Devon DickLAST WEEK, a columnist made reference to the demons that possess us? But what did she mean by that? Apparently it was a figure of speech in reference to the dark side of one's personality. Dr. R. Alastair Campbell of the United Theological College of the West Indies also examines the issue of demon possession in a paper entitled 'Demons and politics in the ministry of Jesus'. In that paper, he focuses on those who disagreed violently with Jesus' message of love towards enemies. He believes that the fanatical, nationalistic, intolerant and violent evil spirit that engulfs nations needs to be exorcised because this spirit threatens the security of the nations and the peace of the world.
In addition, the first part of his paper explores the issue of demon possession and exorcism. What is demon possession? There is the traditional view that there are demons and Jesus did cast them out. Then there are others who claim that demon possession is really a form of mental illness that Jesus was able to alleviate or it is a manifestation of physical illness i.e. epilepsy that Jesus healed.
CONDITIONS
Campbell also outlines the thinking on this matter by Walter Wink, as found in 'Unmasking the Powers'. Wink tries to make a distinction between three conditions of demon possession. There are 'inner personal demons', which are bad habits and compulsive behaviour. These personal demons need a therapist and not an exorcist.
Then there is the 'outer personal possession' such as the Gaderene demoniac. This has to be driven out by traditional means.
Finally, there is 'collective possession', which means that a nation or community could be in the grip of an evil spirit, even though the citizens are largely unaware. This happened with Hitler's Nazi Germany in the 1930s, when many churches supported Hitler. Wink also feels that it has happened to contemporary USA. Furthermore, Wink believes that collective possession is exorcised by social action or protest, 'such protest is rarely successful in casting out the evil spirit, the protesters may be ignored or beaten but that very fact serves to unmask the controlling demon and reveal its presence, and in that way it is exorcised'. Is that what is happening in Haiti?
TWO POSITIONS
When all is said and done there are basically two positions. Either one believes that there are demons which are hostile to God or one believes that what is called demon possession can be explained in scientific ways i.e. mental or physical illnesses.
There is little argument about the existence about God, Satan and demons. The issue is can demons possess human beings? Can demons possess someone in the same manner which one can possess the Holy Spirit and be possessed by the Holy Spirit. Persons have gone into a trance and be beyond themselves. Even deejays recognise that a mad spirit can take one so that 'head nuh good'.
However, demons cannot just enter someone uninvited. Just as how one has to invite the Holy Spirit, one would have to invite demons into our being. If someone can be possessed against his or her will then that person could not be responsible for his or her actions. It would negate free will and the ability to make choices. So demon possession must be at the invitation of the person. If it were otherwise then who would be spared.
Furthermore, demons cannot possess a Christian because a Christian has the Holy Spirit reigning in his or her life. The Holy Spirit and demons could not reign in the same temple. Demon possession occurs when an alien, evil spirit takes control of someone. There is an over-emphasis on demon possession and Campbell observes that, 'experience suggests that demon possession is only found where it is expected, leading one to wonder whether the ministry of exorcism does not tend to encourage the symptoms of the disorders it purports to solve'. There is merit in that observation. Exorcism is even mentioned as one of the spiritual gifts!
Furthermore, the letter to the Colossians states the effect of Christ's death on the cross as, 'having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross'. Whatever is your belief about demon possession, this Lenten season is a time to remember that the finished work of Christ was the death knell of the power of demons.
The Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church.
