What are your thoughts on Demonic Possession and Exorcism?

[ThisUncannyEarth]

For my podcast on Thursday, we are talking demonic possession. I wonder how the members of this forum feel about it. Many skeptics claim it is strictly mental illness mixed with religious fervor. Practitioners of exorcism say that it is indeed demons taking over the human. What are your thoughts?

 

[ThisUncannyEarth]

Should this have went into the ghosts/possessions/mysterious area? If so, can a mod or admin move that there? My apologies for posting this in the wrong space.

 

[Debi]

Evil is real. Demons are real, whatever they are. A mentally ill patient may be the perfect target for these things but they are not the only target.

If you look at holy writings of all faiths, you see these beings discussed. I'm of the belief that where there is reference, there is always at least a kernel of truth. We often get hung up on semantics on what to call these beings, and we fuss and argue over where they come from and what they truly are. The bottom line for me is that they ARE, period.

What cannot be "seen" in this world is often considered "not true". But like the wind, the unseen leaves evidence of it's truth.

 

[Debi]

Oh, and welcome to the forum, Rob. Rob will be leaving a link to his podcast down in the podcast area for everyone.

 

[Lynne]

I think it is very real. The lines between mental illness and possession can get blurred. One can be confused for the other, up to a point. There comes a time when possession is obvious. When people start speaking languages they did not know or do physically impossible things. It would not surprise me to find out there are misdiagnosed people placed in institutions.

 

[ElliO]

At one point, I would have said no. I've now seen a client of a research group I was with on his hands and knees, back arched, howling... not like-a-wolf, but WOLF howls coming out of him, his eyes changing color. Literally the scariest thing I think I've ever seen in my life. Demon possession/animus possession/whatever it was... it had him. And my team had to give up and call in demonic specialists to deal with it.
So, yeah. Many cases, are, sadly, mistreated mental illness, but I'm convinced now that there are demonic forces that can infest the human body.

 

[Charleh]

That's gonna be a solid YES.

I've had my fair share of close encounters with some of the worst. I've studied all about Angels, demons and other spirits and I find it funny that other cultures have the same concept of evil spirit, and the only difference seems to be what people call them. And I dont believe in coincidences.

But I believe that because of the rising mass hype/hysteria, we are seeing a lot of people getting "exorcised" when in reality they could be mentally ill, or just malingering. Also theres a rising number of charlatans taking advantage of people who dont know better. In this day and age we need a sharp discernment.

 

[ozentity]

I do believe people get possessed by evil ,demons whatever you may call it.People that are down,mental illness,drugs,alcohol or are suppressed by something.I don't know if the clergy can help if the victims are not religious.I have seen some very bad people who are lost in this, I believe.

 

[Serendipity]

So what was the behavior that was evil? Or are you saying that's the part of whats evil? I've been shunned by christians because of just sharing the experience I had years ago and it was not fun.

I personally never required a team of demonic experts, talismans or anything but my faith in God. But I do believe the prayers of others are needed if not required to excercise some demons. You can of course use any technique or object you want, but these don't jive with scriptures I've read, and that seems congruent with my experiences. Putting more faith in a process, object or persons than what God is capable of doing alone doesn't make sense to me personally.

If you think I'm wrong in my beliefs feel free to tell me. If christians arn't welcome here just let me know. I don't stick around places where Jesus isn't welcome!!

 

[ozentity]

Expose that pride and denounce it the name of Jesus and watch what happens.

That's what I was saying,not everyone has religious faith to help them,such as me.I have always coped by myself with this stuff.I do have faith in goodness and doing right by others,which is a strong belief and works well for me.