Demons

[Faith1960]

I’ve read the book. It’s good basic information.
I even bought the movie!
The Exorcist in the 21st Century

Does it answer why there seem to be so many demons in the NT rather than the OT or now?
If so, can you give me a hint as to how that’s explained?

One of my Bibles is The Catholic Woman’s Devotional Bible, which says that Mary Magdalene " probably suffered from serious mental and physical illness."

 

[MtnDwellar]

Does it answer why there seem to be so many demons in the NT rather than the OT or now?
If so, can you give me a hint as to how that’s explained?

One of my Bibles is The Catholic Woman’s Devotional Bible, which says that Mary Magdalene " probably suffered from serious mental and physical illness."

It’s been a while since I read the book. I don’t think that question is answered.

The Old Testament has references to demons. Job and Tobit come readily to mind.

I am aware that The Caholic Woman’s Devotional Bible states the Mary Magdalene was probably not possessed by seven demons, but rather mentally and physically ill. I also know the book has an imprimatur. All I can say is that I think it’s wrong.

 

[Faith1960]

It’s been a while since I read the book. I don’t think that question is answered.

The Old Testament has references to demons. Job and Tobit come to mind:

Demons were very few in the OT. I hope you’re wrong about the book since its the only reason I ordered it.

 

[ynotzap]

I have experienced devils working through individuals with mental illness, but this shouldn’t surprise us, because the devil works through all our weaknesses, even through the weaknesses of saints. This is what the spiritual life, or growth in sanctity is all about. I have had individuals lie about me to cover their own sins, and I could discern some illness in their mental state, eg. habitual lying, and dishonesty, deep insecurity etc. I have witnessed the spirit of self-righteousness working in a Priest, no one is immuned, I have become uncharitable on occasions and impatient many times. We live in a very materialistic society, and there is plenty of greed to go around. there is also a lot of sensual stimuli, sexually, and sound, things to prevent us from thinking clearly, an obstacle to learning the truth. these are just some of the works of Satan Jesus came to destroy. There is a lot of Paganism, and a lot of para-normal activity also. Because the devil works through our weaknesses doesn’t mean we are possessed, although there are cases of possessions but we are definitely affected by his influence on us in our spiritual weaknesses. God permits it to sanctify us, and it’s understood He will not give us more than we can stand.

 

[glendab]

Hello Faith.

Did people in the NT even KNOW about mental illness and were they able to differentiate between mental illness and demons. If so can anyone link me to some proof?.

Ummmm…do you realize this is God you are talking about? Think about it. You’re suggesting God couldn’t tell the difference between someone who was possessed and someone who was ill. Is that really what you meant to imply? I don’t think so .

Glenda

 

[glendab]

Hello Faith.

Last night I ordered An Exorcist Tells His Story by Fr. Amorth. Anyone read it and, if so, is it helpful?

Yes the book is very good and Father Amorth wrote a sequel to it. Another helpful book that is short and accurate is Possession, Exorcism and Hauntings by Adam C. Blai, M.S. This last is a very recent publication, this year in fact. I recommend it too.

Glenda

 

[glendab]

Hello Again Faith.

Does it answer why there seem to be so many demons in the NT rather than the OT or now?
If so, can you give me a hint as to how that’s explained?

One of my Bibles is The Catholic Woman’s Devotional Bible, which says that Mary Magdalene " probably suffered from serious mental and physical illness."

If the updated version of the Gospel in the Bible you’ve gotten says St. Mary Magdalene was mentally ill instead of actually possessed, pitch it. The Church has known for over two millennia that she was indeed delivered of seven devils by Jesus. You shouldn’t read a dumbed-down version made suitable for modern tastes. The Protestants publish a new Bible version practically every day of the week. It really is horrid. Care to share some of the other revisions to the Gospels that they think are suitable for Catholic women in the modern age? It would make a nice door stop. Or you could use it for kindling. :bigyikes:

Glenda

 

[Faith1960]

Hello Faith.

Ummmm…do you realize this is God you are talking about? Think about it. You’re suggesting God couldn’t tell the difference between someone who was possessed and someone who was ill. Is that really what you meant to imply? I don’t think so .

Glenda

What I’m suggesting is that many of these demons sound to me to have been mental illness and epilepsy.

 

[Faith1960]

Hello Again Faith.

If the updated version of the Gospel in the Bible you’ve gotten says St. Mary Magdalene was mentally ill instead of actually possessed, pitch it. The Church has known for over two millennia that she was indeed delivered of seven devils by Jesus. You shouldn’t read a dumbed-down version made suitable for modern tastes. The Protestants publish a new Bible version practically every day of the week. It really is horrid. Care to share some of the other revisions to the Gospels that they think are suitable for Catholic women in the modern age? It would make a nice door stop. Or you could use it for kindling. :bigyikes:

Glenda

It has an Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, sold to me by a sweet nun at Pauline Books and Media.

