Do people actually believe in demonic possession?

Question

I was raised Catholic and was never taught that this was even possible.

Bluto- Thanks! That's right up my alley.

Gypsy-That's what I understand.Seizures were unexplainable at the time.

Answer 1

Remarkably enough, there are people who sincerely believe in demons and demonic possession, ghosts, faeries, and unicorns. Hard to believe people can be so ignorant and gullible in the 21st century.

Answer 2

Yes, demonic possession is mentioned numerous times in the Bible... In Bible times demonized persons were afflicted in various ways: some were unable to speak, some were blind, some acted insane, and some possessed superhuman strength. All were woefully mistreated by these invisible bullies. Proof: Mt 9:32 (dumb man possessed by demon); 12:22 (blind and dumb); 17:15 (epileptic falling into fire and then water); Mr 5:3-5 (unnatural strength); Lu 8:29 (unnatural stregnth); 9:42 (violent convulsions); 11:14 (dumb); Ac 19:16 (wicked spirit attacking an individual). Proof demons were expelled: Paul expelled a demon from a girl in Acts 16; 16-18 (And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain servant girl with a spirit, a demon of divination, met us. She used to furnish her masters with much gain by practicing the art of prediction. This [girl] kept following Paul and us and crying out with the words: “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are publishing to YOU the way of salvation.” This she kept doing for many days. Finally Paul got tired of it and turned and said to the spirit: “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.) Jesus expelled demons--Matthew 9: 32, 33 (Now when they were leaving, look! people brought him a dumb man possessed of a demon; and after the demon had been expelled the dumb man spoke. Well, the crowds felt amazement and said: “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” ) Mark 1:32-34 (After evening had fallen, when the sun had set, the people began bringing him all those who were ill and those demon-possessed; and the whole city was gathered right at the door. So he cured many that were ill with various sicknesses, and he expelled many demons, but he would not let the demons speak, because they knew him to be Christ.) Matthew 8:16 (But after it became evening, people brought him many demon-possessed persons; and he expelled the spirits with a word, and he cured all who were faring badly;) Matthew 17:18 (Then Jesus rebuked it, and the demon came out of him; and the boy was cured from that hour.)

Answer 3

YES! True demonic possession is rare, though, so Catholic Exorcists are required to verify each case doesn't have a mundane cause (such as mental illness).

I saw a girl levitate in a trance, so I guess that counts?

Answer 4

Read the gospels and see where Jesus drove out demons from people on occaison. If Jesus drove them out, then it's possible to become demon possessed if you fool around with things linked to Satan, like the occult, things like that. Catholic priests have been known to help perform exorcisims on demon possessed people, so it's very real. You need not be afraid because the Bible says that if you resist the devil in Jesus' name, he HAS to flee from you, because the power of Jesus' name is far greater than his. " Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world"

Answer 5

The Vatican Exorcist, Father Amorth, has written a very good book called An Exorcist Tells His Story. It's very matter of fact...not necessarily written to scare or amaze....just kind of nuts and bolts. It's very good and eye opening concerning demons, Satan, mental illness, and the importance of exorcism. I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in knowing about this.

Answer 6

of course they do, after all, the most famous possessed film of all time, The Exorcist was based on a "true story". I dont know if i believe for sure though. I also don't know if i don't either though!

And, The exorcism of emily rose is said to have been a true story as well.

Answer 7

This is, perhaps, one of the most misunderstood aspects of Christianity. I will speak for myself as a Christian:
I believe that Jesus created all things seen and unseen. The seen world is what we experience with our senses and exist in tangible form.
The unseen is a spiritual world that lies among our own. In it exists angels and demons; something the bible makes very clear. [Ephesians 6:11 - For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.]
Angels are not the hokey, winged sprites and nymphs popular art portrays, but incorporeal beings created by God to perform certain tasks (who are wiser then humans, as seen many times in the scriptures). Demons are not the pointy-tailed, half-goat monstrosities we see in the movies, either. They are angels who have chosen to follow the chief rebellious angel, Lucifer [AKA Satan] and perform tasks to attempt to remove people from God.
When we struggle with sin the bible says that a spiritual battle is occurring and the spiritual being are constantly engaged in a raging battle on our behalf.
When we accept Christ as master of our lives his Spirit enters us. Just as light cannot be in a dark room, the evil beings [aka demons] can't invade a body that is occupied by the Spirit of Christ.
If we do not accept our Lord, then we are "unclaimed" and the evil spirits may enter us and influence [but not control!] our thoughts, feelings and motivations.
My beliefs deviate from the catholic church on many points; one of those issues is exorcism.
The bible never explicitly outlines the procedure to remove an evil spirit from someone. It is clear on how to reject evil and allow the power of the living God to expel evil.
The exorcism like those seen on TV are the invention of men in terms of actual chants, holy water, etc.

Answer 8

There is a good documentry on demonic possession called "The Fallen".

Ironically it was narrated by denzel washington and despite it being a documentary is his best work yet.

Answer 9

Yes, it is biblical (ie. demon-possessed girl in Matt 15:22). The disciples cast out demons with the power & authority of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' Name (Acts). As long as we are covered under the blood of Jesus, we have the same power & authority to do so.

Answer 10

YES!!! Jesus routinely cast demons out of people throughout the gospels. I firmly believe that many of the horribly shocking cases we hear on the news involve demon possession...it is just that society tends to label it in such ways as to diminish this truth.