Rev. Dr. Donald K. Stewart, (D.Min.)
(In a letter to the Editor)
MR. DEVON Dick, in his March 16 article, entitled, 'What is demon possession?' has certainly brought this controversial subject back into the public domain.
I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Dick that there are several dimensions to this phenomenon, and that theologians throughout the ages have forwarded a multiplicity of speculations, opinions, theories, hypotheses and convictions concerning the existence and operations of the demonic realm.
YES, MR. DICK BUT...
I also want to endorse Mr. Dick's convictions that: "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 believe that he has, however, stepped a little too far out on a very brittle, old, dry limb in the remainder of his article, making "authoritative statements" that he will find extremely difficult to support, from either the Scriptures or personal experiences.
DEMONISATION NOT DEMON POSSESSION
I would first like to suggest that the term 'Demon Possession' is both ambiguous and highly stigmatised, while not accurately translating the original Greek word used in the New Testament writings. To be demon possessed could equally mean 'occupied by a demon' or owned by a demon. It is not clear which of the two possibilities Mr. Dick embraces in his article, and this could certainly make a significant difference in his conclusions. The term 'demonised' which means to be under the influence, control or bondage of demonic powers, is a much preferred, biblically accurate and theologically accepted expression.
BY INVITATION?
To draw the conclusion, as Mr. Dick does, that "Demons cannot just enter someone uninvited", clearly raises a series of questions. If the common flu virus can enter our bodies at will and cause serious illnesses without our invitation, why then should demonic spirits (operating with Satan's power) have to wait in line for us to call them in? It might be more instructive to ask ourselves, "What kinds of openings may already exist in our lives and to what extent are we deficient in taking our spiritual vitamins?" Paul, the apostle, was quite serious when he warned the Ephesian Christians; "and do not give the devil a foothold" (Eph. 4:27). Demons may have access into our lives, simply because we are ignorant of either God's written word, the complex world around us or the deceptive devices of Satan. (Hos. 4:6, II Cor. 2:11). We can't afford to be fools. We must become wise, for these are indeed evil days (Eph. 5: 16).
CHRISTIANS NOT IMMUNE
It is also necessary, though disturbing, to note that (contrary to popular belief) Christians are not automatically immune from demonisation. Over the past 16 years I have had the privilege of being used by God to help set hundreds (possibly thousands) of fellow Jamaicans free from the bondage of demonic spirits. I can safely say, without fear of contradiction, that more than 80 per cent confessed to be born again Bible-believing Christians. Were they all lying were they self-deceived or were they putting on Oscar-winning dramatic performances, just for fun? My own easy-to-read 2002 Doctoral Thesis (available at the U.T.C.W.I. Library) was entitled Towards a strategy for responding to the demonised in our churches and in the wider society. This research confirmed that many who are Christians become demonised without even knowing, and then face the dilemma as to where to find help. They certainly can't look to Christian leaders who either deny the existence of demons or reject the possibility of "demonised Christians". Many turn in desperation to the thriving obeah men in our country because their own church leaders fail to acknowledge or confront their frightening condition. Can you really blame them? What would you do?
It is true, as Mr. Dick contends, that "The Holy Spirit and demons could not reign in the same temple". This, however, is not the whole truth, since it is possible for light and darkness to exist in the same building, provided they are separated by thick walls, closed windows and sealed doors. Remember that the human being is a complex creature with body, soul, emotions, heart, mind (conscious and sub-conscious, will and intellect), imagination and spirit. Isn't it possible for one section to be spotlessly clean and yet another to be stained by sin, in the same body?
Is it not true, Mr. Dick, that a person whose spirit has been genuinely regenerated by God's Holy Spirit is still in need of a renewed mind? What is Romans 12:1-2 all about, if this were not the case? And how would we explain the fact that the best of Christians sin each day, if total sanctification had occurred instantly at conversion? The fact that Jesus died for the whole world does not make everyone automatically saved. The fact that a person becomes a Christian, in like manner, does not make him or her automatically demon-free. We must personally, consciously and deliberately claim the necessary provisions from Almighty God.
THE FIRE ENGINE FALLACY
Mr. Dick argues that "Demon possession is only found where it is expected, leading one to wonder whether the ministry of exorcism (deliverance) does not tend to encourage the symptoms of the disorders it purports to solve." This reminds me of the case of an elderly woman who hated fire engines. Her reason was simply that, every time she heard or saw one, she was later informed about a fire in the area. She had, therefore, concluded that it must be the fire engines that kept producing these destructive fires.
It is my hope that fellow Christians, especially church leaders, will honestly face the issues that confront our people, bearing in mind that a wrong diagnosis leads to a wrong prescription and ultimately to potentially fatal treatment. We definitely need to get back to a Gospel that is not just eloquent human words or vain philosophies, but like Paul, one with, "A demonstration of God's power" ( 1 Cor. 2:4-5).
If we practise New Testament principles, then chances are, we will receive the appropriate New Testament results and remember, Mr. Dick, "According to your faith, so be it unto you". (Matthew 9:29).
Rev. Dr. DONALD K. STEWART (D.Min.) is pastor of the Portmore Lane Covenant Community Church. E-mail: covcomoffice@colis.com
