Evil Spirits

Evil Spirits

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are:  the Holy One of God.’  But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet!  Come out of him!’  And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him.”  (Mark 1: 23 – 26)

Evil spirits trouble people even in our advanced technological age.  To deny this fact is not to be modern and advanced but rather to be naïve.  To deny it is also to deny the relevance of a major part of Christ’s healing ministry.  The spirits that trouble human beings are varied and seem specialized in their roles.  

Not every deranged person is a victim of demonic possession.  But stubborn and persistent alcoholism, sex maniacs and similar conditions may well be caused by evil spirits.  Some modern psychologists seem to play down the existence and effects of evils spirits on people.  It is well to remember that psychology even in its most advanced form is still a speculative social science.  This is to say that it can change its principles and conclusions and in fact does change these frequently.  When it comes to matters of demonic possession, I rely on the trustworthy and constant teaching of the Church.

The good news about demonic possession is that Jesus had authority over them and cast them out.  The same power is still with Jesus Christ today and this power is exercised in the Church.