 

[Faith1960]

Hello Faith.

Yes the book is very good and Father Amorth wrote a sequel to it. Another helpful book that is short and accurate is Possession, Exorcism and Hauntings by Adam C. Blai, M.S. This last is a very recent publication, this year in fact. I recommend it too.

Glenda

Does the author explain why there were so many demons being driven out in the NT?

 

[Faith1960]

In one article I read online said that demons caused illnesses likecdeafness or insanity, and that God permitted demons to possess certain people at the time of Christ so that His power could be seen.

 

[Anglewannabe]

If the Holy Bible says that its a demon, then it’s a demon. After all, the books of the Bible were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t think that the authors made a mistake when writing about demons.

 

[Faith1960]

How do you even decide this, I mean, when talking about demons in Matthew 17:14-17 the NAB, Darby Bible translation, Webster’s Bible translation and Douay-rhimes says " lunatic"; Gods word translation says “seizures”; King James 2000 and the American Standard Version says “epileptic.”

So which is it? A demon? Epilepsy? Insanity?

 

[TheHolyTrinity]

How do you even decide this, I mean, when talking about demons in Matthew 17:14-17 the NAB, Darby Bible translation, Webster’s Bible translation and Douay-rhimes says " lunatic"; Gods word translation says “seizures”; King James 2000 and the American Standard Version says “epileptic.”

So which is it? A demon? Epilepsy? Insanity?

Matthew 17:14-21 New International Version
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

What kind of faith does the Lord expect of us, especially when we meet set-backs and trials? Inevitably there are times when each of us disappoint others or disappoint ourselves when we suffer some kind of set- back or failure. In this gospel incident the disciples of Jesus fail to heal an epileptic boy. Jesus’ response seems stern; but it is really tempered with love and compassion. We see at once Jesus’ dismay with the disciples’ lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of this troubled boy and his father. With one word of command Jesus rebukes the evil spirit that has caused this boy’s affliction and tells the spirit to “never enter him again”. Jesus tells his disciples that they can “remove mountains” if they have faith in God. The expression to “remove mountains” was a common Jewish phrase for removing difficulties. A wise teacher who could solve difficulties was called a “mountain remover”. If we pray with expectant faith God will give us the means to overcome difficulties and obstacles. When you meet trials and disappointments how do you respond? With faith and trust in Jesus?

“Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith and trust in your saving power. Give me confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer. And help me to bring your healing love and truth to those I meet”.

 

[tennure]

Why are there so many demons in Jesus’ day? Were some of these mentally ill.persons? If so, isn’t the Bible wrong about calling them demons?

Demons can come in many forms, most are your own personal demons, trouble and strife, anger, rage, fear… those are all you own inner personal demons.

the Bible is full of examples where the Apostles were very busy expelling demons.
My belief in the efficacy of the Eucharist was firmly established in my discussions with a missonary priest with much experience in pagan lands.

Yes, the Bible is also full of part’s where children get killed by a giant she-bear with a wall because they called the Prophet “Baldy!” too…

If the Holy Bible says that its a demon, then it’s a demon. After all, the books of the Bible were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t think that the authors made a mistake when writing about demons.

Lucifer was also referred to as the Light Bringer - oh how bright thou art oh morning star, son of the Dawn… He sat on God’s left, whilst Gabriel sat on God’s right…

I don’t think we are seeing less, maybe even more. Read the books written by the sanctioned exorcists.

Ah yes, those guys who believed that anyone having a fit or displaying signs of being epileptic, as a sure fire way of being in league with the devil… Malleus Maleficarum the hammer of witchcraft! But you need to recollect that in 1486 when it was composed there was no penacillin or modern medicine and those that practiced herbology where accused of using Potions and Magic to cast out Demons and thusly where seen to be in league with them!

