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In a world that is increasingly dominated by scientific advancements and rational thinking, the belief in demons may seem like a relic of the past. However, the question remains: Can we still believe in demons today? This article delves into the intriguing topic of demons, exploring their historical significance, the skepticism surrounding their existence, and the role they play in modern society.

Explore the fascinating world of demons and unravel the age-old question: Can we still believe in demons today? This thought-provoking article examines the historical context, skepticism, and contemporary relevance of demons in our modern world. Discover the supernatural realm and challenge your own beliefs.

Many people nowadays think that belief in demons is outdated and similar to believing in elves, dragons, and a flat earth. They argue that modern science, especially our understanding of body chemistry, psychology, and neurology, helps us explain the things that ancient people attributed to demons.

However, the doubts about angels and demons go against what the Bible directly and clearly tells us. From the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis to the defeat of Satan in Revelation, the Bible is filled with references to evil supernatural beings who oppose God and His plans. In fact, these references become more frequent during the time of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus and Paul provide us with the most information about the nature, character, and actions of these beings.

Besides what the Bible tells us, there are other important things to consider:

Science cannot answer this question. Some critics wrongly believe that science can have authority over things it can’t actually judge. Just as science can’t determine what is morally right or wrong, it also can’t decide whether demons exist. Science focuses on explaining natural phenomena and has no power to answer questions about the supernatural.

Natural explanations aren’t enough to describe all forms of evil in the world. While sin explains much of the evil we see, there are still some situations that are so terrible or unexplainable that they suggest a demonic origin. The horrors of places like Auschwitz or the actions of someone who harms their own child point to a powerful force leading humanity towards destruction.

Some therapeutic situations can be best understood as the work of a spiritual being. While it’s true that some symptoms caused by disorders like schizophrenia have been wrongly attributed to demons, there are certain conditions that can be better explained by the direct influence of a spiritual entity. The international community of mental health professionals recognizes this and refers to it as “Trance and Possession Disorder,” a common diagnosis in non-Western cultures.

We should consider the broader sweep of human history and cultures. The last 300 years in the Western world are the only time when belief in evil spirits has been widely doubted. When we explore other cultures in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and elsewhere, we find that belief in evil spirits is still a fundamental part of many people’s worldviews.

Believing in the reality of evil spirits doesn’t mean we have to accept every belief about demons or engage in extreme and dangerous practices. Our goal should be to integrate a more complete understanding of reality into our worldview, always being mindful of what the Bible teaches on this subject. As C.S. Lewis warned in the Screwtape Letters, we can make two errors regarding the devil: ignoring his existence completely or giving him too much attention.

Demons Are Real—So What Are They?

Demons Are Real—So What Are They?

Demons: Invisible, Wicked, Spirit Creatures

Demons, often referred to as “daiʹmon” or “dai·moʹni·on” in the Greek New Testament, are invisible, wicked spirit creatures with superhuman powers. The Greek word “pneuʹma,” meaning “spirit,” is sometimes used to describe these wicked spirits or demons. They are often referred to as “wicked,” “unclean,” “speechless,” or “deaf.”

The Origin and Nature of Demons

Satan, the Devil, and Angelic Sons of God

Demons were not created by God. Satan the Devil was the first to become a demon, and he became the ruler of other angelic sons of God who also turned themselves into demons. In the time of Noah, disobedient angels materialized, married human women, and fathered a hybrid generation called Nephilim. However, when the Flood came, these angels dematerialized and did not regain their original position. They were reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for judgment. They now confine their operations in this state of spiritual darkness. Although they are restrained from materializing, they still possess great power and influence over humanity and can even enter and possess humans and animals. They can also influence inanimate objects such as houses, fetishes, and charms.

The Purpose and Influence of Demonic Activity

Turning People Against Jehovah and True Worship

The main purpose of demonic activity is to turn people against Jehovah and pure worship of God. Jehovah’s law strictly forbids any form of demonism. However, in the past, even the Israelites went astray to the point of sacrificing their children to demons. During his time on earth, Jesus encountered many individuals under the influence of demons and performed miracles by expelling these wicked spirits. Jesus bestowed this power upon his apostles and followers so that they too could cast out demons in his name.

Demonic Influence Today

Demonic Influence in Human Affairs

Demonic influence in human affairs is still evident today. The nations continue to sacrifice to demons, and the book of Revelation warns of accelerated demon activity in the last days. Satan, the original serpent, is misleading the entire inhabited earth, and his angels (demons) are also involved. Unclean, froglike expressions inspired by demons perform signs and gather the kings of the earth for the war of the great day of God the Almighty.

Fighting Against Demonic Influence

Belief Alone is Not Sufficient

Christians must put up a hard fight against these unseen wicked spirits. James emphasizes that belief alone is not enough, as even demons believe in God and shudder. Paul warns that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons. One cannot partake of Jehovah’s table and also feed from the table of demons. Therefore, the faithful must engage in spiritual warfare against the Devil and his demons, as well as against the world rulers of darkness and wicked spirit forces in heavenly places.

Greek Notions of Demons

The Greek Conception of Demons

The Greek understanding of demons was different from the Christian perspective. The Greek word “daiʹmon” carried the meaning of something beyond human capacity, attributed to the intervention of higher powers, whether good or evil. In pre-Christian writings, “dai·moʹni·on” could be used to denote the divine. Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, when speaking controversially with Paul, considered him a publisher of foreign deities. Similarly, when speaking to the Athenians, Paul described them as more given to the fear of the deities. When Festus spoke to King Herod Agrippa II, he referred to the Jews’ disputes with Paul regarding their worship of the deity, which could also be translated as superstition.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).