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What is a demon? Is it some kind of evil supernatural being allied with the devil? Can people be possessed by demons? Do demons really exist?
This online version of a booklet written by Anthony Fitzgerald examines what the Bible has to say about demons.
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The subject of "demons" ("devils" in the King James Version of the Bible) is one fraught with difficulties. There can be no doubt that many Jews and Gentiles in the days of Jesus believed in the existence of demons as supernatural beings, responsible for many of the afflictions of the human race. However, there is also considerable evidence, within and outside the Bible, for rejecting this view. But if that is so, we are left with numerous questions. What are demons? What are the origins of belief in demons? Why was this belief, apparently, so widespread in the land of Palestine in the days of Jesus? How is it related to what the Bible says about the devil and Satan? Is there any particular significance in alternative terms such as "unclean spirit"? And, perhaps the most difficult question of all, why do the writers of the Gospels and the Acts, and Jesus himself. seems to refer to such things as if they are living beings with an independent existence?
This booklet sets out to examine the evidence and to construct possible answers to these and other questions. The aim has been to understand demons in the Bible, hence the title. However, in the course of the work, I found it necessary to explore aspects of the myths and legends existing among the nations surrounding Israel in the Old Testament and in the Greek and Roman world of the New. The main sources for this information are referred to in the text and included in the Bibliography. Otherwise, I know I have picked up the seeds of some ideas over many years, from other books, articles, talks and conversations but, as I guess is a common problem, the original sources I cannot now identify. Other ideas put forward here, I cannot recall coming across elsewhere at all, although I hesitate to claim they are original. Numerous friends have read earlier drafts of the material and others have heard me speak on selected aspects of the problem. Many have made helpful comments on various details. I have benefited considerably from all my mentors and take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to every one, both those I could name, and others, I regret, I cannot call to mind. Not wanting to appear partial in my gratitude I shall refrain from naming any, and trust that all will bear with me in this omission. I think that some of the ideas could be developed further, while others may not stand up to critical scrutiny. The document is intended essentially as a discussion paper, and I should particularly appreciate any comments readers care to let me have, of both positive and negative kinds.