What Happened to Demons?

Mental illness vs demons

You probably won’t hear this discussion in a therapy session or in any mental institution.  I’m not surprised at that.  The medical community isn’t based on spiritual thought and they don’t base problems or solutions on spiritual approaches.

But what about in the Christian community?  I titled this “what happened to demons?” because in the majority of churches in America demons are not really mentioned.  There is occasional talk.  We read the scriptures about them.  We read fictitious books about them.  We may fantasize about them but most of us don’t really go out looking for them on a daily basis.

Let’s go back to scripture.  Demons aren’t mentioned in the Old Testament.  In the New Testament they are mentioned approximately 80 times.  They are mainly included in the passages related to other healings.  It was clear that Jesus addressed some ailments, sicknesses, and unhealthy behavior as “demon possessed.”

So what happened since then?  Did the demons go away?  Did the Bible (Jesus) identify mental illness as demon possession?  Or do we identify demon possession as mental illness?  This is not a subject that can be fully covered in a short blog and it is not my intent to prove anything on either side.  I am certainly not judging those who suffer from mental illness, the professionals who work in this area, or the medications that are being offered.  It is clear that millions of people suffer – really suffer from all types of mental afflictions every day.

But I wonder and I question.  I seek answers from God.  I have seen attempted demon deliverance – it is freaky and scary.  It’s not something for the faint of heart.  I also believe that it can be dangerous.  At this point, I’m going to stop.  I may go deeper into it if there is demand.  I simply ask that you join me in prayer over a subject that is not being addressed in today’s church.

Mark 5:1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”