What is Demonization? Part 3

In the past two posts, we have learned that neither modern psychology nor the biblical accounts offer a fool-proof and complete guide to understanding the work of the demonic.  Instead, we have seen that both can offer some general categories and principles that can help inform our questions about demonic influence in the lives of individuals.  I believe this is probably a good since it demands that we live lives of dependence upon the Living God to know how to apply the principles to our ministry contexts!

So, what exactly does the New Testament teach about the topic of demonization?  In the NT, the word Daimonizomenos is used to describe what is commonly translated demonized or demon possessed.  Daimonizomenos is a participle which is used only twelve times in the NT.  This term has behind it the idea of demon controlling a somewhat passive human (Dickerson, 37).  Thus the person with a demon is considered demonized.  But, does this demonic control mean that a person is totally controlled or are there degrees of demonic influence?  

The pages of the New Testament do not give a clear answer to this question.  They affirm demonic influence to varying degrees, but there is not a detail analysis of what this means.  Throughout the centuries, believers have struggled to understand what is exactly meant by demonization.  Unfortunately, it often is like the classic definition of pornography as set forth by Supreme Court Justice, Potter Stewart in 1964, "I do not know how to define it, but I do know it when I see it."

A brief summary of centuries of discussion and experience can be gained by a quick look at  the theological categories described in Mark Bubeck's The Adversary.  Bubeck argues that there are three classifications of demonic influence.  

First is demonic oppression.  Here Satan targets an individual to oppose, hinder, hurt, or destroy them if possible.  This form of demonic attack may be fairly regular and common particularly in those who are involved in advancing the Kingdom of God.  Christians throughout history have recorded wrestling in prayer and with the Word against the temptations and attacks of evil forces.  

The second is demonic obsession.  This is defined as a more intense time of demonic attack against an individual.  Often demonic obsession is brought about by an individual giving Satan a foothold in the their life (Ephesians 4:27) through willful engaging in fleshly sins or the occult.  As obsession increases in severity, the individual may believe they are possessed.  Bubeck argues that even a Christian can experience this level of attack.  I am not so sure.

The third classification is demon possession.  At this stage, the demoniac is under the total control of the demon or demons (Bubeck, 83-89).  Biblical examples would include the demoniac who lived among the tombs (Mark 5:1-20), and perhaps the young, mute boy who the demon sought to destroy in water or fire (Mark 9:14-29).  At this stage, the demons have control.

At this point, it is important to ask who can experience each of these categories of demonic influence.  Ephesians 2:1-3 states that those who do not believe in Christ are under the control of Satan.  Thus, if demonic forces wanted to work in the lives of unbelievers, they have every right to do as they wish as long as God will allow it.  But can Christians be totally possessed?  

Bubeck, Bufford, and others believe that this stage is reserved only for unbelievers.  I tend to agree.  Yet, all agree that a Christian may, through willful and persistent sin, allow Satan a foothold in their life.  The result will be that some areas of a Christian’s life may be controlled by demonic influence.  The demon does not have ownership, but it (or they) do have control.  


As Dickerson states, “The term possessed is misleading (for a Christian). ... The real concept is invasion and control to some degree, lesser or greater; but never ownership (Dickerson, 89).  Thus a person who is under the control of a demon is demonized, but this term does not necessary mean under the total control of an evil spirit.  Unbelievers, those who belong to Satan’s kingdom, can be totally controlled by demons, but Christian can only be influenced and controlled at the point and to the point that they allow Satan a foothold.

So what can be done about it?  In the next post, I will offer a pastoral response to demonization.