The New Testament Greek word for “demon” is daimonion. This is the diminutive form of another Greek word, daimon. In Greek mythology and folklore, these words were used to describe a special class of beings to whom were attributed varying degrees of supernatural influence or power. Various cults and superstitious observances centered in these beings, and they played an important part in the daily life of the common people.
In the King James Version the Greek word daimonion is often translated “devil.” However, this is incorrect. The word “devil” is formed from the Greek word diabolos, which means literally “slanderer.” In Scripture, this normally is reserved as a term for Satan himself.
Associated in the New Testament with the noun daimonion is the passive verb daimonizomai. The literal meaning of this verb is “to be demonized” – that is, to be in some way under the influence or power of demons. Thus the meaning of the verb is very general. In the King James Version this verb is usually translated by some phrase such as to be “possessed” or to be “vexed” by demons or evil spirits. However, there are no distinctions in the original Greek text to which these various different English words correspond. Some preachers have worked out elaborate distinctions between possession, oppression, or obsession by demons. However, there is nothing in the original Greek to support these distinctions.
Two other phrases normally used in this connection in the New Testament are “evil spirit” and “unclean spirit.” A comparison of Revelation 16, verses 13 and 14, would seem to indicate that the two phrases “unclean spirits” and “spirits of demons” are used more or less interchangeably. There are three main elements that are associated with the concept of personality. These three elements are: knowledge, will, and emotion. It is important to see that all these three elements of personality are found in the New Testament picture of demons.
Christianity’s 2,000 Years of Paranormal Experience
The paranormal has been with us since the beginning of time. From the “serpent”in the Garden of Eden to the manifestations of the dead walking the streets during the day of Christ’s crucifixion at Golgotha; humankind’s brushes with the supernatural are a matter of the historical record. In apocryphal and other mystical texts, we see legends of King Solomon subjugating demons to perform manual labor.
Most importantly and certainly more verifiably so, we see the accounts of Jesus Christ expelling demons (*Mark 1:24, Matthew 12:14, & Luke 8:31-33). It is in this example and countless others by the disciples (*Acts 19:15) that we find that the Christian faith has built upon a tradition of experience and success in dealing with dark manifestations of a malevolent nature.
The Sugar Hill Paranormal Society takes a balanced approach to investigations; utilizing techniques gleaned from many different disciplines in the scientific field, coupled with a foundation and ethos based solidly upon the Christian faith.
We are not interested in simply gathering evidence of paranormal activity. Our mission is three-fold. Our first concern is to investigate claims of paranormal activity. The second is to document all claims and to collect evidence for use by future investigators. Our third goal is in the eradication of malevolent entities. We achieve this utilizing various clergy who are specially trained in this area.
If you or a person you know is experiencing phenomena that is of a sinister or frightening nature, we are here to help. We will stay on the case until the problem is solved. Our personel are professional and compassionate. They will take you seriously when you tell them your story, and they will protect your privacy.
Are you lost and alone? Feel like your life is missing something?
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
(Corinthians 1:18)
For the whole of humanity, the Cross and Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection represents the most important event in all of history. It is the moment when grace supplanted the law. It is the point where salvation for mankind came and was enclosed in flesh.
Christ came to live amongst us, share in our sufferings, point the Way towards salvation, and died to open the door to that salvation. In His resurrection we see God’s sovereignty and love for His creation.
It is the Cross that we come to.
We lay down our earthly crowns at the feet of a victorious Jesus and find redemption through the transforming love of the Prince of Peace. There is no sin that cannot be washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. There is no person that is beyond God’s forgiveness.”
Christ casting out the demons from the Gadarene Demoniac
What are Demons?