Unlike angels, demonic spirits followed Satan<\/a> in rebellion against God. Jude <\/a>6<\/a> describes demons as \u201cangels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling\u201d (see also 2 Peter 2:4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also called the \u201cadversary,\u201d Satan leads the fallen angels (Revelation 12) in direct opposition to God and his people<\/a>. Scripture calls Satan a \u201croaring lion looking for someone to devour\u201d (1 Peter 5:8) and the \u201cfather of lies\u201d (John 8:44) who \u201cmasquerades as an angel of light\u201d (2 Corinthians 11:12\u201314).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Satan\u2019s tactics\u2014rooted in deception, temptation, and accusation\u2014aim to hinder humanity\u2019s response to the gospel (Matthew 13:19) and undermine Christians\u2019 ministry and spiritual growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He perpetuates false teachings, fosters jealousy and disorder (1 Timothy 4:1\u20135), and blurs the lines between sorcery and the power of God (Acts 8:9\u201325; 16:16\u201324) with misleading signs and wonders (Revelation 16:12\u201316).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attitudes toward evil spirits vary significantly across the globe. In some nations, a rational and skeptical approach often relegates demons to mythology and explains demonic possession through psychology. In other parts of the world, people believe that angels and demons are tangible and formidable entities that shape the course of human affairs and can inhabit people, animals, plants, objects, and natural phenomena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RTB founder Hugh Ross found this cultural divide to be true through firsthand observations<\/a>. Some places\u2014such as rural Africa and the Soviet Union\u2014reported high levels of belief in and encounters with spirits; others\u2014such as western Europe and the US\u2014reported much lower levels of belief and few encounters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mixed messaging about demons, Hugh says, should not be surprising. Satan is a master strategist and manipulator. It is no mistake that accounts and beliefs about demons conflict. Deception is Satan\u2019s goal. Thus, confusion and mystery are to his advantage. C. S. Lewis perhaps best describes this dichotomy in the introduction to his classic story of demonic mischief, The Screwtape Letters<\/em><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n In other words, Satan and his minions employ tactics based on whatever is most effective in each region or to individual people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence for evil spirits comes chiefly from recorded observations, rather than scientific experiments. In the book Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men<\/em><\/a>, Hugh notes that topics like demons and their activities \u201clie beyond the reach of direct scientific confirmation.\u201d Science publications tend to focus on natural phenomena, and so are unlikely to accept articles about demons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accounts of demonic activity are plentiful. It requires both discernment and an open mind to sort through the data. To explain away all paranormal activity as natural phenomena is as equally unhelpful as it is to see demons everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, there is serious scholarship dedicated to documenting and examining reports of demonic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Psychiatrist Richard Gallagher, a devout Catholic and respected authority on demon possession, has spent decades consulting for priests trained in exorcism. In a 2008 article for New Oxford Review<\/a>, Gallagher sought to \u201cdocument a contemporary and clear-cut case of demonic possession.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n His goal was to both persuade the skeptics with credible, reasoned testimony and to equip believers (clerics in particular) \u201cto recognize the many and infinitely more common \u2018counterfeits.\u2019\u201d James Patterson, a psychiatrist and member of RTB\u2019s Scholar Community, notes that Gallagher\u2019s report is \u201cdetailed, specific, and exacting,\u201d making it a helpful case study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, eyewitness testimony and biblical accounts say that demonic possession really does happen\u2014albeit rarely. The Bible\u2019s accounts of possession and exorcism appear exclusively in the New Testament, mostly in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. (The Old Testament says very little about demons and nothing about exorcism.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gallagher identifies three types of \u201cextraordinary attacks\u201d<\/a>: infestation, oppression, and possession. Infestation pertains to disturbances in a location or object. Oppression, which can mimic psychosis, involves attacks and manipulation without full control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possession is typically thought of as a demon (or demons) indwelling and controlling a human host from within. The symptoms tend to be \u201cmore flamboyant,\u201d<\/a> as Gallagher puts it. These can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some exorcists also report seeing telekinesis and levitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several of these symptoms appear in the biblical accounts. For example, all the demons that encounter Christ show awareness of his identity, which their human victims would not have known otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The demoniacs at the Gadarenes tombs<\/a> were violent and superhumanly strong\u2014to the point that they could not be restrained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A desperate father describes a demon attempting to throw his son into fire or water<\/a>, indicating forcible control over the boy\u2019s body. A Canaanite woman describes her possessed daughter as \u201csuffering terribly.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul and Silas meet a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination<\/a> that she uses for fortune telling, implying psychic knowledge. And Acts 19:1\u201322 describes a lone demoniac with enough strength to soundly thrash seven men who attempt an exorcism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Demonic possession still occurs, and exorcisms are still practiced today. Men such as the California-based Father Gary Thomas<\/a> and the late renowned Father Gabriele Amorth<\/a> are among the increasing number of Vatican-trained exorcists at work in recent decades. Both have written or spoken extensively about their experiences and have been the subjects of Hollywood films (Thomas of The Rite<\/em> in 2011, and Amorth of The Pope\u2019s Exorcist<\/em> in 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the film adaptations favor the sensational, both Thomas and Amorth, as well as consulting psychiatrists like Gallagher, provide helpful insights into real demonic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gallagher had his first experience with demonic possession<\/a> in the 1980s, when a Catholic priest asked the psychiatrist for help assessing a woman for potential possession. The woman\u2019s symptoms\u2014secret psychic knowledge and speaking languages she had no practice in\u2014defied psychological explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RTB\u2019s Hugh Ross also reports encountering demoniacs several times during his years of ministry<\/a>. On a lecture tour in the Soviet Union, Hugh met a group of Russian philosophers who brought with them an oppressive atmosphere and exhibited behavior indicative of possession, such as wild shouting and obscenities directed at Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, not all demonic attacks are obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confusing psychosis, trauma response, or drug addictions for demonic possession is a very common occurrence. In fact, Father Amorth estimated that 98% of the people