Belief in Demonic Possesion
I would like to put forth the question as to whether Demonic Possesion is considered by the church as an actual occurance, or is it passed off as a 'thing of the past'?
This question is based largely on what I have read in this forum. It seems fairly unclear as to where the vast majority of volunteers here stand, and more specifically the faiths/religions of such.
I would also like to point out that by 'Demonic' I do not imply 'Satan' or 'Lucifer' or any of the names by which the 'devil' is referred to. It is important to me to note that distinction, I pray this question does not come across bigoted or ignorant. I was recently given a great deal of trouble over this issue, and would like a clear and concise answer.
E Nomine Patres Et Fili Et Spiritus Sancti
Devha
QUESTION from Devha on April 28, 2004
ANSWER by on May 6, 2004
|
Dear Devha: The Catholic Church has always recognized and believed in the literal existence of the person of Satan and his fellow demons. The Bible clearly teaches this existence. This is an article of faith. Those who doubt the existence of the devil are flirting with heresy. I do not know what you mean that our staff is not clear on this. We are uttered crystal clear on this issue. In addition to this ministry of Questions and Answers we also have a ministry of Deliverance. In Deliverance Counseling we are in the business of helping people who are being harassed by very real demons. I might add that I have personally been attacked physically by demons and I have personally observe visually the presence of demons, and other experiences. The devil is real. The distinction that you are wishing to make when you say "demonic" is a false distinction if you mean there is a "demonic" reality apart from Satan. The demonic is Satan and his demons. By the way, those who involve themselves with "spirits" (not God or his angels), as some religions and pagans do, are dealing with demons even if they do not believe demons exist. The existence of the God that we Christians worship and the devil that the Bible and the Faith affirms is real is material and ontological fact. If this is not what you are referring to, then you will need to be more specific.
God Bless, For Assistance with Spiritual Warfare problems please go to our How We Can Help You page. For a direct link to sample Spiritual Warfare prayers see our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog |