MENTAL ILLNESS & DEMONIZATION

There are two extremes in relation to this subject that Christians would do well to avoid. Firstly, since we are living in a basically secular humanistic society in the Western world, we are brought up with ideas that make it extremely difficult to believe that supernatural beings like Satan and his demons are real. The scientific foundation of Western education tends to prejudice our minds towards the belief that if you can’t see or easily test something, then it simply does not exist. Scientific paranormal investigation is a clear exception to this trend. However, this leaves open-minded paranormal scientists totally unguarded against demonic deception, since they virtually all reject the Bible and the prophetic writings of Ellen White, which would be a safeguard from such deception.

The second extreme is the idea that demons are “under every bush”, that all emotional and mental problems, and virtually every aberration from the norm is directly caused by demons. Many Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians have this type of worldview, causing many to be totally prejudiced to the possibility that demons actually do exist, are active in human affairs, and afflict and possess people if given the opportunity.

Keeping all this in mind, it can at times be difficult to distinguish between mental illness and demonization. One of the difficulties in distinguishing between the two is that there can be an overlap, i.e. a mentally ill person can also be demonized, and a demonized person can show many of the symptoms of mental illness. We must find a true balance, by not ignoring clear symptoms of demonic harassment or invasion, nor by oversimplifying, concluding that every deviation from the norm must be of demonic origin. In each of us there are multiple forces at work. There are hereditary weaknesses, environmental influences, life experiences, cultivated tendencies to evil, personal choice, and, according to the Word of God, the influence and attacks of Satan and his forces of darkness.

Mental illness (bizarre behaviour, confused and illogical thoughts, and varying degrees of a lack of control) can be caused by a number of factors. These factors can include anoxia (oxygen starvation to the brain), chemical imbalances, severe trauma/stress, birth defects, the effects of drugs, etc. Christians must be careful not to fall into the beginner’s natural tendency to make snap diagnoses of demonization without adequate evidence. 

“If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our possessions, and our lives. Their only delight is in misery and destruction” (GC 517).

Demons can cause a mentally sound person to become insane. Here are a few of their methods of doing this:

(1)	Mental Torture – continual and persistent mental harassment. Demons can place negative and self-destructive thoughts into the mind. A barrage of continual negativity and confused thoughts can utterly destroy a person’s self-esteem, belief in his/her own sanity, and zest for life. It can get so bad that it is painful to be alive. Demons can place into the mind thoughts of depression, anger, hatred, guilt, unforgiveness, hopelessness, remorse, self-loathing, despair, suicide, heresies, etc., to name a few of the common ones. They can convince a person that nobody, not even God, loves him/her, and that he/she has committed the unpardonable sin, and thus, even God cannot/will not help. After extended periods of such mental agony, convinced that there is nothing to live for but more pain, mental and/or physical torture, demons can tip the person over the brink, bringing him/her to suicide, or a compulsion to mutilate him/herself, or worse still, others. Certain types of people may react to such mental bombardment by lashing out at others to hurt or destroy them. Frequently those who survive suicide attempts, and serial killers, etc., will testify that the “voices” gave them specific information about how to mutilate and kill themselves, or others. Secular humanists discount such testimony of “voices” as the ravings of lunatics, but God has revealed to us that the invisible forces of darkness are behind much of this phenomena.

“There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men; but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by their influence” (MCP 432).

Most people, including most Christians, are quite unaware of the continual battle for the mind between Christ and Satan. They do not discern that many of the thoughts and feelings that they have are not their own, and thus, they don’t resist/repulse them. Demonic thoughts, if they are accepted and cherished, do indeed contaminate the soul. The human mind under demonic control can become as polluted and degraded as a garbage dump. Such thoughts, if continually lodged in the brain by demons, can result in compulsive behaviour that is detrimental to personal happiness, peace of mind, and general well-being. They can make an otherwise normal person become insane. 

(2)	Evil spirits can destroy sanity by not allowing a person to sleep. Demons have been known to make continual, loud banging noises on walls, and other sounds, etc., particularly during normal sleeping hours at night. They can terrify a person with fearsome mental images, dreams, and visible physical apparitions. They can leave a person in constant fear, dread, and expectation of harm. They can move objects around the home, such as pictures, curtains, clothes, beds, etc. Some people assume that they must be going crazy when such things happen around them! 

