Anyone suffering from a mental illness has likely heard at least once in their lifetime that they are possessed. This may come from a loved ones, caregivers, or even strangers. However, being mentally ill does not equate to demonic possession!
Are you wondering how I can stand (sit) here and make such a claim? The Bible supports the fact that demonic possession and mental illness are two different issues.
Although by no means an exhaustive list, below you will find some of the major differences between the two.
Mental Illness Versus Demonic Possession:
Demons:
- Cannot exist in the same body as the Holy Spirit
- Mark 9:25 & Matthew 17:18
- the disciples were not able to cast the demon out, but Jesus could.
- James 4:7
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
- Mark 9:25 & Matthew 17:18
- Not treatable except by prayer/casting out
- (Might) Have strength beyond the normal human scope
- Cannot act normal
Mental Illness:
- Are able to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
- Treatable by medicine and therapy
- God sometimes allows Christians to suffer
- People with less severe forms can act like they’re not ill (seem normal).
- There are those suffering with a mental illness that become highly religious or obsessed with the Bible
- King Nebuchadnezzar suffered possible mental illness symptoms and says, “at that time my sanity returned to me …” (v.36)
- Daniel 4:33-36
- Speaks of sanity returning in v.34 as well.
- For “wickedness” and abandoning God, the Bible says various curses and punishments that will befall the person (or people), including “madness” and “mental confusion” (v.28)
- Deuteronomy 28:28
- If this “madness” could happen to non-Christians it can happen to us because sin is in the world.
- David pretended to be crazy
Seizures and Cutting:
Furthermore, this post would not be complete without some mention of seizures and cutting. Both are (in the Bible) frequently associated with demons.
When someone has a seizure, we don’t jump to the conclusion that they must be possessed. With the advancements in science, we now can for the most part explain why seizures happen. There were specific cases in Scripture, but that does not mean people who suffer from seizures are possessed.
Seizures Caused By Demon Possession:
If not all (or even most) cases of epilepsy or other seizures are caused by demons, why would we think that all (or most) cases of mental illness are caused by demons?
Cutting:
Also associated with demons in the Bible was cutting:
Which the Bible specifically addresses as something to avoid (a whole other can of worms):
Cutting being addressed so specifically is important, because someone who is demon possessed would not be able to follow such a command. The demon within the person would be making the decisions.
Someone who decides to cut themselves is not possessed.
Since someone who is demon possessed loses their sanity (see “cannot act normal” under “demons” above) the commands not to cut are likely given to people who are sane and able to comprehend the Bible.
For the most part, demons wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Frequently when Jesus interacted with demons, we see them asking Him not to torment them:
Note that the people the demons were controlling were out of their minds – or at least their bodies were beyond their own control. Even if they were able to comprehend the verses above, they would be unable to obey.
So as you can tell, mental illness and demonic possession are not synonymous. Hopefully this (very long) post has addressed any questions or doubts you might have had previously. Thanks for tuning in!
Nicole
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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