Demonic Encounters
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 3-6-1990 4:47:26
SUBJECT: Demonic Encounters
This recent unpleasantness in New York has got me thinking about how often demonic influences have crept into our lives. I know that not everyone may think of them as demons, but I hope we can agree that there are evil forces at work in the world, that would corrupt and destroy us if we permit them. I myself have struggled against these forces, which seek to undermine my faith and lead me into dire temptation - and I'm ashamed to admit that I have not always been as strong as I should be in the face of such things. But, as my minister says, it is the intention of Satan that we give ourselves up to temptation when this happens, instead of doing the hard work to turn back to the Lord and seek His forgiveness. I have strayed, it is true, and demons entered into my life. But I have repented, and continue to repent, and through the grace of God I am free of that demonic presence which beset me, and remain free as long as I remain faithful and trust in the Lord's power.
I'm sure that others here have been touched by the infernal, and may still be struggling to free themselves of it. Please - share your struggles. I want to help.
USER: Moloch | POSTED 3-6-1990 6:44:13
SUBJECT: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd)
Please, do tell us all about how and where the infernal touched you. I'm on the edge of my seat and longing for all the tempting details.
USER: Raven | POSTED 3-6-1990 7:25:18
SUBJECT: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd) (Moloch)
Don't be a turd, Moloch.
While we don't come from the same worldview, AngelBlessed, I too know that there are dark forces in the world, and that they have often been labeled as demons. I haven't had a personal experience with them, thankfully; what I have read of them has more than convinced me not to indulge my curiosity in that area.
USER: wilmarose | POSTED 3-6-1990 7:48:33
SUBJECT: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd)
umm...do undead creatures count as demons? they don't do much tempting, but they are a struggle to deal with...
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 3-6-1990 7:57:23
SUBJECT: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd)
- Moloch: I'm praying for you. I hope you find a path to God, despite naming yourself after a demon.
- Raven: I'm thankful you haven't had to personally contend with demons, but I fear that the time is upon us when avoiding them will be impossible, and only the shelter of the Lord will keep you safe.
- Wilma: Yes, the undead are demons - they are the minions of Satan who spread terror and death. The grace of God can defend you from them, if you accept him into your heart.
USER: Moloch | POSTED 3-6-1990 9:59:59
SUBJECT: RE: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd) (AngelBlsd)
Keep your prayers to yourself, AngelB----; they are worthless and I don't want them.
USER: Horatio | POSTED 4-6-1990 11:35:14
SUBJECT: Thin Ice (Moloch)
Keep it civil, Moloch. You're already on thin ice with me.
AngelBlsd - can you share more details about your demonic encounter? I've never had an experience like that, but I have heard enough to know that there are things out there that are definitely supernatural and malevolent. My priest would probably call most of them demons, but I'm not sure myself; I suspect that there is a lot of variety involved.
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 4-6-1990 14:29:30
SUBJECT: My Encounter (Horatio)
You are right Horatio - I cannot expect others to open up about their own encounters if I am unwilling to speak of my own. It is uncomfortable to do so, but I believe it is a pain that serves God's mission for me.
A few months ago, I began to have strange dreams. I call them dreams - but they seemed perfectly real to me, and I didn't feel asleep. They were more...visitations. I would be in bed beside my husband, and a great weight would press down upon me. I wanted to cry out, but I couldn't catch my breath. Then the voice would begin to whisper in my ear.
It always sounded like someone I knew - my minister, or my father, or my son's teacher. It whispered foul things to me, pretending I was a seductress who had lured them to my bed. It described acts I would never do - things so lustful and depraved that I refuse to repeat them. I had to lie there and listen to the voice tell me that I wanted to do these things, describing them in vivid detail. And then, as it poured these horrible scenes into my ear, I would feel hands upon my body...stroking me, and more. They touched me in ways nobody but my husband should - ways that I found difficult to resist. I felt betrayed by my own body's reaction to the touching, as the most awful things filled my mind.
I would wake drenched in sweat and tears. I washed the sheets every day for weeks. I couldn't tell anyone what had happened - I believed it was something that was horrible inside me that was causing these...dreams. When I would see the people whose voices were used, I would be filled with memories, loathing, and...temptation. I started to avoid people - I couldn't bear to see them - I was sure they could see the stain that was filling me.
I was desparate. And afraid. Afraid that I was going to start believing the voices - or that they were correct about me. About what I was. What I wanted to do.
