Modern Demonology

Modern Demonology

By Bob Osborne

If you read about missionary works in many eastern countries, you will eventually read about some individuals who were demonized in some way. I am not talking of the distant past; I am referring to the present day. In fact, it is a not so uncommon occurrence for the family of the oppressed person to talk about it openly, and explain how they have had the local witch doctor, or Animus believing elder or Shaman or wise man attempt to expel the spirit by various means. There doesn't seem to be a stigma attached to the victim or to the family, it is mostly handled "matter of fact", and without undo fanfare. The people in these cultures have taken their clues from each other... in other words; they act in the same manner which has been exemplified by their peers, friends, and family members. They have learned patterns of behavior, and have an unwritten list of accepted norms in life.... of which demonic interference is possible. Yes they have a caste system which stratifies their people groups unjustly with upper levels of privilege like varying degrees of royalty, all the way down to the Dalit caste who are not even considered human. But the plethora of gods and diverse beliefs transcend all class stratification, and a demonic spirit having severe negative influence on a person can occur in any caste. It is a semi-rare yet accepted part of their culture as a whole.

Here in the west, we have our behavioral norm list as well, which we have derived from our own sources that are probably not so different than these eastern cultures.... with one massive difference.... mass media. Years and years of our values being influenced by Hollywood movies, sitcoms, dramas, cartoons, opinionated news, documentaries, and a plethora of paranormal investigation shows. Furthermore, our family and friends have been influenced by the same Media. We have watched and learned what is socially acceptable to look like, be like and act like. We know what groups we will be associated with when we dress a certain way, believe a certain way, and do certain things. Our tastes in music, our hobbies, and who we socialize with for various activities all have a part our definition of who we are. So we are painfully aware of how we will be categorized by taking on any label, such as exorcist, demonologist, paranormal investigator, etc.

We must be aware of the stereotypes associated with various positions or titles. For example; salesman engenders a lying and untrustworthy individual; the term fundamental evangelical Christian conjures images in my mind of a money grubbing preacher with hypocritical promiscuous lifestyle; a priest's collar and pedophile are now sadly associated. That being said, I shun most labels as much as possible because I want to minimize the word association mess that can happen. The demonic realm is a fringe area in this country. It is not part of the socially accepted belief system. The majority of information that most people have gathered on the demonic comes from Hollywood. When we think of demon possession, immediately images of head spinning, green projectile vomit, and growling voices speaking ancient Latin flood our minds. The motion picture industry has categorized it in the horror/fantasy profile, and therefore people who actually believe that demons are real, could just as well believe in the Easter Bunny and Spiderman. At best, it is equated with mental instability and a poor tormented soul who wrestles with an abusive past. It tip-toes on the edge of craziness and fantasy and basic levels of everything uncomfortable. But to those who cannot and will not separate this "negative" element out of their pursuit into the spiritual realm, they will be either openly judged or secretly scoffed at by the mainstream. Demonic activity is definitely a galvanizing intrusion, a decision maker, the proverbial five-hundred pound gorilla in the room that must be acknowledged if we are honest. Yet, our western society as a whole will not look at this face on. The church rarely addresses demonic activity either, and typically the person is referred to a few priests and ministers who specialize in "these cases".

Most of the paranormal investigators viewed on TV, when encountering a perceived "negative entity", want nothing to do with it, and call in those with experience in these things. That is the smart thing to do. Other "investigators" try to taunt the entity into somehow revealing its presence with much bravado and other theatrics. It doesn't even make for believable entertainment, and somehow gives license to others to imitate their methods. IF there really is a demonic entity present, then they are trifling with something that they have no idea about. To top it off, they may call in psychics or a Wiccan or some other quasi-spirits to remedy the situation. Matching hoo-doo with voo-doo, and in a one hour episode, wrapping up the whole haunting up in a pink happy bow. Really? Their answer is burning sage and wafting smoke around with a large feather while calling on a spirit guide? This Harry Potteresque response only promotes to further disbelief and negates any validity to whether there was any "negative" entity present in the first place. No wonder so many people don't really believe in a spiritual realm, yet these people and their antics are now the examples of "what to do when your house is haunted". Not until it gets serious, and unmanageable, and every other option has been exhausted, does the possibility of demonic activity become an alternative cause to be considered.

Now, here is the difficulty. To acknowledge the existence of demons is to acknowledge a host of other things as well. God, angels, miracles, spiritual power, believing people who invoke authority over a demon, the Bible as God's word, etc. Desperation breeds faith, and in impossible circumstances we look to God to intervene. The afflicted person wants out of his situation, and it takes a true believer to help him or her. We therefore must endeavor to keep ourselves focused on the reality of the situation, (that there is a person who desperately needs help) and the solution usually will require discernment and further involvement beyond a simple one time visit. We must overcome the preconceived notions and expectations of nearly everyone involved, and remain focused on the real purpose... to help someone in need.