tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post7474064588385231791..comments2023-12-01T01:00:34.093-05:00Comments on The Paranormal Pastor: Those Wacky, Tacky 'Demonologists'Pastor Swopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-16737186578020155802014-07-23T13:31:01.536-04:002014-07-23T13:31:01.536-04:00I got hooked on drugs I don't mean weed and co... I got hooked on drugs I don't mean weed and coke I have been a full blown junkie overdosing on herion waking up with the needle still in my flesh. Almost went to prison because of my addiction to meth. But JESUS CHRIST MY SAVIOR still carried me out of that life. My addiction is (and always will be) part of me what makes me and theirs no reason ( or so I thought) why I'm still here. I would read on Facebook about people I grew up with dying tragically in freak accidents and wonder why I always woke up. Nothing ever made sense it's part of what kept me in a black hole of existence. Everytime I stopped using I'd be haunted by terrible night terrors always demonic in nature ( that's my personal feeling and belief as to what would wake me up just to be paralayzed) started with just being woken up and unable to move or scream and in a state of absolute fear to feeling someone next to me who'd whisper in my ear I could feel the hot moist air inside my ear, the worst was when the black shadow figure started showing up at these times. The figure started out lurking in the doorway half hidden to slowly getting closer and closer till he would stand over me till I managed to roll off the bed or shake myself awake. But for nine and a half years I'd go start getting high again. I was very naive when it came to the cruelty of human beings when I first got on the streets. Crazy was my opinion of myself so when I'd be around these people I'd get creeped out when theirs a bunch of us getting high and I could look at someone and see not them but an evil ( I say this trying not to go overboard, but it was demons or Satan himself) presence mixed in with their face laughing or leering back at me and before I was able to process what I was seeing it'd just disappear. I'm now slowly trying to get a life for myself something I never had since 8 was on drugs right after high school. I am slowly getting back into church and trying to find a place for someone like me in this world. I've always loved learning ( if I could be a professional college student and make a living heaven might be here on earth lol!) so I want to know everything about anything figuring out what to go back to college for ( they say 3rd times a charm) is so important and difficult. I came across this article and it was like hitting a brick wall that shatters to behold the yellow brick road. I've been debating psychology, world history and theology( well the 3 I keep debating on). Because of my past experience and the odd good vs. evil I've encountered ( and the fact I just never could die) I am meant to be an advocate of Jesus Christ in the ever present ever worsening demonic impact on the youth ( young girls mostly since that's where my experience lies.) of this world. Pastor you will never know what an impact this topic has had on me sorry if your not seeing where my ephiany is coming from. And to all who will read and want to bash me save your energy. I've been to a hell here on earth few make it back safe and in one piece from. This Was Something I Guess THE Spirit Was Moving me to share ( if by chance you read this and it helps you in any way big or small) praise GOD for it because it's to him all blessings flow. Thank you Brother in christ! My battle continues daily if you could keep me in your prayers it'd mean the world. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-38271959796386943212013-11-18T13:51:19.624-05:002013-11-18T13:51:19.624-05:00Anonymous,
then you should wonder why I addressed...Anonymous,<br /><br />then you should wonder why I addressed it thus.<br /><br />Demonology is not some arcane art, it is all pretty simple and available to look up demon names on the internet and think that you have accomplished something. However most of those names and titles are just made up. <br /><br />From what you are talking about, it seems that you really have no real understanding of the nature of religion, philosophy or psychology. I suggest you actually attend classes on these subjects and not just fish what you like from the swimming pile of ideas called the internet. I also would suggest a Bible if you would try to talk about Jesus Christ on an intellectual level, because most of our modern concepts of demons and spirits comes from the teachings of Jesus and the religious and philosophical ideas from the New Testament era.<br /><br />And your comment on mixing of religions underlays your inability to understand the issue on a fundamental level. Most pastors or people with actual degrees and multi-disciplinary research think the same way as I do. A little knowledge in this subject can do a lot more harm than good. <br /><br />If you tell a professional person that you are a demonologist, they will think you are either a nutjob, a con artist. In professional circles, there is no such thing as a demonologist. We call it Theology. Systematic Theology to be exact, the systematic study of Scripture and comparison with other religions.