Okay, the "evidence of evil in the human realm" is helpful. And indeed, because where else would we get that evidence? I totally agree that even the nasty and unkind often are not absolutely so.
I stayed up way too late reading about deliverance ministries (which I mentioned in the post briefly) last night and the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church had some really interesting things to say about this movement (which says that demons are everywhere, and cause every ailment ever, and so they must be cast out - like demons make you poor, diabetic, schizophrenic, bald):
"First, it is deeply problematic to conclude on the basis of the Scriptures that human weaknesses that in general may be attributed to the fall (including physical weakness such as illness) are the result of some kind of "demon possession." Moreover, this raises the serious question of a failure to distinguish between the influence of sin and evil upon our lives, and the demonic possession of Christians--the latter of which has no basis in the New Testament. Second, it is possible that among some deliverance ministry advocates Christians are thought not to be "whole" or "fully holy" until they have been rid of certain "vices." Such a view would be contrary to the unanimous testimony of the biblical writers that God has declared us to be totally righteous in his sight through Jesus Christ, who gives us His Spirit that we may grow in a life of sanctification--something that is never perfect in this life. Finally, the deliverance ministry movement seems to fail to recognize the role that human suffering plays in the life of the believer who places his or her trust in the God who in the midst of suffering works out his good purposes (Rom. 8:28-30)."
I think that last sentence is particularly good. Oh me, I'm citing the Lutherans now.
no subject
I stayed up way too late reading about deliverance ministries (which I mentioned in the post briefly) last night and the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church had some really interesting things to say about this movement (which says that demons are everywhere, and cause every ailment ever, and so they must be cast out - like demons make you poor, diabetic, schizophrenic, bald):
"First, it is deeply problematic to conclude on the basis of the Scriptures that human weaknesses that in general may be attributed to the fall (including physical weakness such as illness) are the result of some kind of "demon possession." Moreover, this raises the serious question of a failure to distinguish between the influence of sin and evil upon our lives, and the demonic possession of Christians--the latter of which has no basis in the New Testament. Second, it is possible that among some deliverance ministry advocates Christians are thought not to be "whole" or "fully holy" until they have been rid of certain "vices." Such a view would be contrary to the unanimous testimony of the biblical writers that God has declared us to be totally righteous in his sight through Jesus Christ, who gives us His Spirit that we may grow in a life of sanctification--something that is never perfect in this life. Finally, the deliverance ministry movement seems to fail to recognize the role that human suffering plays in the life of the believer who places his or her trust in the God who in the midst of suffering works out his good purposes (Rom. 8:28-30)."
I think that last sentence is particularly good. Oh me, I'm citing the Lutherans now.