The Burr in the Burgh

With the recent film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, the topics of exorcism and demonic possession have been getting renewed attention. It seems clear to me that there are some not-so-good risks about stirring up too much interest in Satan and his demons. We don't want to do or say anything which might cause impressionable people to develop an unhealthy fascination with the occult. However, I think that it is equally dangerous to speak of the devil too little. The New Testament does not allow us that option. St. Peter wrote: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. . . (1 Peter 5:8-9a)."

The Christian can be confident that Satan is a defeated enemy. But he and his minions can still cause great harm and mischief in our lives. Demons certainly are behind many of the messes in the lives of the people we seek to minister to. So be sober and watchful.

I just discovered an interesting new blog called One True God Blog. Its contributors are theologians and writers who represent Evangelicalism, Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Here is their discussion on demons.