That's when I heard of Brother Gideon Vale. I saw him on the television, casting demons from people. He was so - regal. Righteous. I knew, right away, that he could help me.
I told my husband I had to see Brother Gideon. I couldn't explain why, but he saw my need, and we went. We had to fly to Oklahoma - I couldn't wait until he came near to me, I had to go to him. On the plane, I found myself assaulted by the voices again. They tried to break me then - they filled me with such a heat that I almost fainted and my husband thought I had a fever. It wanted me to act on the perverse desires it whispered to me - it was frantic for it, for me to fall into depravity. I could barely walk when we disembarked, but I wouldn't let my husband help me - I couldn't bear to be touched then, lest it undo me entirely. I can barely remember the trip from there to the church. Everything was a blur. But as soon as I saw Brother Gideon, I felt as though all the light in the universe was upon him. He saw me too, and knew what was riding within me. The voices feared him, and tried to frighten me, to make me flee. But I crawled to him, fighting the urge to flee or commit some disgrace that might have me driven from that place. When he laid his hands on me, it felt like the Lord's light filled me completely. It was banished, dissolving in the divine light, and I was free. I lay there gasping - the first true breaths I had taken in months.
Later, Brother Gideon spoke to me. He told me that the demon had seen a weakness in me - something it could use to gain a foothold upon my soul. I won't speak of it in detail, but I have never been as pure in thought as I ought to be. The Lord knows my heart, and I pray every day that He continues to cleanse it. Brother Gideon knew that I had resisted with all my might despite my flaws, and that now I had been freed of the demon's grasp. And with his light within me, it could not return.
I strive to keep that light with me always. The demon was not destroyed, but it cannot return to me now. But there are so many who it can attack - and it is one of legions that would do the same. I don't want anyone to go through what I did. That's why I'm here - to help people find the light before the demons can find them.
USER: Horatio | POSTED 4-6-1990 18:21:56
SUBJECT: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd)
Thanks for sharing, AngelBlessed. I can see you've been through a lot. I don't know that I would ascribe what you described to demons, exactly, but I am glad you have found some relief from whatever was going on.
USER: FringeDr | POSTED 5-6-1990 5:33:58
SUBJECT: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd)
As a scientist, I have to note that what you describe is highly typical of sleep paralysis, which has been studied for many years and is unlikely to have a supernatural origin. That being said, I have seen other reports of Mr. Vale performing extraordinary cures, and would love the opportunity to study that aspect; whether the issue was satanic or psychological, you clearly have gotten relief from him. So far, I have had no response from him or his team regarding performing a proper study; I don't suppose you are in a position to suggest it?
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 5-6-1990 7:57:24
SUBJECT: RE: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd) (FringeDr)
Just because science calls what happened to me "sleep paralysis" does not change the fact that a demonic entity attacked me. I know what I experienced, Doctor. And no, I can not and will not ask Brother Gideon to submit to your "study".
USER: CanadaHam | POSTED 5-6-1990 14:58:49
SUBJECT: RE: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd) (FringeDr)
The CIA used the sleep paralysis STORY to cover up experimental releases of MIND CONTROL DRUGS. They've been IN THE WATER for TWENTY-FIVE YEARS!!
USER: Moloch | POSTED 5-6-1990 14:59:50
SUBJECT: RE: RE: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd) (FringeDr) (CanadaHam)
Either show evidence or shut up, Canadian Bacon. Your ranting has gotten old and stale.
USER: Moloch | POSTED 5-6-1990 15:03:24
SUBJECT: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd)
Did you happen to catch the demon's name? I'd love to get their side of the story. }:)
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 5-6-1990 16:01:50
SUBJECT: RE: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd) (Moloch)
You make jokes, but have you thought about what will happen to your soul after death? Demons are no laughing matter, nor is Hell - I pray you find your way to God before it is too late.
USER: MinieBoop | POSTED 5-6-1990 22:05:12
SUBJECT: RE: My Encounter (Horatio) (AngelBlsd)
This is so sad and awful. Demons suck. And fairies. A probably vampires too. I'm so sorry this happened to you and i'm glad you got the demon out.
USER: CanadaHam | POSTED 5-6-1990 22:50:46
SUBJECT: Evidence? (Moloch)
Oh, so you want evidence, boy? Come to the NWT and I'll take you out to see what flies overhead first hand. If you have the stones to face the truth, that is.
