Demons Part III: "...because their deeds are evil."

If you randomly clicked this link you may want to check out Demons part I and II first. If you've been following along, thanks.

I'll list a few more world religions and their connections to demons. I'm not a "demon behind every bush" type of guy but as far as the spirituality of non-believers goes I think its hard to ignore what kind of impact a malicious group of spirit-beings would have. In any case - onward!

4. Buddhism

     This is probably the biggest stretch yet. Buddhist are typically classified as "non-theists" but I think more accurately are humanists. They believe in the "middle way" of moral living which will allow the soul to escape this world's suffering and achieve nirvana. Buddha was a real person who became "enlightened" and decided to abandon any worldly treasure and position and starve himself while wondering around ancient China. Not sure how that avoids suffering but he seemed to think it did. In a sense he is the original ascetic. This seems to have little or no connection to the demonic world; however, watch this. Creepy. Camera trick or no, this is an example of a phenomenon clouded in myth but consistent with other descriptions of meditative powers. Spiritual Transrelocation is one way to describe it and a quick google search will reveal thousands of "documented" cases varying from the ridiculous to the video-and-two-witnesses level of veracity. I mentioned Transcendental Meditation in my paragraph about Hinduism, most likely this is the same process. While eschewing the concept that spiritual beings would assist them in their pursuit of the middle way, a Buddhist would still believe he is tapping into his own soul and achieving some disconnect from the scientific parameters of nature. Read that sentence again, it totally rocks. In any case, a Buddhist who delves into the meditation proscribed by his faith will encounter the demonic world and in my opinion worship it, if not actively, tacitly.

5. Spiritism (aka, Shintoism, Pantheism)

     Not a surprise here. The Native Americans and Japanese, interestingly enough, share a religious affection for their ancestors. They worship the dead that went before them and rely on these fallen forefathers for help in doing right and escaping difficulty. The Japanese are more philosophical, at least outwardly, and tend to mesh Confucius or Taoism with their Shinto. The Native Americans are typically more pantheistic, worshiping the Great Spirit along with the spirit of the trees and the spirit of the wind. Watch Pocahontas, its the leaves in the wind thing. Now watch it and consider the wind to be demon possessed, changes things (exactly the same for Avatar only the whole planet is demon possessed...really leads to some interesting ideas regarding naturalism and the goddess).

6. Islam

     One of my life goals is to get a PhD in Islam from Berlin University. In the meantime I'll settle for "spoke to several Muslims while in Turkey" as my credentials for writing about it. As far as the origins of the religion, Muhammad (pbuh) said he received the Koran from the angel Gabriel. Could this have been a demon? Sure. Also, some Muslims have syncretized Islam with their pagan tribalism (not unlike European and Latin American Catholics). This has resulted in a well-developed demonology including wards and amulets designed to chase off evil spirits. I have several "evil eyes" in my house. Supposedly if one were to fall and break it would mean it had warded off a spirit of despair and I would need another one to stay protected. This is not demon worship, this is demonology. I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture given by a Mrs. Baker, widow of a long time missionary to Muslims in Germany. They had composed a defense of Allah being a misrepresentation of God but in fact the same person or being. I had several issues with the argument some historical some linguistic. I hold that the being Allah is like Baal. Merely much more successful. Therefore, any Muslim who worships Allah is worshiping a demon. Not a popular thought, please don't shoot me.

7. The Church of Latter Day Saints...and some other pseudo-Christian cults

     Moroni is a demon or John Smith (what a boring name for a founder of a religion, Brigham Young is much cooler) made it all up. Take your pick, once the Mormon community was established the demonic powers took over. Benny Hinn is either possessed or a bodily manifestation of a demon, I truly believe this. The Masons have a disturbing amount of religious vibe to their community, I'd contend demonic (though I've yet to satisfy my curiosity regarding these guys). Name a cult and do some digging and you'll find a demon.


    So what? Well, if you aren't already a bit apprehensive about witnessing to someone now you should be. You aren't just combating the cultural morays and individual experiences arrayed against you. There is a darker, more powerful enemy, lurking behind each soul, each system, each decision and each idea. Consider CS Lewis' classic Screwtape Letters, while not trying to be authoritative, Lewis suggests each person has a demon assigned to it and even conversion itself does not end the demon's influence. This knowledge and the apprehension that comes with it should lead us to better prepare. It should also lead us to not trust in our own power when facing this challenge. As Christ said, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29). We are in a war, and while we confidently stand on the winning side, we should understand Who gives victory and that everyday success is just as much His business as the ultimate victory.

I guess I got it all down in 3. Unless somebody asks a really good question I'll move on to something else Tuesday.

Brrrrrraves complete the 6 game double sweep! Evan Gattis is literally already a legend. I've never even considered penciling in a rookie 3rd string C to the all-star game but this guy deserves it. Also wondering if either Ramiro Pena or Paul Janish get swapped for a left handed reliever soon since we don't really need 4 backup middle infielders and JV and E Flo are out for the year. I would suspect we'd prefer to keep Pena but he'd definitely rate a better return. We'll see.