In another forum aimed at helping ex-charismatics find their way back to Biblical faith, the subject of exorcism comes up every so often. This time some of the folks want to find Reformed literature on the subject.
I have spent hours looking for some - and I can't find any! I think it demonstrates that exorcism is a "non issue" for most of us because Christ has "bound the strong man and plundered his house (Matthew 12:29)" and "disarmed rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15)." The only power the demons have over any Christian is deceit "(doctrines of demons," 1 Timothy 4:1).
But huge numbers of charismatics (and quite a few recovering ex-charismatics) still carry the baggage of unBiblical myths and fables about exorcism.
Can y'all point me to some Reformed articles and/or books on demons and exorcism? I've written some for ExCharisma, but I'd like to offer my fellow ex-xharismatic brethren more than my own commentary (with Biblical basis of course) on the subject.
Here are some articles that are informative, however in many ways they may be still lacking on your question(s) at hand.
Go Ye Into All the World - Rev. Jason L. Kortering (lacking, but reveals some diversity on the subject in Reformed circles).
I would suggest; Miracles: Yesterday and Today by Warfield (Eerdmans; Grand Rapids, MI, 1965). The New Testament Exorcism: Its Nature, Practice, and Implications for Today, by Alex W. Konya is interesting if you can locate it. It was his M.Th. dissertation.
The article I have attached is: The Lucan Account Of The Beelzebul Controversy, by Martin Emmrichi. I have another; The Biblical Criteria for Demon-Possession by Willem Berends, however it is too large to post, but send me your e-mail and I will get it to you. Both are WTS Journal articles. The normal applies. These articles also make use of the languages. Fonts are available here.
Robin writes: Can y'all point me to some Reformed articles and/or books on demons and exorcism? I've written some for ExCharisma, but I'd like to offer my fellow ex-xharismatic brethren more than my own commentary (with Biblical basis of course) on the subject.
Thanks in advance, Robin
A great book that addresses the subject is called Power Encounters; Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare by David Powlison. I think he was a prof at WTS, and is editor of the Journal of Biblical Counseling. It really is a gem, debunking the standard "Charismatic" practice, but more importantly giving great Biblical teaching on the subject.
Kevin
Last edited by Matthew2414; Fri Jan 13, 200611:22 AM.
“All that may be known of God for our salvation, especially his wisdom, love, goodness, grace and mercy on which the life of a soul depends, are represented to us in all their splendour in and through Christ.” John Owen
wow! This is a very timely conversation because this just came up via a phone conversation with a lady from our church today. Some very strange ideas about demons and houses and well, that kind of thing. I decided I better do some research on the subject and voila'!
I'll be watching this thread and may pop in with some questions. . .
Joe, could you send me the large attachment as well? I've made my email available here on the Highway or if you want me to I can PM it to you.
Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine Hiraeth
