Can the Devil influence the accuracy of a Polygraph?

[Clearwater14]

I was wondering if the Devil could influence the accuracy of a polygraph test in order to help break up a marriage?

I don’t want to get into details (long story), however I am beginning to believe that the devil made my husband fail the polygraph exam? Is this possible?

I have heard stories of the Devil tempting people to sin, hiding objects, lying to people, possessing people, and trying to break up marriage. This is what I am worried about. My priests told me that the Devil tries to break up marriages. He tempts people to sin etc. Would it be possible that the Devil could somehow skew the results on the polygraph to make your husband fail? This way it is more likely to cause division and arguments within the marriage.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[styrgwillidar]

I was wondering if the Devil could influence the accuracy of a polygraph test in order to help break up a marriage?

I don’t want to get into details (long story), however I am beginning to believe that the devil made my husband fail the polygraph exam? Is this possible?

I have heard stories of the Devil tempting people to sin, hiding objects, lying to people, possessing people, and trying to break up marriage. This is what I am worried about. My priests told me that the Devil tries to break up marriages. He tempts people to sin etc. Would it be possible that the Devil could somehow skew the results on the polygraph to make your husband fail? This way it is more likely to cause division and arguments within the marriage.

What are your thoughts on this?

Your mistake is in assuming that polygraphs are accurate in the first place. They are simply recordings of physiological activity which may or not be reactions to questions being asked. And that those reactions are indications of guilt.

For example, hook me up to a polygraph and ask me if I molested my kids-- there will be a reaction. Is it repulsion and indignation at the very idea of something so horrific- or is it an indication of guilt?

Or, give me a control question like- lie about your hair color every time you’re asked-- and eventually there will be no reaction (a real example) because I’m not really lying as much as just following instructions.

In criminal cases they are simply an interrogation tool to lead the subject into loosening up in post test tool questioning/intimidate them.

If you’re a suspect in a case, the investigators will have talked to the polygraph operator. You will not be cleared, you will be labeled a liar or be told the test indicated evasiveness to apply pressure to get you to talk.
a great site- antipolygrah.org // youtube.com/user/AntiPolygraph

 

[Clearwater14]

I agree with your thought process about the accuracy of polygraphs. I always thought that it would measure the reaction that you have from a question. For example, if a question asked if you had cheated on your spouse, of course the polygraph is going to cause your blood pressure to spike, because this this question would upset most people. On the control question when told to lie on a question, for example: Did you ever brush your teeth? And the person says “no”… of course there would not be a scared reaction, because you were following the directions of the test. Certain questions would spike blood pressure in almost everyone; especially if those questions could possible convict you as guilty. If you were afraid of getting a False Positive and your wife would than divorce you, you might be terrified to answer the question: Have you ever cheated on your wife with another woman? Especially if your wife has her doubts and questions you about your faithfulness on a regular basis.

What I am curious is if the Devil could manipulate the polygraph needle or the computer results to help break up a marriage? I have heard of demons moving objects in a room so why couldn’t they interfere with the needle on a polygraph exam? Just a thought. Maybe the devil likes to sabataage marriages so they end in divorce.

Any thoughts?

 

[pianistclare]

My thought is that if a spouse is so far gone they need a polygraph to confirm or deny faithfulness, the devil has already won the battle.

My answer is to the original questions is “no”. People are responsible fro their own bad decisions. The devil may tempt, but we decide.

 

[DaveBj]

I put polygraphy in the same category with alchemy, astrology, and phrenology. Guilty people can spoof them, and innocent people can be so upset that they give false guilty responses.

 

[styrgwillidar]

I agree with your thought process about the accuracy of polygraphs. I always thought that it would measure the reaction that you have from a question. For example, if a question asked if you had cheated on your spouse, of course the polygraph is going to cause your blood pressure to spike, because this this question would upset most people. On the control question when told to lie on a question, for example: Did you ever brush your teeth? And the person says “no”… of course there would not be a scared reaction, because you were following the directions of the test. Certain questions would spike blood pressure in almost everyone; especially if those questions could possible convict you as guilty. If you were afraid of getting a False Positive and your wife would than divorce you, you might be terrified to answer the question: Have you ever cheated on your wife with another woman? Especially if your wife has her doubts and questions you about your faithfulness on a regular basis.

What I am curious is if the Devil could manipulate the polygraph needle or the computer results to help break up a marriage? I have heard of demons moving objects in a room so why couldn’t they interfere with the needle on a polygraph exam? Just a thought. Maybe the devil likes to sabataage marriages so they end in divorce.

Any thoughts?

I don’t think they’d mess around with the machine. The operator may be tempted to overstate/assess the results in a less than honest way.

