1. Unit 5: Spiritual Conflict in the North American Context

2. Myth in North America Ideals Embedded in our Christian Cultural Heritage
The fun is in the fight--not in living 'happily ever after'
Warfare is a chess game, with the best strategist winning
Though not always easy to discern wrong from right, it will all wash out in the end.
Good will always triumph simply because it is right
The hero snatches victory from the very jaws of defeat
Victory is achieved through trials and tribulations
Good violence may be used to overcome evil violence.

3. Western Images of God
God is a cosmic sadist just waiting for you to step out line so He can zap you.
God is your personal magician working miracles on demand (as long as you ask in faith).
God is just like your human father.
God does not really accept you; you have to earn His love.
God is so concerned with running the universe that He can't bother with you.
God is a pluralist; He does not really care what you believe, as long as you believe it strongly enough.
God helps those who help themselves.

4. Western Images of Satan A Spectrum of Thought
Satan is only a myth from early human history and is not important for us today.
Satan is a harmless (and somewhat comic) being in red tights with horns and a pitchfork.
Nothing you hear about Satanism ( satanic abuse, sacrifices, rock music, dungeons and dragons, etc.) is true.
Satan is watching my every move, and I have no real protection against him.
All demonic activity must be handled through overt, confrontational power encounter.
All satanists are unified into a total world conspiracy.

5. Shifts in Worldview in the U.S.
More magical thinking
Spirituality of all forms accepted
Religion more of a consumer item
Base of materialism somewhat intact

6. Evidences of a Growing “Christian Animism”
Peretti powerscapes
Demonomania
Functional dualism
Mousetrap mentality
Case study substantiation of theology
Reductionism

7. Satanism in North America
The rise of neopaganism
Wicca
Satanism
A world-wide conspiracy?
Reported levels of satanism
Dabblers
Self-styled satanists
Organized satanists (the public variety)
Intergenerational covert satanists
Satanic ritual and ritual abuse

8. Dissociative Identity Disorder
Defined
The existence within an individual of two or more distinct personalities, or personality states (each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self).
Causes of DID
Defense against severe trauma
Imaginative ability
Treatment of DID
Goal: fusion of the personality states
Long term treatment professional seen as necessary
The role of the lay person
Become aware
Be a builder of trust
Help them make wise decisions
Help them network into a healthy community
Provide stabilizing, unconditional, tough (and bold) love