Fantastical Truth
334. Are Demons Really Lurking Behind Every Bush?
Somehow the demons returned. Serious philosophers and flippant folks alike are saying “that’s demonic” about evil ideas or even “she’s a demon” about wicked people. For many Christians, this development may come as a surprise. That’s because many of us heard little about demons growing up, while some of us heard only demons blamed for other religions, the “wrong” cartoon shows, or even mental illness. As we reenter Monster Month, how can we wrangle these reactions?[1. Photo by Eleni Petrounakou on Unsplash .] Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Karabos by Lyndsey Lewellen GoFundMe: Help Author Lyndsey Lewellen Recover from Horrific Accident The Seekers Series by J. A. Webb King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: book quest for The Monster in the Hollows Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Quotes and notes 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. —C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters introduction 1. ‘Yes, so we must train in spiritual warfare’ Stephen grew up hearing this and occasionally being taught this. He doesn’t blame Frank Peretti or other fun/responsible fictions. 1999 World Magazine article: Peretti was alarmed by some fans. That’s why he only wrote two Darkness novels, and then stopped. Other authors return to themes of biblical-ish demons/angel plots. Lately we often see these adapted for quasi-biblical YA fantasies. Some nonfiction authors teach on “spiritual warfare” techniques. Some of it comes from biblical texts that describe, not prescribe. Others come from popular lore or collected personal experiences. Stephen recalls one author teaching how to pray over hotel rooms. 2. ‘No, and it’s ridiculous to act like they are’ In response to “Satanic panic” and echoes, some overcorrected. Despite affirming that devils exist, they show no interest in them. Stephen has heard sermons skip over the Bible’s few demon parts. This leaves many people in the audience most curious about this. This may subtly train Christians to act as functioning materialists. We explain every evil in terms of human choice or mental illness. Worse still, when some evils defy this, folks shut down and evade. Examples: serial killers (such as women), terrorists, false teachers. We have little to offer when pagans start saying “that’s demonic.” As a result, they may retrace harmful ideas like “Satanic panic.” 3. It depends, so always look to our Victor. Scripture itself assumes, yet barely explains, demon existence. We can speculate based on Gen. 3, Isaiah 14, Ephesians 6, etc. Much less does Scripture do more than hint about demonic power. Exceptions: Paul ties idol-worship to demons in 1 Cor. 10:20–21. This leads to debate over possession/oppression and exorcisms. And this gives rise to urban legends about “demonic” objects. Scripture seems clear that demons only respond to human will. Stephen’s imagery: they’re like germs attracted to infect wounds. Which means demons don’t “take over” unwilling human beings. Crucial truth: demons are disarmed by Christ’s victory (Col. 2:15). Com station Top question for listeners Do you feel you’ve even seen demonic activity? Next on Fantastical Truth “Monsters lurk everywhere. But they never, ever look like monsters.” Or do they? “Usually the most obvious villain is in fact the innocent victim who’s been traumatized by another more terrible monster you never would have suspected.” Or is that really true? Many narrative-makers seem to think so, from pundits to true-crime podcasters to major fantastical franchises. We’ll explore how fans may get sick of the constant misdirection that’s now predictable in fiction—and even denied justice to many evildoers who deflect blame into the shadows.
