Demons and the demonic

[jo]

This is something that I've been thinking about quite a lot lately - not, I hope, in a fixated or brooding way but just inquisitive, I hope. I would like to know what people think of demons - whether they exist, if so what they are, what they can do, where they come from, etc. I don't tend to believe in 'supernatural' things but that said, I often wonder - well, what if I'm wrong? It's an unsettling thought that there might BE malevolent beings around us that we cannot see :(.

Five bucks to the first person who quotes Lewis on the subject - something about those who dwell too much on the demonic finding out about it sooner or later I believe :). I do not see anything wrong in asking questions and getting others' opinions though.

(can anyone tell me what the 'official' position of different church denominations is, as well as individual opinions?).

[john]

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight."

Screwtape Letters


Five bucks, ?

[jo]

Done.

[john]

w00t!

[*~Diamond in the Rough~*]

[john]

[jo]

Hey I paid five bucks! Let's have some intelligent input people!


Well okay, let's have some input anyway :D

[girlfreddy]

Yes, I do believe that they exist. I have "seen" them on three different occasions, along with one time I "saw" one (I guess best described as a spirit of a person) that "lived" at a dear friend's house. As to the different denomination's stand, from the churches that I have attended, most, if not all, believe they exist but don't speak of them alot. I think that is so that our attention is not focused on them, but the One who can save us from them. Just IMO, of course.

[*~Diamond in the Rough~*]

sorry Jo

[Stanley Anderson]

[Karen]

[Roonwit]

I do believe they exist... sometimes I worry that I may be a bit too interested. For some reason I am extremely interested in exorcisms and the lot.

[*~Diamond in the Rough~*]

That was an excellent quote from Lewis!

Sorry to have stirred the pot...I was taking some time to think about a response...coming from a Christian heritage, it of course is based on my personal beliefs...I hope you find it helpful...

Satan and his demons are fallen angels, true and real personal beings who wage war against God, the holy angels, and humanity.Revelation 12:9 is the clearest Scripture on the identity of demons, "The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." The Bible indicates that the demons are fallen angels – angels who along with Satan rebelled against God. Satan’s fall from heaven is described in Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-15.

Demons are spiritual beings, but they can appear in physical forms (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The demons / fallen angels are enemies of God – but they are defeated enemies. Greater is He who is in us, than those who are in the world (1 John 4:4).

I once heard someone say that if we could see the demons we would be running around batting them with sticks and yelling "Get away from my child you nasty vile creature!"

As for the attraction...there was a time in my life when I had a very unhealthy attraction regarding them. Not in such a way as to become a satanist...but I was fascinated with their power over people to rule their lives. Unfortunately Lewis' quote is true...and they are more than happy to appease any such interests by proving their existence. I know that the power of God is greater but you know the old adage "play with fire - you'll get burned". I am not a demon hunter anymore (nor do I run and hide and pretend they do not exist). But I am very aware of their existence and how easily they influence our thoughts and behaviors.

[gameld]

[*~Diamond in the Rough~*]