<br /><br />But what it really comes down to is this: If you are making claims to be a demonologist, you are probably working with people. That means you are touting yourself as a professional.<br /><br />Do you have malpractice insurance?<br />If you do not, you are headed for a civil lawsuit or even jail time. For if you tell someone who has mental health issues that they have a demon..an intelligent entity that you cannot see or feel is inhabiting their house or person you and there is none then YOU ARE LIABlE FOR A LAWSUIT OR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.<br /><br />I have seen it many times. People have their lives thrown apart by a novice "demonologist" who claimed a demonic presence is haunting someone. Most of these people have mental health issues that need addressing and bringing in an uncontrollable spiritual dimension to the fray can cause untold damage to the client. Even the mention that there might be something like a demon abiding in someone's house can cause severe emotional and psychological damage to an individual.<br /><br />So yea, I may sound a little rough. But then again I have to clean up a lot of messes because somebody thought a little research qualified them as a "Demonologist".<br /><br />So, you will excuse me while I sound harsh. I have seen do much damage to innocent people by those who think they have some 'special' arcane knowledge. When all in all they are full of themselves. Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-84042279519481456382013-11-18T04:38:46.993-05:002013-11-18T04:38:46.993-05:00Pastor
I have to say, that some of your message w...Pastor<br /><br />I have to say, that some of your message was comical - but in many sorts of ways I found it to be a bit discouraging and almost humiliating (at least to the degree that a man of God's calling) would consider flaming demonologists. <br /><br />There are many facets of demonology - but those that are book smart are not true demonologists. Demonology has never been part of or connected to the church as a function until rome adopted it's function, not from the Christians , but from the Egyptian belief system. Demon is found 0 times in scripture (at least any scripture that holds true to the meaning) - the originating word Daemon is where the word demon came from, and Daemon comes from Greek Mythology as mainly benevolent spirits. <br /><br />A practicing demonologists primary roots are in the arcane and have deep ties to not only scriptural understanding, but many aspects of the occult. <br /><br />Jesus did not teach us about demons while He walked upon the earth - he taught a select few how to command devils (which means by account of the old english word, evil,foul, or unclean spirit). It was no typo when And I do not know any Christian minded person who would ever feel comfortable to draw a lottery on understanding or the study of "demons" to begin with.<br /><br />Mixing religions , jumbling the meaning of scripture, or not taking into consideration that your implications to demonologists are somehow suppose to be bound to the church fundamentals - is rude at best. But even more so, unpious to what work real demonologists can do when not bound by a bunch of bible thumping cross wielding christian ravers who like to point out the sin soaked and tell them they have demons.. <br /><br />Give me a breakAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-60489483606806962352013-07-28T19:23:33.317-04:002013-07-28T19:23:33.317-04:00Thanks Anonymous,
I was only talking about pagani...Thanks Anonymous,<br /><br />I was only talking about paganism's recent origins in all its facets, from druidism to Asatru. Especially when dealing with spiritual warfare against malevolent entities. But I was not speaking about the religions themselves. I have some friends who practice Wicca and they are good people. Some Wiccans focus on things that are darker and more to the teachings of Crowley and others of his sort, but most are just gentle people with caring hearts. Many are former Christians who have been disenchanted with the church for reasons other than theology. Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-45316827611557965042013-07-28T14:32:22.026-04:002013-07-28T14:32:22.026-04:00Thank you so much for the post and the warning tow...Thank you so much for the post and the warning toward wicca and its youth. It seems few realize wicca is an outgrowth of men like crowely who deliberately sought to invoke demonic entities as a way to gain personal "power". I've too often seen the faith of wicca lead people down paths that end in total life disruption and, once, full blown possession. It truly is a dangerous path.<br /><br />Thank you as well for calling the "demonologists" on the carpet here. Its not something to do for fun or kicks or to self agrandize. Its a real calling and often a very heavy burden to bear, even with proper study, training and faith and dedication to the Almighty. Most who try rarely possess discernment and do often end up exasperating emergent or latent mental illnesses and when the do confront the incredibly rare, real, demon they often make the issue at hand significantly worse for themselves and others. Its especially sad that in the quest for ratings and money some are pushing this as "cool" or a "career". Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-73533251521377796942013-07-20T12:53:10.658-04:002013-07-20T12:53:10.658-04:00Anonymous,
Book smarts?
Magic?
