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Why does it seem like only Christians get possessed? Alex Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Question:

I've heard this question asked several times, and each time I'm not sure how to answer.

If you read accounts of exorcisms such as those contained in 'The Rite', 'Begone Satan', Fr. Amorth's books, etc, the victims seem to be mostly Catholic, or some other type of Christian. The famous exorcism that the movie 'The Exorcist' is based on took place on a Lutheran.

My guess is that perhaps God only allows such extreme demonic manifestations to occur to those whose faiths have some means of recourse. After all, what could an atheist or a Unitarian do if possessed?

Why do you think it is so rare, if ever, to hear of any Jews, Muslims, etc, becoming possessed?



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r)

Dear Alex:

Well, the question is false. There are tens of millions of people around the world who are not Christian who suffer from some level of demonization. Missionaries often report demonizations and possessions among the non-Christian people they live among as missionaries.

I have had one client who was Muslim.

Many different religions have their own exorcists. Jews and Muslims do have a tradition of exorcism. Even pagans, witches, and shaman cultures have exorcism rituals. Of course, a witch or New Ager trying to exorcise a demon is useless as their philosophy and practice comes from the devil. The devil may allow a demon to leave a person "exorcised" by a witch or New Ager for the purposes of trickery. If the witch or New Ager thinks they are successful at exorcism they have no motivation to go to the source of all true freedom -- Christ.

You will hear of exorcisms among Christians more often in the Western World because the Western World is primarily Christian, but possessions are not even close to be a problem exclusive to Christians.

Ultimately, true freedom from the devil can be only found in Christ. If an atheist or Unitarian came to me for help with deliverance, I would give them some basic information, but I would inform them that unless they are willing to make a profession of faith in Christ, be baptized, and live a Christian life, that they have little hope of freedom from demonic affliction.

I have had to turn people away because they had no interest in Christ and/or no interest in giving up their occultic ways. There is no point conducting a deliverance on such people. They are not likely to be freed in the first place, and even if they are they will not be free for long since demons will return when they see the person is not protected by the Holy Spirit by virtue of baptism and living the good Christian life.

Jesus warned:

(Matthew 12:43-45) "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest, but he finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.  Then he goes and brings with him seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. "

The house must not only be swept clean of demons but must be filled with the Holy Spirit. If the house is left empty the demons will re-inhabit the house and bring with him other demons even worse than himself.

In Christ is found the only true freedom. This does not mean, however, that God cannot remove demons and heal people who are not Christian. In His love and mercy He can choose to do cast out demons and heel whomever He pleases. But, like it is with those who might be saved outside the Church, He still accomplishes the casting out of demons through His Son, Jesus Christ.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

 

 


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