he assessed in his career were suffering mental illness, not possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This factor highlights the need to differentiate between possession and psychological conditions. The Catholic Church, in their official rules governing exorcisms, emphasizes the need for collaboration with medical professionals like Gallagher, whom Thomas cites as his go-to expert<\/a>. United States law actually requires physical exams and psychological assessments prior to an exorcism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences. In 1976, Anneliese Michel<\/a>, a young German woman, died as a result of intense exorcism treatments. Michel\u2019s parents and the attending priests were convicted of negligent homicide. Catholic officials retracted the original claims of possession and others have since argued that Michel should have been treated for mental illness instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When people ask Hugh about identifying real demon possession, he also advises thorough medical and psychiatric assessment before concluding that demonic activity is at play. Likewise, RTB philosopher-theologian Kenneth Samples advises that teamwork between professionals (clergy, therapists, doctors, etc.) is essential for proper assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possession occurs \u201cby invitation only,\u201d <\/a>as Hugh puts it. Certain behaviors and activities open the door for demonic influence. Sometimes the door is opened knowingly; sometimes it is opened in ignorance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the keys to this door?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember the woman in Gallagher\u2019s first encounter? She was a self-proclaimed Satanic priestess. Those Russian philosophers who interrupted Hugh\u2019s lecture\u2014they were professors of occult research. In most cases of demonic possession, occult practices are a factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thomas refers to occultic activities collectively as \u201cpaganism.\u201d<\/a> The list includes use of tarot cards<\/a> and Ouija boards, consulting palm readers, mediums, and witches, and certain meditation practices like Reiki and yoga. Mind-altering practices\u2014like channeling and drug use\u2014also open doors for demonic activity. Basically, it\u2019s anything that attempts to, as Hugh explains, \u201cseek knowledge\u2014and power\u2014apart from God\u2019s intended and freely given revelation of truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these practices are seen as harmless. And many are gaining popularity. The results, Thomas explains, are serious:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It looks benign, but it\u2019s not. The vast majority of people who come to me do not get involved in this stuff in order to connect to Satan but you\u2019re creating an impression of a desire for a relationship. That\u2019s what a possession is\u2014it\u2019s a relationship. And it\u2019s not equal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Hugh has observed that occultic behaviors can invite demonic influence over a person\u2019s close relatives and sexual partners, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abuse can motivate a person to experiment with the occult. \u201cThat\u2019s a soul wound,\u201d Thomas explains. \u201cIn an attempt to get well, people sometimes turn to these pagan ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, God forbids it. Human sacrifice to demons, divination, sorcery, witchcraft and spell casting, interpreting omens, and attempting to contact spirits or the dead are all emphatically prohibited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deuteronomy 18:10\u201312 lays it all out and says, \u201cAnyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unwillingness to repent and turn from sin also leaves people vulnerable to demonic influence. Examples include occult practices, idolatry, sexual perversion, pride, and wrath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romans 1<\/a> warns that God will give over the unrepentant to futile thinking, darkened hearts, shameful lusts, and depraved minds\u2014all fertile ground for demons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the Bible does not say directly that demons cannot possess a Christian, the overall teaching of Scripture supports the conclusion that Christians can rest secure knowing that they belong to God and no one else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, Christians can experience demonic harassment. Missionaries often report encountering demonic resistance<\/a> to their presence or their ministry. Christians must also be on guard against temptation to sin. The apostle Paul warns believers against trying to play both sides of the field (1 Corinthians 10:18\u201321).<\/p>\n\n\n\n History and the Bible say, yes. People have been attempting to repel demons since history began. In fact, according to Father Thomas, requests for exorcism are steadily increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Testament provides numerous examples of Jesus and his apostles performing exorcisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus regularly exorcised demons (Matthew 8:16). His authority to cast out demons via direct command was a sign of his messiahship (Matthew 12, Mark 3, and Luke 11). Jesus explained that his power came from the Spirit of God, not by collusion with the demons. Rather, demons recognized and feared Jesus (Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:24, and Luke 8:28).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus also empowered his disciples to cast out demons in his name (Matthew 10:1\u20138, Mark 6:7\u201313, and Luke 9:1\u20137, 10:1\u201317). The apostles regularly performed exorcisms, and the early church continued this practice. Many Christians believe this authority is still granted to believers today (Mark 16:17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are limitations on Christians\u2019 authority that were not on Christ\u2019s. The disciples failed to drive the demon out of the boy brought to them by his father. Jesus explained that the efficacy of exorcisms sometimes requires prayer and fasting (Mark 9:14\u201329).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus is the only one with total, unquestioned authority over demons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer to this question depends on the branch of Christianity<\/a> involved. Calling on the name and power of Jesus Christ, as well as prayer and fasting, is standard practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reasons-prod.storage.googleapis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/shutterstock_2331857891.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSatan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCulture Shapes Views of Demons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Proof of Demons\u2019 Existence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs Demonic Possession Real?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Demonic Possession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Demonic Possessions in the Bible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nModern-Day Examples of Demonic Possession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Psychosis vs. Possession<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow Can Someone Become Demon Possessed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Occultic Practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Does the Bible Say About Occult Participation?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Unrepentant Sin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can Christians Be Demon Possessed?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAre Exorcisms Real?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does the Bible Say About Exorcism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Happens During an Exorcism?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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