Sorry, This is n...Anonymous,<br /><br />Book smarts? <br />Magic? <br />Sorry, This is not Harry Potter. <br />Pride coming before a fall?<br />I like to keep myself grounded, and since you do not know me that was an ignorant comment.<br /><br />While I have NEVER said that Christianity has a monopoly on exorcism, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims and most other religions confront demonic encounters their own way. I suggest you read more of my articles.<br />Your comments reveal a bigotry toward Christianity, I understand that you may have been offended by Christians in the past. Not all are judgmental.<br />On a side note, modern Wicca and paganism is a product of the 20th century. It has no great wealth of knowledge through history of trial and error in these matters that faiths such as Judiasm, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam have, since most of it was just made up in the early 20th century and the 1960s. Not to negate its value as a religion, or your faith in what you believe. But ignorance when dealing with demonic creatures can be disastrous. And I have seen many 'demonologists' and 'exorcists' who have no idea what they are doing fall victim to severe mental illness.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-54952302950841062522013-07-20T06:42:48.867-04:002013-07-20T06:42:48.867-04:00Pride comes before the Fall. The one thing that I ...Pride comes before the Fall. The one thing that I have found in common with all these demonology websites is the fact that people like yourself claim that book smarts get you no where in this field. Sorry to say it but you don't have to be a christian to be a demonologist. I agree that experience goes a long way and knowledge of evocation magick is the only way to be a successful demonologist. I have worked many grimoires and have found that it's all on the will of the operator to successfully evoke and banish demons. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-11080902061942088042013-01-02T12:09:10.170-05:002013-01-02T12:09:10.170-05:00Thanks Anonymous,
Praise the Lord! Exorcism is in...Thanks Anonymous, <br />Praise the Lord! Exorcism is in essence helping a person with spiritual issues, so I think God is going to use you greatly!Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-22561554859382841792013-01-02T08:26:01.063-05:002013-01-02T08:26:01.063-05:00Thanks for a great article. It may be just from al...Thanks for a great article. It may be just from all of the media attention paranormal investigation has been getting, or it may be my own experiences when I was younger, but I have been feeling somewhat 'called' to help those who may be under spiritual attack or experiencing unexplained activity. As a Christian, I find a lot of the stuff that investigators are doing to be non-biblical and in a way, non-christian, so I have been having trouble reconciling my longing to learn more with my faith. After reading your article, it seems that I should be focusing more on building my faith and knowledge. It also brings to light the thought that I should look into first developing a career of counseling in the not-so-spiritual sense first. If I am truly being called to be a demonologist, exorcist, or whatever, I can see that it is going to be years before I can consider myself ready. This post came as an answer to a prayer for guidance. For that, I thank you and I thank God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-7487333685532712962009-11-20T10:51:18.658-05:002009-11-20T10:51:18.658-05:00"you had me at 'name it and claim it'..."you had me at 'name it and claim it'"<br />how about "speak it into existence?"<br /><br />gotta love it. preaching is rarely about the love of Christ and christian living.<br /><br />the latest sermons i hear are: how to make more money... how to keep 3 houses and 5 sports car... you get the picture....jennifer reneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14722090612730302954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-62884163566482005822009-08-28T23:13:54.436-04:002009-08-28T23:13:54.436-04:00Love your blog. One attention seeking self-proclai...Love your blog. One attention seeking self-proclaimed "expert" in excorcism is doing great harm in my opinion. He preys on sexually abused women and while some have a cathartic release, it is only the beginning (often)of a series of recovered memories. Such catharsis needs processing and counseling by someone specially trained. Something like post truamatic stress syndrome may arise along with repressed memories following the catharsis. If the persona is not ready, a complete breakdown and disassociaton is possible or excacerbation of other mental/emotional/physical illnesses.This is not because of supernatural, but rather normal response to extreme stress. The so called "Expert" I have in mind, is less than truthful concerining the details of his life, is known to use contreviersial and dangerouse techniques and is utterly lacking in any credentials or training in family counseling or counseling. He espouses that just being Jewish, Black, N.American and so on condems one to curses and demons. Racist as well as ignorant he manages to have a huge following and tries to self-promote on radio and television. He also promises "Satanic cult" victims safe haven, when in fact, he has no such infra structure, safe homes, counselors what ever to help them. Many Fundamentalists think he is great. I think people are checking thier brains in at the door in some churches. Just like one said, focussing on evil and scarey re=inforces it and even draws it into your life. This man is a dangerous charlatan with some deep seated fear issues going on. you well know who I mean! Thanks for the good Christians who are coming out of the woodwork to call out people like him!