Do Demons Cause All Bad Things to Occur? (ritual, Earth)

Buttons* · #1 01-17-2006, 08:37 PM

So today in the lovely world of CHUMS, (Christian Humanities) our class discussed the differences between Christianity, a "monotheistic" religion, and Animism, a "polytheistic" religion. There were differences that made sense, but at the end of the note-taking, we wrote down this set of notes... at which I was ready to throw a fit in protest:

"Animism: They believe that the spirits and the instruments of magic have the power to do either harm others or to bring benefit to others.

Christianity: We believe that there are spirits, but they are evil and wish to distract us from God. They can cause natural disasters, and are deceptive, hoping to lead us into bondage."

... Do Christians really believe that demons caused the hurricane? Do you all truly feel that tornados, earthquakes and natural disastars are caused by spirits trying to do us harm?

If yes... I have a few choice words: Plate tectonic shifting, weather patterns of rising heat and cooling wind, and season change. Those are natural disasters, nothing demonic, and nothing people can control. Truthfully, we just arent that special! Let it go! No ammount of praying will stop disasters from happening, and its not a demonic thing! We may think we're all powerful and mighty, but we just arent! The only way that "demons" have merit is if we give it to them. Why would you let yourself believe that? Besides, in that case, if demons were the ones causing natural disasters, you're basically blaming God for letting those things happen, because God should be able to get rid of those pesky demons...

*breaths deeply* okay, im finished... discuss!

dawny0826 · #2 01-17-2006, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buttons*

... Do Christians really believe that demons caused the hurricane? Do you all truly feel that tornados, earthquakes and natural disastars are caused by spirits trying to do us harm?

If yes... I have a few choice words: Plate tectonic shifting, weather patterns of rising heat and cooling wind, and season change. Those are natural disasters, nothing demonic, and nothing people can control. Truthfully, we just arent that special! Let it go! No ammount of praying will stop disasters from happening, and its not a demonic thing! We may think we're all powerful and mighty, but we just arent! The only way that "demons" have merit is if we give it to them. Why would you let yourself believe that crap? Besides, in that case, if demons were the ones causing natural disasters, you're basically blaming God for letting those things happen, because God should be able to get rid of those pesky demons...

I don't know what precisely is causing all of the natural disasters and I don't really worry about it because I know God's got a plan and has it all under control.

But I DO very much believe that there are demons, just as there are angelic forces. And Satan DOES do all he can to divert our eyes from the cross. I don't think it IMPOSSIBLE that spiritual forces play a roll in natural diasters.

If God allows something to happen, I believe with all my heart, that it's part of HIS plan for the world...even the chaos in my own life...I know with every negative...if my faith is in Him...I'll grow from whatever it is.

I don't consider the thought of demons "crap". They're very real. And you're right...the only power they have over our lives is the power that we give them.

I'm a Christian...so when I place things into perspective...I believe that GOD is above EVERYTHING...and He knows what He's doing...whether He's currently manipulating the forces of nature or not...I know there's a rhyme and reason for all that happens.

Buttons* · #3 01-17-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawny0826

I don't know what precisely is causing all of the natural disasters and I don't really worry about it because I know God's got a plan and has it all under control.

But I DO very much believe that there are demons, just as there are angelic forces. And Satan DOES do all he can to divert our eyes from the cross. I don't think it IMPOSSIBLE that spiritual forces play a roll in natural diasters.

If God allows something to happen, I believe with all my heart, that it's part of HIS plan for the world...even the chaos in my own life...I know with every negative...if my faith is in Him...I'll grow from whatever it is.

I don't consider the thought of demons "crap". They're very real. And you're right...the only power they have over our lives is the power that we give them.

I'm a Christian...so when I place things into perspective...I believe that GOD is above EVERYTHING...and He knows what He's doing...whether He's currently manipulating the forces of nature or not...I know there's a rhyme and reason for all that happens.

i apologize for calling your belief "crap" i was on a rant, and not very responsible with my word choice. I edited it to fix it.

Scuba Pete · #4 01-17-2006, 09:18 PM

This is the problem of a WAY BROAD BRUSH. Not all Christians believe this and it is unfortunate that so many feel no compunction to describe the variety that is Christian faith.

Buttons* · #5 01-17-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NetDoc

This is the problem of a WAY BROAD BRUSH. Not all Christians believe this and it is unfortunate that so many feel no compunction to describe the variety that is Christian faith.

i agree, it kind of bothers me that they choose one "truth" to describe an entire religion...

much in the way it bothers me that a group of people will pick one truth to force upon a whole nation...

dawny0826 · #6 01-17-2006, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buttons*

i apologize for calling your belief "crap" i was on a rant, and not very responsible with my word choice. I edited it to fix it.

No problem.

FFH · #7 01-17-2006, 09:25 PM

Great post Dawny. God is in control of this world, and everything that happens in it.

Romans 8: 28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

dawny0826 · #8 01-17-2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFH

Great post Dawny. God is in control of this world, and everything that happens in it.

Romans 8: 28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I thought about that verse, today, actually. He IS good. And I'm truly excited about what He has in store for our lives.

Buttons, sorry for the diversion, here. Good thread topic.

Master Vigil · #9 01-18-2006, 07:48 PM

Since I don't believe demons exist, I certainly don't believe natural disasters are "demons" doing. Also, many animists do not view there belief as polytheistic, but pantheistic.