(3)	Demons can destroy a person’s livelihood, family situation, and health, as in the case of God’s servant, Job (Job 1-2). Not recognizing the demonic harassment for what it was, even this great man of God was driven to absolute despair due to the barrage of Satan’s mental, emotional, and physical torture. Such tactics can wear down the body’s natural defences and resistance, which can lead to severe mental/emotional breakdown, dementia, and insanity. This did not occur in the case of Job, due to God’s direct intervention in releasing him from Satan’s attacks. In other words, mental illness can be the eventual result of long-term demonic harassment. 

(4)	Demons can control the human mind to the point that a person’s will and independent thought processes are paralysed. Frequently demons hide their presence and working so successfully, and mimic the symptoms of insanity so convincingly, that health professionals and even the demonized person him/herself see it as nothing other than mental illness. Demons work most successfully when their presence is unrecognised. Charles H. Craft, in “Defeating Dark Angels”, p.104, states that:

“Demons like people to be ignorant of their presence and love it when people don’t believe they exist. Demons have repeatedly referred to this strategy during ministry sessions. During a recent session observed by a psychologist learning about demonization, a demon became so angry it yelled, ‘I hate it that she [the psychologist] is learning about us. For years we’ve been hiding and making them think we are psychological problems!’”

Modern Psychiatric Diagnosis of Demonization
Let us take two clear cases of demonization in the Holy Scriptures, and note how these people would be classified and treated if they were alive today, and compare this to what the Lord Jesus did, and what Christians should also be doing in following Jesus’ example. 

(1)	The epileptic boy in Matt.17:14-21 – His symptoms listed in the Bible account were epilepsy, severe mental and physical anguish, and he often “fell” into the fire and water. Today, he would be classified as an epileptic with schizophrenia and related suicidal tendencies. His medical treatment regime would include epileptic drugs (e.g. Valporate, Tegretol, antipsychotic and antianxiety drugs, tranquillizers, etc), and confinement in a psychiatric ward, under supervision and special restrictions, and placed in a padded cell during his “suicidal” phases. In contrast to this type of secular humanistic diagnosis, Jesus recognized his symptoms as demonic in origin. The demons caused the epileptic symptoms, and were sadistically toying with him, planning ultimately to take his life. Jesus challenged the demons directly, rebuking the demons, commanding them to come out. The boy was completely normal within that very hour, due to his deliverance from the powers of darkness. Despite the current prejudice against this ministry today (much of it justified), if Christians were to take Christ’s command seriously to follow His example, one can just imagine the powerful results for good in extending Christ’s kingdom on earth. Secular humanistic psychologists/psychiatrists would be forced to revaluate their diagnoses and treatments of demonized people, and recognize that the great controversy between Christ and Satan is an undeniable reality. Some already have, and have taken on the Christian worldview, such as M. Scott Peck.

(2)	The demoniac of Gadara in Mk.5:1-20 – His symptoms were far more serious than those of the boy mentioned above. He lived among the tombs, identifying himself with death, and had such a fierce, ungovernable temper, and was so violent, that people tried repeatedly to chain him up to protect themselves from harm. He simply broke the chains with his supernatural strength. Day and night he was tormented, and he cried out in utter anguish, and mutilated himself with sharp stones, etc. He roamed about naked and filthy, covered in blood and weeping sores, justifiably regarded as a fearsome, dangerous, raving “lunatic”. He heard voices, which told him what to do. Multiple personalities manifested themselves through him. He had little of his own will left. When Jesus and His disciples landed on shore near him, the disciples fled back to the boat in sheer terror at the sight and sound of him! He looked more like a wild animal than a human being. The Lord Jesus stood His ground and held up His hand in conscious divine authority over the hosts of darkness. He commanded them out a number of times, but at first the demons refused to leave. The demon in charge, calling himself “Legion”, spoke directly out of their victim’s mouth, and then all the demons pled with Jesus, asking to be cast into the pigs. Jesus again ordered them out of the man, giving them permission to go into the pigs. Then to the amazement of the pig farmers, all 2,000 pigs ran off the cliff! What an amazing story!

