beej6;
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I will be the exception to the rule here - I know I am not the only Reformed mental health professional in existence, but it's probably a smaller club than the Reconstructionists at this point. Some of you may believe I am literally playing devil's advocate.
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I believe you would be correct, it is a small club.
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I don't believe in demon possession, though as pointed out above, it is theoretically possible in cultures or peoples that have not yet heard the Gospel.
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Why wouldn't it possible in societies that have heard the gospel?
I guess, I'm questioning more what makes us think that just because many here in the west don't acknowledge it as possible--automatically means it's not possible.
Could it be more, that because so many don't acknowledge the possibility at all, because we have the gospel, that they won't/don't even consider the possiblity?
And why does it make one Charismatic because they believe demon possession is still possible today? Have so many forgotten our battle is not against flesh and blood?
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
I seen a commercial the other night for a new show coming out about those who claim to communicate with the dead--isn't that a spirit of divination? And these people aren't in a mental hospital they are on national TV, making a name for themselves.
Act 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
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There is a much more simple explanation of the evils responsible for our behavior - sin. Is that talked about much in mental hospitals? Depends on the person. I have spoken with both Christians and non-Christians about the idea of sin (e.g. rebellion), but I wouldn't begin there with a person who may not even be in their right mind to start.
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I'm curious, what is their 'right' mind? If they are lost, isn't their 'right' mind bound in sin? (just asking)
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I would separate demon possession from belief in the occult - that certainly is present. Maybe I am too concrete and shouldn't separate the two. I suppose by 'demon possession' I mean the classic person who appears to be so out of control of their behavior, as someone high on PCP. Substance abuse itself is so prevalent, which is yet another manifestation of sin.
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What would be the out of control behavior?
schizophrenic? emotional blunting, intellectual deterioration, social isolation, disorganized speech and behavior, delusions, and hallucinations.
If I look at the description of this disease..I see..things which all deal with a lack of the Holy Spirit and the fruits thereof...Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, self-control, faith, meekness...
They may not be able to think clearly.
They may not know the difference between what is real and what is not real.
They may have trouble managing emotions.
They may have a hard time making decisions.
They may not relate well to other people.
They may hear or see things that are not there.
They may feel as if they are being watched.
They may experience a change in self-care or personal appearance.
They may experience a change in personality.
They may feel angry or fearful toward loved ones.
They may act in ways that are strange or out of place.
They may develop an extreme focus on religion or the occult.
Looking at the second list, hearing/seeing things which are not there, could it be a demon they are hearing and seeing? Could it be a demon that is watching them? could it be the demonic forces bringing about the personality changes, also causing them to act in ways that are strange or out of place?
If they are demon possessed what might their appearance become?
So why shouldn't/couldn't we consider it to at least be a possibility?
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