USER: Moloch | POSTED 5-6-1990 23:15:56
SUBJECT: RE: Evidence? (Moloch) (CanadaHam)
I've got more balls than you can imagine, old man. You want me there, you buy the ticket and I'll come flip off the lights that have you wetting your pants.
USER: Raven | POSTED 5-6-1990 23:38:49
SUBJECT: For Christ's Sake (Moloch) (CanadaHam)
Take the pissing contest somewhere else; it is beginning to stink of testerone and urine in here, and I don't have the patience for this shit.
USER: Moloch | POSTED 6-6-1990 0:42:27
SUBJECT: RE: For Christ's Sake (Moloch) (CanadaHam) (Raven)
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 6-6-1990 1:42:36
SUBJECT: Please (Raven)
I'll thank you not to take the Lord's name in vain, even when provoked. Maybe say "For Buddha's Sake" if you must.
USER: Horatio | POSTED 6-6-1990 10:39:41
SUBJECT: RE: RE: For Christ's Sake (Moloch) (CanadaHam) (Raven) (Moloch)
Moloch, you are on my last nerve. You are banned for the next 24 hours; if you come back after that, behave yourself.
USER: Raven | POSTED 6-6-1990 10:44:56
SUBJECT: RE: Please (Raven) (AngelBlsd)
Wait - don't you see that would be just as offensive?
You know what - never mind. I'm not explaining this to you.
USER: NIGHT-1 | POSTED 7-6-1990 10:00:28
SUBJECT: RE: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd) (wilmarose)
That's a lot to unpack. While I don't have much faith in any Bible TV preacher, especially if they ask for money, Matthew 10:8-9 says, 'Cure the sick, raise up the dead, make lepers clean, expel demons. You received free, give free. Do not acquire gold or silver or copper for your money belts,).
I do know that demonic encounters can be horrifying experiences, but you have to differentiate between true demons and other supernatural beings. According to some books, a demon must first be summoned to this world to gain power and influence over it. Either by accident or by someone with ill intent. The lore is conflicting about what you really need to summon a demon (and I think it's for the best that there is no readily available procedure to do so), so it may be a chain of unfortunate circumstances that leads to possession.
But demons aren't the only ones who possess or give ill visions. According to the diary of my ancestor, some ghosts also possess, and fairies (like elves and pixies) like to play mind games with their victims (they seem to think it's funny).
If that preacher really helped you to get rid of it, it could have been a demon, but that raises the question of how it got to you.
Oh, and not every undead creature is necessarily a demon. A vampire or a mummy is most likely a cursed soul that was once human. The term 'zombie' (thanks to 'Night of the Living Dead') is usually used to describe a soulless creature that is animated by dark forces belonging to another individual, which could be a demon, a witch (no ill intent towards the board members) or another supernatural creature.
USER: AngelBlsd | POSTED 7-6-1990 10:32:45
SUBJECT: RE: RE: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd) (wilmarose) (Night-1)
Night-1, every malevolent creature you described there *is* a demon of one sort or another, whatever names people have given them. The minions of Satan come in many forms, and there is little point in making neat little categories for them - they are all evil, and all are repelled and cast out by the power of the Lord. Brother Gideon is filled with the Holy Spirit and has the gift of driving out all such creatures.
As for how it came to me - I was weak, and unchaste in my mind. That was sufficient to grant the demon a hold upon me, and now that I am freed I am vigilant against such failings. We live in the time of Tribulation, when the forces of Satan are being unleashed upon the earth, and only those who wear the whole armor of God are safe from their wicked ways.
USER: Night-1 | POSTED 7-6-1990 11:03:15
SUBJECT: RE: RE: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd)
Angel, while I understand where your belief comes from, I do think it's important to make a clear distinction between the creatures of hell—that is, demons and devils—and otherworldly beings like elves and fairies, as well as beings who were once human and whose core (soul) is still human, e.g., ghosts, vampires, or werewolves—as well as creatures of nature that have nothing to do with any religious beliefs whatsoever, such as yetis, hydras, or even aliens. I think the reason for this is quite obvious: The Bible describes demons as fallen angels—that is, all those who joined Satan in his rebellion against the Sovereign.
At the same time, however, it also describes how the Sovereign created the world and the universe (and thus other worlds)—from which we can conclude that beings who have emerged from another world (in whatever way) are natural beings created by God. Especially since Satan himself has no creative power—after all, he is weaker than the LORD (but also stronger than us).