Like the other example of the boy above, this poor man would also likely be classified as a paranoid schizophrenic, and placed on a similar medication regime and treatment plan, none of which would help him with his demonic problem. The Lord Jesus rebuked the powers of darkness, and cast them out, and the man was in his right mind. When the demons were gone, so were all of his former demonic symptoms. For the medical profession with secular humanistic interpretations of his symptoms, the evidence of the 2,000 dead pigs speaks volumes. Psychological/emotional problems don’t leave human beings to drown pigs!

A Christian Medical Doctor’s Evaluation of Mental Illness And Demonization
In “A Medical Doctor Comments on Mental Illness”, by Dr Terry Vanover, it states that it is a known fact that less than 3% of all brain disease or mental disturbances stem from organic causes. From the medical point of view, by far the majority of mentally ill patients have a neurological workup and evaluation tests that are completely normal. Thus, the diagnosis is neurosis or some functional disorder, i.e. they really don’t know the cause of the problem!

Dangers of Misdiagnosis
Let us look briefly at the dangers of misdiagnosis from both perspectives. If a demon possessed man, for example, is misdiagnosed as merely mentally ill (which occurs frequently, due to the naturalistic, secular humanistic presuppositions of the medical profession as a whole), there are two likely possibilities which can result:

(1)	Intermittent/Permanent Lifelong Institutionalisation: Most secular counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists are likely to decide that he is schizophrenic, with a personality disorder. His treatment will largely centre around pacifying him, particularly when demons manifest in ways that are dangerous to others. Treatment may include Electrical Shock Therapy if deep depression is diagnosed. Many of these institutions have a poor record for humanitarian treatment (just ask the nurses if you don’t believe this!), and some patients are seriously abused. As a registered nurse myself, having worked in psych units, I can testify that unscrupulous staff and patients could quite easily get away with prolonged sexual and other types of abuse. A sad and pathetic lifelong sentence of having to take drugs, and intermittent or even permanent institutionalisation in a psychiatric hospital awaits a person with this diagnosis. How many countless thousands of demonized people have been institutionalised, who would be free in Christ to live normal, useful lives, if it were not for the current prejudice outside and inside the church against genuine deliverance ministry, as practiced by Jesus and His disciples, all through Christian history, in Ellen White’s day, and today. What glory God is robbed of due to the church’s sinful ignorance and neglect of these victims of demonic oppression.

(2)	Wreaking Havoc Within Society: If this man were to escape institutionalisation, he would be left to wreak all the havoc in the world that the demons inside him can cause. Our newspapers are strewn with tragic stories of such people and the terrible and almost unbelievable carnage done under the instigation of demons. Many, if not most of the serious and heinous crimes committed today, such as serial murder, torture, rape, etc., are the inevitable result of demonized people at large in society.

“Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies are at work among men with increasing activity to distract and corrupt the mind, and defile and destroy the body?” (MH 143)

On the other hand, if a mentally ill man, for example, is misdiagnosed with suspected demon possession, here are two possible results:

(1)	Nothing Will Happen: Since no demons have invaded him, there are none to cast out. A Christian who understands and practices genuine deliverance ministry will recognize this and tell him honestly that there are no demons. He will be none the worse, and will likely be relieved, for demon possession is a serious diagnosis, not to be made lightly.

(2)	Sense of Hopelessness and Openness to Demonization: Unfortunately, there are various forms of false deliverance ministries, such as Pentecostal/Charismatic deliverance, Roman Catholic exorcism with its pagan rituals, and even spiritualists claiming to exorcise spirits. These are based on false presuppositions that are not found in God’s Word. Such false deliverance ministries are frequently over simplistic in their diagnoses, attributing every type of aberrant behaviour to indwelling demons. If a person is somewhat timid/fearful, they are likely to conclude all too quickly that he/she has a demon of fear, with little evidence to support it. It is true that demons can cause fear, but it is not true that every person with an unnatural or undesirable fear has a demon of fear inside. 

