Possession Phenomena
Varieties of Religious Experiences Ecstatic worship (1 Sam. 19:23-24) Spirit domination (Mark 5:1-20) Dreams and visions (Numbers 12:6; Acts 2:17) Direct experience of God (Numbers 12:6-8) Compelling convictions (1 Cor. 9:16) Meditative reflection (Ps. 48:9?) Emptiness (Genesis 2:21?; Acts 10:10?) Group experiences at festivals/rituals (1 Kings 18:19-40; Acts 2:1-4) Near-death and OBEs (1 Cor. 12:2)
States of Religious Experience Arousal Stilling Ecstatic Hyper-aroused Aroused Normal Tranquil Hypo-aroused Anxiety Creativity Sensitivity Relaxation Catatonia Daily Routine Mystical Rapture Yogi Samadhi (Stoppage of thought) Zazen (Zen meditative trance) Acute Schizophrenic States
Explanations of Possessive States Spirit-related: Non-Christian views Mystic state Shaman's voyage Mediumship Christian views Unholy spirit(s) Holy Spirit Physiological: Illness related Fever induced Epilepsy Asthma Short-windedness Other Hypnotism Drug-induced Hyperventilation Severe physical trauma Sonambulance Psychosocial: Psychological Projection Hysteria Wish-fulfillment Social Social stress Mob hysteria Simulated
Causes of Religious Experiences Middle level Spirits Upper level: Godly Mixed Lower level: Biological Psychocial Trickery Unexplained
Functions of Possession Sociological, Anthropological, and Psychological Views Meeting real, felt needs of life Enables change within the community In situations of social stress In times of cultural collapse Sustains community life and maintains moral sanctions Serves as a cultural communication channel with the powers Affirms the belief system of the participants and observers
Factors in Diagnosis Spirit’s Intervention Psychological State and Abilities Social and Cultural Frame Demonization Physiological State Demonic Control
Approach to Employ Dampen down the demonic activity Explore the reasons for the phenomena (sin and broken relationships, physiological issues, psychological and cultural issues, etc.) Overcome evil with good: in a context of discipleship, discover and apply appropriate encounters: Truth (what does God’s word declare?) Allegiance (to Whom are we committed?) Power (who is ultimately in charge?) Focus on walking in the light rather than battling the dark
Missiological Issues Keep in mind false miracles, whether from sleight-of- hand or from Satanic power Seek to develop a biblical contextual theology that deals with the excluded middle Ask God to help us change our functional world view where necessary Find ways to experiment from a foundation of being grounded in the Word Facing the structures of power which dehumanize