CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT: ‘The one who’s on your side is much greater and stronger’
Is the demonic real? I’d been rediscovering the Christian belief that the universe is not merely material, but is alive with the presence of God and God’s agents. But are there also malign presences, demonic spirits? Or should we understand as myth or metaphor the stories of this darkness?
In search of answers I spoke to my friend, an Inverness-based priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church who has been trained in Canada and Rome in what is known as ‘deliverance ministry.’ Working with a support group of GPs and psychiatrists, he helps people experiencing supernatural disturbances, whatever their beliefs.
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He also liaises with a 300-strong Zoom group of Anglican priests working in Deliverance Ministries and professionals from support agencies. The safety of those seeking help is always paramount. ‘Ultimately, it’s about loving care of the individual,’ my friend says.
In his training, he encountered two people who were ‘possessed’ but none since he has been practising himself. But his training and gifts of discernment enable him to reassure anxious people that they are not ‘possessed’, but that their symptoms arise from mental health issues.
He shares many stories of things happening in people’s houses (at one point in his own house) ‘which can’t be explained’. Cold corners in warm rooms, violent noises, elusive presences, foul smells and other phenomena. He has lost count of the number of ‘house blessings’ he has carried out.
His weapons are personal prayer (his daily life revolves around frequent intentional connection with God in prayer) and supporting prayer from others; words from the Bible; a crucifix; holy water. This rite brings deliverance to the troubled house and its inhabitants.
My friend speaks of our need for vigilance because ‘the demonic is part of everyday life’. As evidence he points to some of the disturbing thoughts which trouble us; divisions and cruel words in church; global and national injustices. ‘Is that anything short of demonic?’ he challenges.
‘The demonic is real!’ he continues. But his words and his peaceful confidence are reassuring as he points to Jesus Christ: ‘Remember the one who’s on your side is much greater and stronger, and there is ultimately nothing to fear.’
‘Deliver us from evil,’ we repeat in the Lord’s Prayer. ‘Banish the deeds of darkness’ we say. Such prayers, my friend assured me, are always heard.
All this, if true, has massive implications for the way we live, the way we make decisions. But we limit God, my friend warns me, if we see God as simply a defence against the darkness. ‘God is the fountain and source of all things good,’ he said. This God invites us, while not being ignorant of darkness, to focus on the light of divine love.
