S6E186: The Other Realm: Possession and Exorcism Artwork

The Eikon Podcast

Please consider supporting this podcast by going to: https://www.patreon.com/eikonpodcastJoin Michael Burns (biblical teacher, author, and speaker), Jason Alexander (pastor, speaker), and Gianna Hearn (journalist, host of "The Weekly G" video news magazine of the NBA G-League) for a fun, lively, and relevant examination of biblical texts, emphasizing their historical and cultural context with an eye on applying those principles into the mess of modern life. To submit questions, or suggestions, or give feedback contact us at eikonpodcast@gmail.com. If you're a new listener. Welcome and thank you. We recommend that you start listening to season 4, episode 93. After you're caught up to the present, we suggest that you then go back and explore the first 3 seasons when the podcast was still called "All Things to All People with Michael Burns."

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The Eikon Podcast

S6E186: The Other Realm: Possession and Exorcism

July 08, 2024 • Season 6 • Episode 186

Today’s conversation explores the correlation between trauma and belief in the spiritual realm, as well as the relevance of Christianity in traditional African contexts. The approach discussed is to listen, ask questions, and help individuals understand the power and authority of Jesus. It is emphasized that spiritual warfare is about living a life of obedience to the gospel rather than directly confronting spiritual entities. The danger lies in turning away from faith, not in being possessed against one's will. The conversation also touches on the topic of deliverance ministries and their potential benefits and dangers.

Takeaways
- Christianity in Africa has a range of beliefs and practices regarding demon possession and exorcism.
- Some denominations dismiss or deny the existence of possession, while others actively engage in exorcisms.
- It is important to differentiate between mental health issues and genuine cases of possession. There is often a correlation between trauma and belief in the spiritual realm.
- The approach to engaging with individuals who have experienced spiritual phenomena should involve listening, asking questions, and helping them understand the power and authority of Jesus.
- Spiritual warfare is primarily about living a life of obedience to the gospel rather than directly confronting spiritual entities.
- The danger lies in turning away from faith, not in being possessed against one's will.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
04:03 - Overview of Demon Possession and Exorcisms
09:13 - African Traditional Belief: Ancestral Spirits and Possession
27:54 - Differentiating Between Mental Health and Genuine Possession
31:17 - The Correlation Between Trauma and Belief in the Spiritual Realm
34:10 - Engaging with Spiritual Phenomena: Listening, Asking Questions, and Pointing to Jesus
36:13 - Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Obedience to the Gospel
37:11 - The Danger of Turning Away from Faith
38:09 – How we fight the spiritual battle?
40:32 – Can Christians become possessed?