1. Possession Phenomena

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. Causes of Religious Experiences
Middle level
Spirits
Upper level:
Godly
Mixed
Lower level:
Biological
Psychocial
Trickery
Unexplained

6. 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

7. Factors in Diagnosis Spirit’s Intervention
Psychological State and Abilities
Social and Cultural Frame
Demonization
Physiological State
Demonic Control

8. 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

9. 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