However, if your definition were that everything that is not an angel is automatically a demon, then we humans would also fall under the definition of a demon. Especially since it was Adam and Eve who once supported the devil in their rebellion—which is why we now suffer from what is known as hereditary sin.
USER: AngelBlsd | 7-6-1990 12:32:36
SUBJECT: RE: RE: RE: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd) (Night-1)
Those things you call "otherworldly" - they are lies told by Satan, and masks worn by demons. God has already told us what we need to know about the spiritual world. He did not leave us wondering whether fairies or elves should be trusted. As for vampires. ghosts, and what-have-you - they might have been human once, but they've rejected God, or else they never could have become the monsters they are. They are damned - perhaps not technically demons, but they might as well be.
USER: Night-1 | 7-6-1990 13:25:15
SUBJECT: RE: RE: RE: RE: Demonic Encounters (AngelBlsd) (Night-1) (AngelBlsd)
I would even say that it's extremely important to know and identify the differences—especially when it comes to establishing an effective defense against all those beings who wish you harm.
Just to be clear: Just because I don't think everything should be labeled a demon doesn't mean these creatures and entities aren't dangerous!!!
I've definitely read too much about what they're capable of, according to my ancestors diary. Otherworldly beings like elves and fairies, for example, are more susceptible to iron, while demons can be fought with holy water. Ghosts, on the other hand, seem largely unimpressed by these things as long as they aren't inhabiting a body. In fact, many ghosts even seem to seek out the vicinity of churches and cemeteries, where there are countless crosses and religious imagery. And I suspect that if aliens ever deign to land here, they wouldn't be defeated by iron, crosses, or garlic.
USER: AngelBlsd | 7-6-1990 17:47:02
SUBJECT: Combatting the forces of Hell (Night-1)
I suppose, if you are planning to go into combat with the forces of Satan, this knowledge has its place. I feel that most people are best served by keeping away from them altogether, but I cannot deny the need to face them upon the battlefield when needs must.
USER: Night-1 | POSTED 8-6-1990 1:02:12
SUBJECT: RE: Combatting the forces of Hell (Night-1) (AngelBlsd)
It is not so much that I plan to take on any supernatural beings, but rather the caution dictated by sensible preparation for a serious situation.
Moreover, history (and, for that matter, the Bible) teaches us that those who have once come into contact with something extraordinary, or have become aware of something, are confronted with it again and again, and with increasing intensity.
This is why I am now trying to research a whole host of creatures; I want to be prepared, not defenceless – having read about them in Hermann's journal and with my conviction that these beings are real having been reinforced by certain incidents.
Whilst I'm certain that a strong faith in God will help against certain demonic beings, one should consider more than just one defence strategy – I'm naturally certain that your faith isn't so easily shaken – but nevertheless, a shield is only as good as the person holding it – and even Eve, who knew God personally, was led astray by the Devil.
So I'm glad you understand that it's important to distinguish between the enemies – your enemies and HIS enemies.
USER: Horatio | POSTED 8-6-1990 1:24:13
SUBJECT: RE: RE: Combatting the forces of Hell (Night-1) (AngelBlsd) (Night-1)
On the topic of the power of faith to deter supernatural creatures - the reports we get are a mixed bag. Some things ignore it entirely - other creatures that seem identical are strongly impacted. I have a hypothesis about it, that I'm trying to gather evidence to support or refute, that it is actually several factors - this is largely based on reports of vampire encounters, but there are a few ghosts that I've looked into and a couple of things that might be demons. I think it comes down to three factors (all of which have varying levels of intensity).
- The faith of the person - if the person waving a cross or star of david or whatever at the vampire really believes, it seems more likely to work than if they don't.
- The faith of the creature - sometimes, we get a report of a vampire or ghost recoiling from a faith object even when the person holding it doesn't believe - and it looks like it is because the *creature* believes in it strongly.
- Proximity to a higher power/general magic levels - If the encounter is happening in a place that has more connection to the higher power associated to the faith, the effect is more likely to work. Also, it is more likely to work whenever magic itself is more likely to work. That complicates things, because the places we tend to think of as sacred or holy ground are also places where magic is more likely to work in general so it is hard to untangle the two effects.
In general, I wouldn't depend solely on faith or objects/places of faith to deter the supernatural - but it doesn't hurt.
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