If you have a strong stomache perhaps you should listen to what the kids are listening too nowadays… Brace yourself!

youtube.com/watch?v=_Mbxe33BYW8

I would submit that the only demons are the one’s within your own mind, that being said they are your own personal one’s, drilled into you from an early age…

Satan is a hebrew word meaning adversary or adversity… His name according to the quran is IBLIS and he commands the D’Jinn or that which is foul, disease! Hence they call him the father of Lie’s but wherein is the Lie? Seek the truth for it shalt set you free, was one of the commandments contained within the Good Book… We’re all believers that much is clear, but as to getting into heaven or hell, that remains to be seen! I’ve always taken what is written in scripture with a grain of salt, ie: its a moral compass as to what is right and what is wrong… Charity, good-will, caring for those less fortunate, those are amicable traits… But few follow that example… Espeically in the world of Big Buisness where they’re all out to make a killing and thus they lie repeatedly to each other to secure greater profits… And in so doing fall… Just as Lucifer fell and was cast down. The reason he was cast out differs in every text, but upon one thing they agree, he was commanded to bow down before man as being god’s most divine creation at which he rebelled and said “Why should I bow myself before such as this? You crafted them from the dirt (earth) and you made me from the Fire?” Thus his original Sin was Pride!

 

[mikekle]

What I’m suggesting is that many of these demons sound to me to have been mental illness and epilepsy.

Can we know FOR SURE we are right about this though? I tend to believe Jesus versus our modern day experts on such things…what if it really is demonic activity, but our secular society just ‘labels’ as something else, for a variety of reasons, but mainly so they dont have to acknowledge the spiritual realm/ God.

 

[tennure]

Can we know FOR SURE we are right about this though? I tend to believe Jesus versus our modern day experts on such things…what if it really is demonic activity, but our secular society just ‘labels’ as something else, for a variety of reasons, but mainly so they dont have to acknowledge the spiritual realm/ God.

My thoughts exactly and are we not just as guilty as the devil, our we not proud by claiming ourselves to be better… Thus we are all guilty of the same Sin that caused him to be cast out in the first place.

Our pride!

And make no mistake we are prideful of our accomplishments, we put men on the moon, then claimed it as our own by waving a little flag, but the irony is, all those guys died from Lukemia after being exposed to Stellar radiation… So is there a devil? Oh I would say yes…

As they often say “the devil is in the details!”

 

[tennure]

youtube.com/watch?v=bA9SCJRYRb4

Locust’s are actually very friendly creatures, they pose no threat to human life, but after they sprayed them all with multiple pesticides, they later told everybody hey it’s “Kosher” you can eat them!

If you follow the Bible then you follow the word of Rome and the word of “Apollion” apollo, the Roman Sun God…
“How bright thou art, oh Son of the Dawn…”

If you follow Islam then you follow the Pagan rock of Memphis…

If you follow the Tohrah then you follow the Chaldee and their vision of a one world Government where they turn the temple of the “On High!” into a place of buisness…

Fear not the serpent, for it does not decieve…

3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWIvLdfWRMM/UCXSh6Uc6XI/AAAAAAAAH7I/prX5gpPT7Mw/s640/Caduceus.png

It just bite’s you if you p*ss it off!

 

[Verchiel]

Fact: The number of demons is exactly the same as when they fell. They weren’t “killed” or destroyed by St. Michael and the other Angels, just cast into the Abyss. There numbers haven’t changed, nor will it because they cannot create anything including themselves, nor can they procreate, (thank God!!!) It is *by God’s permissive will *that some get out of this Abyss and as the prayer says, prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Read the story of Job. The devil was the author of his fall and those around him were so blind to the demonic, that they attributed his fall to God as a punishment of a sort. We too are like them in our blindness to things demonic in our day and this is assisted by the current culture’s advancement of some notions, i.e. the notion that mental illness and not demonic possession is the cause of some person’s problems and instead of actual exorcism, they recommend pills. Ummmmmmm…

A very clear “proof” of the activity of the devil in our day and age to me is the sin of abortion. We’ve allowed over 55 million babies to be killed in the womb since Roe vs. Wade and if you ask me, this much blood shed going un-checked and even defended can only come about by the blindness that occurs when one falls under the influence of the devil. He remains hidden and that is one of the ways in which he operates. But this is just my opinion.

Glenda

A third of the angels fell from heaven with the devil, am I right on that account? If so there is no telling how many that is, there were only 200 or so watchers/Grigori which fell and that’s not enough to be responsible for all the demonic activity we are seeing. And the fallen watchers were confined to a place of waiting. 1 sanctioned exorcist wrote that he was conducting some 40 to 80 exorcisms a day and could do more given the time and physical ability, that’s just 1 Priest. Those numbers just blow my mind! These demons must really be working hard to infect human beings, in the days of Jesus as well as now.

 

[Faith1960]

Can we know FOR SURE we are right about this though? I tend to believe Jesus versus our modern day experts on such things…what if it really is demonic activity, but our secular society just ‘labels’ as something else, for a variety of reasons, but mainly so they dont have to acknowledge the spiritual realm/ God.

What if it isn’t?