Interactions with the super natural are an everyday occupational occurrence by designated priests by the Catholic church around the world who have been trained in exorcism and stopping demonic oppression for centuries. Patients are cleared by psychiatrists and medical doctors prior to exorcism. Patients are confirmed to be possessed with evidence like speaking foreign languages the patient is not trained in (eg Latin), witnessed levitation, knowing facts of other people they first meet, or adverse reaction to prayer or holy water the patient cannot directly observe. 

The exorcisms of Latoya Ammons

A woman and three children who were possessed by demons were admitted to a hospital in Gary, Indiana. While in the hospital, the 9-year-old boy was witnessed to start walking backward up a wall in the presence of the hospital family case manager and hospital nurse. This event was well documented in the news and police department. 

Nicola Aubrey:

Nicola Aubrey was a young woman who lived in Vervins, France, in the late 16th century. In 1565, she was possessed by a demon and underwent a series of public exorcisms performed by Catholic priests witnessed and documented by hundreds of people, many of who converted to Catholicism after witnessing it. 

Source:

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2014/01/25/the-disposession-of-latoya-ammons/4892553

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1004899-intake-officers-report.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1SsTjNrT2Chl2R7W4yhhRj_BYMkliM229XMrLHIDxFHoxkfL3_LH-4u6U_aem_IqvDLOPPnBYp_hO_3K_YWQ

Many religions and belief systems acknowledge the existence of demons or malevolent spirits. Here are some examples:

1. Christianity: Demons are seen as unclean spirits, fallen angels, or servants of Satan.

2. Islam: Demons are known as “jinns” or “shaytans,” and are believed to be created from smokeless fire.

3. Judaism: Demons are mentioned in the Talmud and other Jewish texts, often as unclean spirits or evil entities.

4. Hinduism: Demons are known as “asuras” or “rakshasas,” and are often depicted as powerful, evil beings.

5. Buddhism: Demons are known as “maras” or “bhutas,” and are seen as obstacles to spiritual growth.

6. Satanism: Demons are often revered as symbols of power, individualism, and rebellion.

7. Wicca and Paganism: Some traditions acknowledge demons as aspects of the divine or as mischievous spirits.

8. African and Afro-Caribbean traditions: Demons are often seen as malevolent spirits or ancestors.

9. Shamanic traditions: Demons are sometimes encountered in shamanic journeys and are seen as spirits that can harm or help humans.

10. Ancient mythologies: Demons or demon-like creatures appear in various forms, such as Greek daemons, Roman lemures, or Mesopotamian demons.

The Bible acknowledges the existence of demons as spiritual beings who are opposed to God and His purposes. These beings are often depicted as followers of Satan, who is considered the chief adversary of God and humanity. Throughout the Scriptures, there are numerous references to demonic forces engaging in activities that are contrary to the will of God and harmful to humans.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself is portrayed as confronting and casting out demons. For example, Mark 1:34 says, “And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.” This passage highlights Jesus’ authority over demons and His power to deliver individuals from their influence.

Furthermore, Ephesians 6:12 provides insight into the Christian understanding of spiritual warfare: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This verse emphasizes that the struggle is not merely against visible, physical enemies but also against spiritual beings that operate in opposition to God’s reign.

The existence of demons in the Bible is associated with the broader spiritual reality that encompasses both good and evil forces. While these beings are presented as real and active in the world, the Bible also assures believers of God’s sovereignty and power to protect and deliver from evil. In James 4:7, believers are encouraged, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This promise offers comfort and guidance for facing spiritual opposition with faith in God’s ultimate authority and protection.

The reality of spiritual warfare and the victory believers have through the cross of Christ and prayer are well-documented in Scripture. The power of the cross over demonic forces is rooted in the victory Jesus achieved over sin and death. Colossians 2:15 states, “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” This verse affirms that Jesus’ death and resurrection have indeed disarmed the spiritual powers of darkness.

When you experience deliverance from demonic oppression through the cross or prayer, several indicators can help you discern whether it is real:

1. Transformation: True spiritual deliverance often results in tangible change in one’s life. This could include freedom from certain fears, a newfound peace, or a change in habits or desires that were previously unbreakable. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, indicating that spiritual encounters with God lead to real, observable change.
2. Consistency with Scripture: Deliverance that comes from God will always align with biblical truth. The Bible is clear that Jesus has authority over all powers and principalities (Ephesians 1:20-22), and that believers have been given authority in Jesus’ name to overcome the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). If your experience of deliverance leads you closer to the truths of Scripture, it is a good sign that it is not merely in your head.
3. Peace: As mentioned earlier, one of the hallmarks of God’s presence is peace. Philippians 4:7 talks about the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” If after your experience, you find a peace that doesn’t seem to make sense from a human perspective, it may be a sign of God’s intervention.
4. Confirmation through Community: Sharing your experience with other mature Christians can provide confirmation and encouragement. The Christian community can offer discernment and wisdom to help you understand your experience. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
5. Enduring Faith: An encounter with the living God often results in a deeper, more resilient faith. If you find that your trust in God and His Word has deepened, and your desire to live according to His will has increased, it’s a strong indication that your experience was genuine.

It’s also crucial to recognize that faith itself is a belief in what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Consequently, there may not always be empirical evidence to prove the reality of a spiritual encounter. However, the fruits of such an encounter, like those mentioned above, can serve as evidence of its genuineness.

Lastly, remember that God desires a relationship with His children, and He is capable of reaching us in our deepest need. If you’ve called out to Him in prayer and felt deliverance, it’s important to thank Him for His intervention, even as you seek understanding. Trusting God’s goodness and His power to save is foundational to walking in freedom and faith.