Demon or psychosis?

“THE DEVIL made me do it” is a well-known response on the part of some Christians whenever they do something that is out of step with Christian principles. Then there are those church folks who upon hearing that a 12-year-old girl is pregnant for the pastor, proceed to announce with certainty, “Satan is attacking the church!”

What does one say to a “prayer warrior” who claims that her daughter who was possessed by a demon, and later delivered by her pastor, has now been revisited by said demon? The daughter who I knew many years ago to have abnormally irritable mood swings accompanied by declarations of what God would be doing for her in terms of business deals and how God will be smiting her enemies, was also awake for several hours at night since God wanted her to be awake to do prayers “against the enemy”.

It is not unusual for people with bipolar disorder to have manic episodes. How do you tell a family member that a relative with a psychotic disorder is not necessarily demon possessed? In contexts where people will pay hustlers to tell them that somebody is doing something to them or that the devil is possessing them, how do you tell them that demon possession may not be a differential diagnosis for disconnection from reality that characterises certain mental disorders?

A common feature in some church groups is praying and beating the demon away when a parent is concerned about gender and sexual identities which appear different from the norm. Another common approach is abuse of broken individuals who present with signs of low self-esteem, unwholesome thoughts, and risky behaviours. More religious leaders must accept that they lack the capacity to journey with survivors of untold trauma, abuse, and attendant emotional wounds. Too many are feeding a cultural appetite for blaming others inclusive of demons.

A most painful dimension to some of these situations is when the misunderstood individual brought to the church for prayers, is actually a victim of the pastor who continues to abuse children! Who would dare say this though, since “the church is under attack by the devil”?

Many have found certain scripture texts helpful. One of my favourite psalms is Psalm 34. Verse 18 states, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 147:3 states, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

I would encourage troubled folks and those concerned about loved ones to seek professional advice. No where in the Bible do we see people being beaten in an effort to address their trauma and suffering. Isaiah 41:10 is also a resourceful and encouraging word declaring, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

My interest here is encouraging you to seek professional care and to take note that much of the drama and hype that many pastors use to draw attention to themselves is contrary to the healing words of holy scripture. Colleagues in ministry must beware of giving in to delusional situations while using various pathologies to claim certain powers and capacities in affirmation of self!

Maybe you are a person of faith who has become frustrated with the shallowness that prevails in the name of church. Maybe you have found very little help if any in the midst of your brokenness. Maybe you have even been hurt by agents of the church. There is hope for you. There is help and healing. Speak out when you feel the time is right; but also remember to seek help. A word that many have found helpful is in Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human dignity and human rights. His post graduate specialisation is Master of Arts in Pastoral Psychology and Counselling. Send feedback to seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com