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-63148500675958882142009-04-25T00:23:00.000-04:002009-04-25T00:23:00.000-04:00GREAT..I too am amazed and saddened by the number ...GREAT..I too am amazed and saddened by the number of people claiming to be demonologists and going into peoples homes and "releasing" the demons or performing excorsims....that is an equation for trouble for both the home owners and the so called demonologists....who in their right mind would WANT to be a demonologist???? You HAVE to be called by God,well educated in the topic ( a few books don't count as well educated people) AND trained by an experienced demonologist as well as have experience. You must also have a very deep faith in God. I feel awful for the people who are being duped by these folks as well as for the ones who get hurt playing demonologist...if you think there is a demon in a house or person for Goodness sakes contact a well know and respected clery/demonologist..they are there to help...this is a very important topic and I am glad you talked about itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-58058499785077913672008-06-22T09:18:00.000-04:002008-06-22T09:18:00.000-04:00The CMA like any organizations has the bad mixed i...The CMA like any organizations has the bad mixed in with the good. I know a lot of good people in the denomination. I also know a lot of fruitballs. I actually had a board member/Elder leap over the table at me and attempt to strangle me during a board meeting. Why? I dared to ask that a new member and his family have his band preform in our church's morning worship. You see they had preformed in a few bars a couple of years earlier and the board member/Elder didn't want out 'reputation' sullied.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-40772017833982727792008-06-22T08:17:00.000-04:002008-06-22T08:17:00.000-04:00It's funny you should mention the Christian and Mi...It's funny you should mention the Christian and Missionary Alliance church in your blog about fanatic demonologists. I grew up in the C&MA and had a childhood friend whose father was a pastor in the church. He and his wife had a habit of adopting older, "special needs" children (mostly for social appearance) and actually had one teenage boy exorcized for masturbating! I had to laugh at the irony of your post because that is the good old C&MA church for ya!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-21073323611399292642008-06-18T23:38:00.000-04:002008-06-18T23:38:00.000-04:00I just remembered a book I read in the last year b...I just remembered a book I read in the last year by M. Scott Peck, a psychiatrist who is also a Christian. Its called: "Glimpses of the Devil: A Psychiatrist’s Personal Accounts of Possession, Exorcism and Redemption". It would be worthwhile for anyone to read who would like a foxhole viewpoint on how grueling, awful, scary and sometimes unsuccessful the effort to exorcise evil can be.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, Pastor Swope, for bringing up some interesting topics. I have enjoyed every one of your articles. <BR/><BR/>There is so much unknown to our universe and I believe our human curiosity is a God-given gift. However, while maintaining an open mind, I do try to keep my brain from falling out. Its a fine line sometimes.hopebirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14167466021601189084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-67413309719126434972008-06-18T21:24:00.000-04:002008-06-18T21:24:00.000-04:00A most interesting post. It has also been one of m...A most interesting post. It has also been one of my many interests the way some people look at anything paranormal as being a work of the Devil. Or the so-called "Christian" denominations who see every type of mental or physical illness as a sign of possession. <BR/><BR/>I feel anyone who goes looking for demons, devils, whatever without knowing how to protect both themselves and those around them is just asking for trouble. I can shield myself, to some extent, but in no way would I even think of trying an exorcism, even if I knew it was a true case of demonic possession.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-64416837797846761232008-06-18T18:53:00.000-04:002008-06-18T18:53:00.000-04:00Great post!!!Ultimately the reason Demonology is e...Great post!!!<BR/><BR/>Ultimately the reason Demonology is emphasized in television shows is simple---money and ratings. To earn money, one has to have ratings-and to get ratings, one has the scare the hell out of people. Demons are scarier than ghosts. Even whwn other explanations are possible, producers go for what brings the most viewers in.cryptidsrushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06184539509191478028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-13947951062362160432008-06-18T11:52:00.000-04:002008-06-18T11:52:00.000-04:00A wonderful post which I enjoyed reading. If you g...A wonderful post which I enjoyed reading. If you go to a discussion board called Department 47, and go to<BR/>the "alien" section, and click on the thread.."Alien Agenda, The Threat"you will find that we are in the midst of a discussion regarding not aliens but the paranormal...somehow you have become intertwined in this discussion<BR/>which you may want to join.