LDS Demonology?

[_The Nehor]

So...are the demons being duped into playing an integral role within the Plan of Salvation or are they 'in on it'?

I've given up trying to figure out how they reason. They aren't human enough for it to work.

[_jon]

So...are the demons being duped into playing an integral role within the Plan of Salvation or are they 'in on it'?

I've given up trying to figure out how they reason. They aren't human enough for it to work.

LOL

The important thing is, you tried your best...

[_The Nehor]

I have no doubt Mr. The Nehor feels like he had a demonic experience, but if you were to remove his belief in Mormonism he'd be open to other, more rational, explanations.

That said, I have to compliment Mr. The Nehor. You're pretty brave to be sharing something so personal on this forum. Good for you. That's character.

Thank you for your patronizing and condescending backhanded compliment.

[_zeezrom]

Mr. Stak,

I have had a number of experiences in my life where I was scared of Satanic/demonic/evil spirits and used some sort of religious practice to subdue my fears. The scariest for me was when I was at a cabin in the Uintas (just outside of Kamas) with my family and 3 other families. I was 12. Just before dozing off to sleep a bunch of girls started screaming and ran out of their bunk room. One of the girls claimed she had heard a noise from a devil in the dark room. We were all in the basement of the cabin and our parents were upstairs. There was much commotion and noise for about an hour. My 2 friends and I grew tired of it all and decided to sleep alone in another room. Soon after, we heard another scream and all the kids were awake again and a couple of the girls started asking if my friend's dad (a Mormon bishop) could come do an exorcism of sorts. She didn't call it that but what she wanted was for him to come downstairs and say a prayer. My friends and I thought this would help so we went back to bed, while I presume the bishop came down and gave his prayer. All went quiet. A little later, everyone was up again. By now, it was likely around 2 or 3 AM. One girl pronounced she saw a pair of red eyes in the bedroom closet. I was scared at that point and so we all ended up sleeping in the same bunk room together (about 20 kids). There were some tears shed that night and many prayers offered. We even sang primary songs and hymnals to keep the evil spirits at bay. So funny!

I used to worry about the day when I would have to raise my arm to the square and pronounce an evil spirit be gone in the name of the Mel. Priesthood and name of Jesus Christ. It worried me because I wasn't entirely sure if my spell would do the trick or not.

[_DrW]

Do the faithful here who believe in demons also believe that there are witches about?

I do but they aren't worth burning. They're silly people trying to control things they can't control.

Thanks for a straight answer.

As you know there were several celebrated cases of demonic possession (including a mass demonic possession of a group of nuns) in the17th century. Many Christians were willing to sentence those who they deemed to be witches to death.

Scientists who have looked at the Salem witch trials (1692), for example, have concluded that the most likely cause (of this case of mass demonic possession) was ingestion of ergot alkaloids. These psychoactive compounds are produced by a fungus, which probably infected the grain supply (rye) in a wet year. LSD is member of the ergot alkaloid family.

Do you believe that that the witches of today are possessed by demons?

[_Buffalo]

It's interesting that the most frequent instances of "demonic possession" occur in areas where more people believe in that sort of thing.

[_zeezrom]

It's interesting that the most frequent instances of "demonic possession" occur in areas where more people believe in that sort of thing.

It is faith confirming. Satan helps build testimonies.

:)

[_The Nehor]

As you know there were several celebrated cases of demonic possession (including a mass demonic possession of a group of nuns) in the17th century. Many Christians were willing to sentence those who they deemed to be witches to death.

Yes, I would not.

Scientists who have looked at the Salem witch trials (1692), for example, have concluded that the most likely cause (of this case of mass demonic possession) was ingestion of ergot alkaloids. These psychoactive compounds are produced by a fungus, which probably infected the grain supply (rye) in a wet year. LSD is member of the ergot alkaloid family.

I do not think all cases of weirdness or mental illness are caused by devils.

Do you believe that that the witches of today are possessed by demons?

Not in the classical sense. I don't think possession works in the stereotypical "seize control" way. Instead it is a kind of sharing. Most cases are limited in duration. Most people who claim to be witches aren't.

[_The Nehor]

It's interesting that the most frequent instances of "demonic possession" occur in areas where more people believe in that sort of thing.

Much like schizophrenia is only correctly diagnosed in areas where people believe in schizophrenia.

[_Buffalo]

It's interesting that the most frequent instances of "demonic possession" occur in areas where more people believe in that sort of thing.

Much like schizophrenia is only correctly diagnosed in areas where people believe in schizophrenia.

So you're equating demon possession with mental illness? That's a great step forward!

Of course, in the real world we don't try to treat mental illness with magic spells, like raising your arm to the square and chanting.

How many demon possession cases do you suppose the Unitarians encounter?