AboutJ.M.J. West Expertise I will make an attempt at almost any question. I am a trained Catechist and Apologist, and I can answer most questions regarding:
-Church Doctrine
-Biblical questions (I have a cursory understanding of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic)
-Catholic Philosophy
-History of the Church (especially the early church)
-Apologetic questions (i.e. why we believe what we believe)
-Ethics
I look forward to your questions!
Experience I work as the College Catechist of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, and the Director of RCIA. I am a revert to the Catholic faith and had to learn my way home, so to speak.
Education/Credentials B.A. Philosophy, Benedictine College
B.A. History, Benedictine College
Expert: J.M.J. West Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: HELP ME URGENT!
Question Dear West,
I have an issue. My friend is possessed by Satan! What do I do? He has a demon called Legion in him. Chief Activities of Satan and Demons?
1. They tempt people to sin, by putting various kinds of imaginations in the minds of men and women and speaking words of deceit (Genesis 3:1-6). Satan even tempted Jesus, and Jesus revealed to us the way to overcome temptation by using the Word of God (see Matthew 4:1-10). I was using God's word and he Brian rejected it.
2. They deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14). They especially lie about God, blaming all the evil on God this demon was doing just that. Many religious leaders are deceived by Satan. As long as we remain deceived on some important point, Satan's demons have something they can work with. They can return to it, like rats return to rubbish.
3. They hurt and torment through sickness (Acts 10:38), death, breakdown of human relationships leading to strife, war and violence.
4. They threaten (producing fear)Brian tried to do that well Satan that was in my friend tried to scare me I said to it you dont scare me you devil. (2 Timothy 1.7). They suggest all kinds of negative scenarios in order to create anxiety and fear. My friend is in serious trouble and needs help he is in a lot of trouble!
Many fears of people today are unreasonable and are the direct result of demonic suggestion.
5. They dominate, or enslave The devils have enslaved Brian :-( Now I am upset and I dont know how to get him to go to the bishop for an exorcism(2 Timoythy 2:26). Satan seeks to recruit slaves through the power of witchcraft and other forms of false religion. He gives power or money or sexual pleasures in exchange for various forms of worship and obedience. But Satan always double-crosses his servants, so they too become victims of his hate. Jesus said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
6. They accuse God's people so that they have reduced effectiveness in their prayers and their relationship with God.
7. They harrass - through repeated attacks on mind, emotions, body, finances or through inspiring persecutors to make life hard for Christians.
8. They glorify themselves through witchcraft, false religion and other tools like the occult and much of today’s popular rock-and-roll, rap and metal music. That is what My friend Brian does he listens to Dark Heavy metal music! He does witchcraft and he said I am powerful then your God.
Fear, hate and pride are the major motivations in Satan's kingdom. When you see these characteristics in a person, you are looking at someone who has yielded to evil spirits, whether they know it or not.
Jesus said that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. If you make friends with spirits committed to your destruction, you are a fool. (John 10:10). God loves us, and doesn't want us to have fellowship with demons (see 1 Corinthians 10:20). For that reason, we must worship God and not give that place in our hearts to the various idols in our culture.
We are called to war against Satan and evil spirits (Ephesians 6:12). Only in Christ's power and authority can we drive them out of their positions of influence. If we are in right relationship with God we have nothing to fear. If not we should cry out to God for deliverance.
Satan's works include sickness, inspiring false religion, strife and wars, creating poverty and oppression, leading people to torment and eternal hell.
He tries to rob Christians of their inheritance in Christ. Satan was trying to do that with me but he said Do you surrender your soul I said no! I am standing firm with Christ with God. You have no authority over me.
But praise God! We can overcome demons through faith in the name and blood of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. Life is better for overcomers.
This is really bad. I dont want to lose him. He had an evil vibe to him. He said My name is Legion. I was sure that he was possessed by the devil him self. What to do? HELP ME
Answer If your friend is possessed, then seek a priest for an exorcism. Do not mess around with the powers of hell.
But I find it odd that all of your revelations and contacts with spiritual powers both good and evil (in your prior questions) are basically scriptural glosses addressed to you. (Cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_(demon))
If you are being serious, you may continue to ask questions, but please do not joke about such matters.