Misguided practitioners of false deliverance ministries command out imaginary demons, and then tell the person that they are all gone, that healing has come in the name of Jesus Christ. This is what Ellen G. White warned about in her counsels to the Mackins (3SM 363-368). The person soon discovers that nothing has improved, and think that therefore the demons must still be there. He may think that his case is hopeless, since even God has not helped him. Despair, depression, a sense of abandonment, and other such negativity may engulf him, actually attracting demons. Demons can be compared to rats in search of garbage. They love to feed on emotional garbage, and will readily reinforce such negativity, taunting the person to the point where he wearies of even life itself. Then the demons can place thoughts/compulsions to suicide in his mind. Eventually, demons may be able to so wear down his defences through persistent mental, emotional, and physical harassment, and gain so much “legal ground” in his life, through cherished sins, occult practices, etc., that a door may be opened whereby demons can invade him. 

How important it is for those who become involved in true deliverance ministry to educate themselves in this field. Ellen White has written a great deal about spiritual warfare. I recommend that those who are interested in further education about this subject begin with Pr.Vaughn Allen’s book, “Victory on the Battlefield.” Below you will find a summary of how to recognise the difference between demonisation and organic mental illness.

Mental Illness	Demonic Invasion/Possession	

1.Usually medications work and have appropriate physical/mental responses

2. Often show spiritual ignorance/indifference to the Bible, the name of Jesus, the blood shed for us by Jesus at Calvary, God, prayer for them, etc.

3. Facial features are often bland and inexpressive, and eyes look normal

4. Can behave very badly, but often know exactly what they are doing and may think it’s funny, and usually remember what they did

5. Problems are hereditary/environmentally cultivated, and are not subject to spiritual resistance, prayer, rebuke in the name of Jesus

6. Normal range of human strength, which may increase during periods of rage

7. Always subject to normal force of gravity, and no appearance of being pushed/thrown around

8. Will not necessarily have any satanic connections, tattoos, or symbols on body or their belongings, although this may be the case

9. Own personality manifests, although this can be quite bizarre

10. Can have hallucinations, due to drugs, etc., and hear voices

11. Any claims to supernatural abilities can usually be proven to be false

12. Poltergeist activity is usually absent

13. May speak incoherently, not making a great deal of sense

14. May speak in a confused way, but not with the Pentecostal/Charismatic type glossolalia tongues

15. Can be over-religious, fanatical, and have bizarre beliefs/practices

16. Problems of insomnia usually susceptible to sedation

17. May believe that he is Jesus Christ or some other famous person, etc., and it is usually quite obvious that this is not true

18. Deliverance cannot help such a person, as demons have not invaded the body.
	
1. Medications, no matter how powerful, can have little or no physical/mental effect

2. Often reveal obsessive hatred for Bible, name and blood of Jesus, God, warfare prayer for them, etc. when demons are in manifestation

3. May have strongly expressive facial features and tone of voice, and can have evil-looking eyes

4. Can be controlled to such a degree that there is a total unawareness of own actions, even while committing the most heinous/bizarre crimes

5. Problems are demonically induced, e.g. panic attacks, seeing spiders, demons, etc. These are subject to rebuke & prayer in the name of Jesus

6. Can display supernatural strength, e.g. small person can effortlessly pick up and throw 4 men

7. May display levitation, and may be pushed or thrown around by unseen powers

8. Frequently have obvious satanic connections, belonging to Satanist group, coven, cult, etc.& have satanic symbols tattooed on body, belongings, etc.

9. Other personalities may manifest, seen in actions or speaking out of mouth, may have different voice

10. Hear voices, even discussions and arguments, and are usually passive/compliant to suggestions

11. May have genuine supernatural abilities, e.g clairvoyance, fortune-telling, precognition, etc.

12. Poltergeist activity common, e.g. frightening manifestations, objects moving, may be physically harmed, etc.

13. May speak with unnatural sophistication, may speak languages/know things not known to person

14. May speak in glossolalia type of tongues, as in Pentecostal/Charismatic churches

15. Religious demons foster extreme religiosity, bizarre fanaticism and cultic beliefs/practices

16. Frequently unable to sleep normally, due to demonic interference, attacks, noises, etc. Tranquillizers/sedation usually virtually useless

17. May believe that he is a different person, such as Satan or other demonic entity. Can be very convincing when demons are in full manifestation

18. Deliverance can bring complete freedom from control by powers of darkness, but not from further attack. Demons attempt to re-enter, so they need to be taught how to maintain their freedom. Very important to pray that Holy Spirit will fill void after demons cast out, and be vigilant to not open doors to reinvasion. May need extra nurturing, as these people are frequently rejected by church members who do not understand them