<BR/>Best WishesBruce Duensinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06770861553045757360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-85383736500192579992008-06-18T09:39:00.000-04:002008-06-18T09:39:00.000-04:00Another fascinating entry! I've really been enjoy...Another fascinating entry! I've really been enjoying your blog. For me this entry was timely as I just listened to James Long (exorcist with the United States Old Catholic Church) on the EERIE Radio podcast. I don't know if you've delved into the world of podcasts but you might want to check the EERIE podcast out sometime if not. http://www.eerieradio.com/<BR/><BR/>(sorry, this probably sounds shill-ish, please try to think of it as, "You know I think you'd get along with my friends, you should hang out with us sometime!")cchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15398286827259509312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-54576359700379357122008-06-17T23:38:00.000-04:002008-06-17T23:38:00.000-04:00Thanks you Saint Oran Speaks, your kind words are ...Thanks you Saint Oran Speaks, your kind words are greatly appreciated. Dr. Who's methodology is always right (unless it was that funny incarnation with the bow-tie that got the show canceled in the 80s!)<BR/><BR/>Hopebird, I think you hit the nail on the head when you say some Christians use prayers and exhortations as magic spells. Not just with exorcisms though, in general many Christians act like God is their lap dog when it comes to prayer and faith. Like the "name it and claim it" ideology that has crept into many churches over the last century. And when prayers are not answered the way we wish, we complain and lose faith. It's as if we forget the book of Job is in the Bible.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-65319059657213603742008-06-17T12:16:00.000-04:002008-06-17T12:16:00.000-04:00Glad you posted that. I too watch TAPS and I enjo...Glad you posted that. I too watch TAPS and I enjoy that they debunk and also when they scare each other or their own selves. Sometimes, there are even moments that are truly spooky. <BR/><BR/>I am an active member of a FUMC with a more open attitude about the charismatic aspects of our Christian Faith. However, I also, am disturbed by the emphasis on the demonic that is so prevalent in some evangelical churches and among those with marginal faiths. Sometimes I wonder if those people who pursue so avidly the demonic really and truly believe that evil exists or even have a clue how vulnerable they are. They perform exorcisms as if the prayers and exhortations they utter are some kind of "magic spell" that automatically conveys the power of God.<BR/><BR/>If you constantly study and meditate on evil, well......garbage in, garbage out. Those that truly practice battling demons must surely spend more time on truth, love and the study of the Word.hopebirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14167466021601189084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-53678027254070350402008-06-17T10:51:00.000-04:002008-06-17T10:51:00.000-04:00Great post! I have been intrigued by the number of...Great post! I have been intrigued by the number of "ghost hunters" out there- -and there are HEAPS of people getting into this as a business, but very few places to study parapsychology. <BR/><BR/>I'm actually a bit shocked at the lack of spiritual preparation taken before attempting to confront a true beasty. At least Dean and Sam from the show Supernatural bring a mojo bag, their Winchester Colt when they have it, but most importantly, some SALT!<BR/><BR/>Though I'm not too-too interested in demons and exorcisms, I believe that just about anything is possible. A healthy mix of caution, curiosity and calm can help narrow things down. Jumping to conclusions might not be the best response-- reason, and some process of elimination is the way to go-- but that's not to say I am a skeptic.<BR/><BR/>I KNOW energy exists is many many forms, and I don't take chances with unknown entities. <BR/><BR/>I am an automatic writer-- have been since I was a teen. I would say that my spiritual practice has a strong Christian foundation (though people with traditional Christian beliefs might think otherwise). I ALWAYS begin a session by asking the question, "Do you believe that Jesus Christ walked upon the earth and died so that we may have everlasting life?" I expect the answer to be phrased in the same way, sealed with an "Amen." Words have GREAT power.<BR/><BR/>Anyone, ghost "buster" or otherwise, messing with a spirit of any kind, might want to come up with some kind of cypher or phrase or some kind of hoop the responder has to leap through to make that connection. I think it establishes some kind of "bottom line." Maybe not a "neutral" space I suppose, but at least the human in this equation is not just a "lamb to the ectoplasm slaughter." <BR/><BR/>Connecting to the unknown can be like having a party-line on your phone-- anyone can call you! I prefer to have an "unlisted number." I prefer to screen my calls. . .<BR/><BR/>If the responder pauses too long, or if the practitioner gets a response like, "Let me talk to my Lawyer," or "Can you repeat the question," they should seriously high-tail it out of that experience. I'm being a little cheeky here-- but I'm pretty serious about this. There's more unknown than known in this Universe-- why not-- proceed with curiosity and caution? <I>Works for Doctor Who.</I><BR/><BR/>Again, thanks for the post. Your POV is very interesting. I'll be back and I'd like to add you to my links!<BR/><BR/>Have a great week!<BR/>the gilded butterflySaint Oran Speakshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18180978027045956814noreply@blogger.com