harbor), with millions ripped from the womb to be sacrificed for personal freedom, be the result? You know what happens when you get rid of 10, as in commandments, amendments, etc? You get 9/11!
RDC
This article opens a dangerous can of worms on a spiritual topic that is most likely unfamiliar, fascinating and frightening to a majority of Christians. Among genuine devout believers there is a whole range of opinions about the reality of demons- there are no such creatures to they are behind every bush and every view in between. All people have problems in life. My concern is that this relatively cursory treatment of "Diagnosing the Demonic" will lead to more confusion than enlightenment. Difficult questions will abound: Were the troubles in my past caused by demons? Are my current problems the result of demons? Are the problems I see in everyone I know the result of demonic activity? How will I know? What should I do? I hope the Leadership Journal will handle this topic with theological responsibility and professionalism.