 

[Clearwater14]

I put polygraphy in the same category with alchemy, astrology, and phrenology. Guilty people can spoof them, and innocent people can be so upset that they give false guilty responses.

What is alchemy and phrenology?

 

[Clearwater14]

My thought is that if a spouse is so far gone they need a polygraph to confirm or deny faithfulness, the devil has already won the battle.

My answer is to the original questions is “no”. People are responsible fro their own bad decisions. The devil may tempt, but we decide.

I respect your opinion. But, what if there was a circumstance that led to a lot of suspicion and the wife had a feeling that her husband cheated on her, but had no proof, then what? Is this the Devil’s work too? What if her marriage counselor recommended her husband to get the polygraph to prove he was telling her the truth because his wife developed depression and anxiety about the “circumstance” which led to doubt?

 

[Clearwater14]

I don’t think they’d mess around with the machine. The operator may be tempted to overstate/assess the results in a less than honest way.

If the devil or a demon can move objects around in a house or possess people, why would this be out of the question? Why wouldn’t the devil have power to do this?

That is a good point that you made about the polygrapher being tempted to skew the results on the polygraph test.

Do you think polygraph tests are accurate?

 

[pianistclare]

I respect your opinion. But, what if there was a circumstance that led to a lot of suspicion and the wife had a feeling that her husband cheated on her, but had no proof, then what? Is this the Devil’s work too? What if her marriage counselor recommended her husband to get the polygraph to prove he was telling her the truth because his wife developed depression and anxiety about the “circumstance” which led to doubt?

The matter is for a trained counselor, therapist or a priest. If one has to hire a polygraph operator…that ship has sailed.
Mistrust is the biggest destroyer of marriages.
If one can’t speak frankly to their spouse, then marriage counseling.
What is to be gained by proving a liar?
Does it fix the bond? No.
If one is looking for a way out of the marriage they will find a way.

I don’t recommend this tactic to anyone who is serious about SAVING a marriage and repairing it.

 

[DaveBj]

What is alchemy and phrenology?

Google and Wikipedia are your friends.

 

[styrgwillidar]

If the devil or a demon can move objects around in a house or possess people, why would this be out of the question? Why wouldn’t the devil have power to do this?

That is a good point that you made about the polygrapher being tempted to skew the results on the polygraph test.

Do you think polygraph tests are accurate?

No.

Polygraphs are junk science.

 

[styrgwillidar]

The matter is for a trained counselor, therapist or a priest. If one has to hire a polygraph operator…that ship has sailed.
Mistrust is the biggest destroyer of marriages.
If one can’t speak frankly to their spouse, then marriage counseling.
What is to be gained by proving a liar?
Does it fix the bond? No.
If one is looking for a way out of the marriage they will find a way.

I don’t recommend this tactic to anyone who is serious about SAVING a marriage and repairing it.

I agree. This falls into the same category as wanting to track your spouse, put in surveillance equipment, bug their phone, monitor their texts, emails and social media.

If it’s at that point the issue won’t be resolved by the monitoring or some bogus technical test, but by communicating and understanding why you’re feeling so suspicious/insecure.

 

[styrgwillidar]

No.

Polygraphs are junk science.

Let me expound on this. I would never, ever, ever submit to a polygraph for any important issue in my life. I’ve been through one and it was an interesting experience. However, it was for a job I’d held a long time as a condition for additional responsibilities my employer wanted to assign me. Since I wasn’t at risk of getting fired, was already a bit overwhelmed at work, and there was no additional money involved – I truly didn’t care whether I passed or not. In some ways, it would have been easier if I had ‘failed’ it-- which I didn’t.

But it became pretty clear that the decision as to whether I ‘passed’ or not had already been made prior to my ever having been hooked up.

From what I’ve read and researched since then- that is pretty much the case. If they expect you to pass- you do. If they don’t expect you to pass-- why are you being evasive? as a way to try and get you to admit guilt. The machine doesn’t determine it at all.

If you hire someone to test a spouse, more than likely they’ll simply tell you what they think you want to hear. Or, if they’re afraid of being proved wrong simply tell you the results are inconclusive or indicate some ‘deception’ – but not necessarily infidelity.

 

[angell1]

I agree with your thought process about the accuracy of polygraphs. I always thought that it would measure the reaction that you have from a question. For example, if a question asked if you had cheated on your spouse, of course the polygraph is going to cause your blood pressure to spike, because this this question would upset most people. On the control question when told to lie on a question, for example: Did you ever brush your teeth? And the person says “no”… of course there would not be a scared reaction, because you were following the directions of the test. Certain questions would spike blood pressure in almost everyone; especially if those questions could possible convict you as guilty. If you were afraid of getting a False Positive and your wife would than divorce you, you might be terrified to answer the question: Have you ever cheated on your wife with another woman? Especially if your wife has her doubts and questions you about your faithfulness on a regular basis.

