Epilepsy or Demon-Possession, and Do Demons Preach the Gospel?

A Christian who does not believe in the literal existence of demons faces many challenges in making a strong argument in light of the first three gospel records. This is because Matthew, Mark and Luke all make frequent reference to “demons” and “evil spirits,” which at first glance would seem to be obvious proof of their literal existence. Yet there are some disturbing facts that should make a believer in demons take a more cautious stance.

For starters, it should be noted that in John’s gospel, not a single record of “demon possession” or the appearance of “evil spirits” can be found. The only time the word “demon” is used in John’s gospel is as an apparent synonym for insanity, madness, or just strange behavior:

Is it possible that the phrase “to have a demon” was an idiom for insanity or some mental affliction? And if it be an idiom, does it require the actual existence of demons in order for someone to make use of the phrase?

To continue reading this Bible article, click here.

Author: Philip P. Kapusta

Keywords: mute spirit, demon, demons, devils, foul spirit, dumb spirit, evil spirit, deaf spirit, baalzebub, baalzebul, unclean spirit, Casting out, Casting out devils, Casting out demons, Demon possession, Madness, Epileptic seizure, Devil possessed, Possessed by demons, moonstruck, moon struck, possession, possessed by the devil, Mental illness, Demonology, Wicked spirits, Demoniac, Epilepsy, Epileptic

Bible reference(s): Matthew 4:24, Matthew 7:22, Matthew 8:31, Matthew 9:33, Matthew 9:34, Matthew 10:1, Matthew 10:8, Matthew 11:18, Matthew 12:24, Matthew 12:27, Matthew 12:28, Matthew 12:43, Matthew 17:15, Matthew 17:18, Mark 1:23, Mark 1:26, Mark 1:27, Mark 1:34, Mark 1:39, Mark 3:11, Mark 3:15, Mark 3:22, Mark 3:30, Mark 5:2, Mark 5:8, Mark 5:12, Mark 5:13, Mark 6:7, Mark 6:13, Mark 7:25, Mark 7:26, Mark 7:29, Mark 7:30, Mark 9:17, Mark 9:25, Mark 9:38, Mark 16:9, Mark 16:17, Luke 4:33, Luke 4:35, Luke 4:36, Luke 4:41, Luke 6:18, Luke 7:21, Luke 7:33, Luke 8:2, Luke 8:27, Luke 8:29, Luke 8:30, Luke 8:33, Luke 8:35, Luke 8:38, Luke 9:1, Luke 9:42, Luke 9:49, Luke 10:17, Luke 11:14, Luke 11:15, Luke 11:18, Luke 11:19, Luke 11:20, Luke 11:24, Luke 13:32, John 7:20, John 8:48, John 8:49, John 8:52, John 10:20, John 10:21, Acts 5:16, Acts 8:7, Acts 19:12, Acts 19:13, Acts 19:15, Acts 19:16, 1 Corinthians 10:20, 1 Corinthians 10:21, 1 Timothy 4:1, James 2:19

Source: Philip P. Kapusta.

Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.