As a pastor, I have seen the "devil behind every bush" doctrine run amok. Certainly the fearful and ignorant of the world have done much more wickedness in many instances than they have prevented by such violent actions.

That having been said, I must say that it is both naive anddangerous to think that there is no supernatural evil or demonic activity in the world. I know that many that would read this post will insult me, dismiss me, or whatever- but I have seen true demonic "possession" (not an acurate term, but the most commonly understood.)

I have seen individuals manifest behavior, strength and appearance far more frightening than anything Hollywood can dream up. These people weren't coerced into believing they had a demon; they weren't "browbeat" into a brainwashed state. Likewise, when called down under Scriptural authority in the name of Jesus, they dropped to the ground like a whipped puppy, with no restraint or violence neccessary. I'm not an "exorcist", nor am I some ignorant old fogey. I'm just a small town country preacher with an open mind and a college education. I know that many things can be explained by physical and mental maladies. But understand this- one of the best tools that demonic forces can implement is to convince you they don't exist....

I have no doubt that you are trying to do good by these people, but I think what you are doing is feeding into psychotic delusions. I have also met people like you describe. Upon admission to locked psychiatric inpatient units, paranoid schizophrenics can appear very scary and can seem to be stronger than "normal" people. This is because schizophrenics often have very high pain tolerance. Thus, they don't have the kinds of pain feedback that shut the rest of us down. After these people are treated with antipsychotic meds, they appear far more rational.

It is also the case that some illicit drugs can produce behaviors like you describe.

Is demonic possession possible? I don't know. I doubt it. But, I would encourage you to rule out other more mundane explanations before you settle on this one.

wilsonpd64:

I have seen individuals manifest behavior, strength and appearance far more frightening than anything Hollywood can dream up. These people weren't coerced into believing they had a demon; they weren't "browbeat" into a brainwashed state. Likewise, when called down under Scriptural authority in the name of Jesus, they dropped to the ground like a whipped puppy, with no restraint or violence neccessary.

nancyh:

I have also met people like you describe. Upon admission to locked psychiatric inpatient units, paranoid schizophrenics can appear very scary and can seem to be stronger than "normal" people. This is because schizophrenics often have very high pain tolerance. Thus, they don't have the kinds of pain feedback that shut the rest of us down. After these people are treated with antipsychotic meds, they appear far more rational.

You two deserve each other.

There are no demons so evil that they could out-evil the worst aspects of human nature.

There is no supernatural enemy. We don't need one. We're perfectly capable of horrible acts of evil all by ourselves.

Perhaps then you could offer a helpful response since you did not like mine.

I have seen individuals manifest behavior, strength and appearance far more frightening than anything Hollywood can dream up.

Me too, it's called PMS.