What I am curious is if the Devil could manipulate the polygraph needle or the computer results to help break up a marriage? I have heard of demons moving objects in a room so why couldn’t they interfere with the needle on a polygraph exam? Just a thought. Maybe the devil likes to sabataage marriages so they end in divorce.

Any thoughts?

I think you have some misconceptions about demon possession. they don’t just barge in uninvited. you have to open yourself up to the demonic somehow. you will not be possessed just by walking down the street to the grocery store, completely unaware and against your will. he can tempt, make something seem appealing but can’t physically force anything.

if we give n to his temptations and commit a sin, well, that’s on us. can’t blame him for everything

 

[Clearwater14]

The matter is for a trained counselor, therapist or a priest. If one has to hire a polygraph operator…that ship has sailed.
Mistrust is the biggest destroyer of marriages.
If one can’t speak frankly to their spouse, then marriage counseling.
What is to be gained by proving a liar?
Does it fix the bond? No.
If one is looking for a way out of the marriage they will find a way.

I don’t recommend this tactic to anyone who is serious about SAVING a marriage and repairing it.

You are very wise. I agree about the trust issue. I have lost trust with my husband. At times I feel that I should file for divorce, but my Catholic Therapist is helping me see the good in him and she wants me to forgive him. Trust is very difficult to rebuild after it has been lost. My husband lied to me several times. Now because of his lies I don’t know what to believe. He still won’t confess to me that he had lap dances with a stripper. Also, there is a “questionable” relationship that he had with a former female co-worker 15 years ago. He denies everything. My therapist told me that he is ashamed of what he has done and doesn’t want to lose me. He is afraid that if he tells the truth, I will file for divorce.

I do believe that the polygraph is a “horrible” example of rebuilding trust within a marriage. Our former Marriage Counselor (Non-Christian) recommended this to us. It opened up a huge can of worms and I am still traumatized by the results of the test. Sometimes I do feel that the devil is playing games with my marriage.

 

[angell1]

The matter is for a trained counselor, therapist or a priest. If one has to hire a polygraph operator…that ship has sailed.
Mistrust is the biggest destroyer of marriages.
If one can’t speak frankly to their spouse, then marriage counseling.
What is to be gained by proving a liar?
Does it fix the bond? No.
If one is looking for a way out of the marriage they will find a way.

I don’t recommend this tactic to anyone who is serious about SAVING a marriage and repairing it.

it surprises me that a trained professional would recommend a polygraph in the first place. they have the reputation of being extremely inaccurate

it takes two willing people to try and repair a marriage. and sadly, because we live in a fallen world, that isn’t always possible. the church also recognizes this

 

[Clearwater14]

Let me expound on this. I would never, ever, ever submit to a polygraph for any important issue in my life. I’ve been through one and it was an interesting experience. However, it was for a job I’d held a long time as a condition for additional responsibilities my employer wanted to assign me. Since I wasn’t at risk of getting fired, was already a bit overwhelmed at work, and there was no additional money involved – I truly didn’t care whether I passed or not. In some ways, it would have been easier if I had ‘failed’ it-- which I didn’t.

But it became pretty clear that the decision as to whether I ‘passed’ or not had already been made prior to my ever having been hooked up.

From what I’ve read and researched since then- that is pretty much the case. If they expect you to pass- you do. If they don’t expect you to pass-- why are you being evasive? as a way to try and get you to admit guilt. The machine doesn’t determine it at all.

If you hire someone to test a spouse, more than likely they’ll simply tell you what they think you want to hear. Or, if they’re afraid of being proved wrong simply tell you the results are inconclusive or indicate some ‘deception’ – but not necessarily infidelity.

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I am going to send you a private message about this topic.

 

[Clearwater14]

it surprises me that a trained professional would recommend a polygraph in the first place. they have the reputation of being extremely inaccurate

it takes two willing people to try and repair a marriage. and sadly, because we live in a fallen world, that isn’t always possible. the church also recognizes this

Agreed. I wished the former marriage counselor never told my husband to submit to a polygraph. All it did was bring tremendous amount of pain into our lives. I have been traumatized from the results.

 

[Stillsosola]

If the devil or a demon can move objects around in a house or possess people, why would this be out of the question? Why wouldn’t the devil have power to do this?

That is a good point that you made about the polygrapher being tempted to skew the results on the polygraph test.

Do you think polygraph tests are accurate?

the devil can definately skew results by causing reaction in the one receiving the test and by causing the test giver to exxagerate the claims, who knows he might even get into the machine and manipulate it. but polygraphs are presented as true science when they just arent my friend submitted her husband to three on three separate occaisions each one turned out different.