Addiction and Demonization-Intro

In this series we are going to look at the topic of Addiction and Demonization, and if those with addictions can be Demonized. What about Christians? In regard to addiction we are talking about all forms of addiction, included, but not limited to, alcohol, drug, eating disorder addictions, gambling, pornography, sexual.

Addiction
The Bible interestingly does not address the subject of addiction in a specific manner other than 1 Timothy 3:3, 8, and Titus 1:7 in regard to addicted to wine. The other time that addicted is used is in a positive sense, in 1 Corinthians 16:15, ‘…the house of Stephanas have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.’ When using the phrase addiction we are using it in the sense of being enslaved to a specific sin that leads to destructive behavior.

Demonized
In regard to demonization we are speaking specifically of the Greek word daimonizomai. Most English Bibles translate the word as demon possession, but the literal definition would be “under the control of a demon”. Phrases like ‘having an unclean spirit’, ‘having a demon’, ‘subject to demonic influence or oppression’ or more accurate than demon possession. Possession insinuates having full control, ownership. (Even the young man with a legion of demons was not fully possessed, fully controlled by demons, the demons could not prevent him from going to Jesus.) In this series we are not concerned with the location of demons. We believe in the big picture it is immaterial if the demon is speaking in someone’s ear, sitting on their shoulder, or within them. The concern is if a person with an addiction can be demonized, not the location of the demon(s).

In this series when I use the phrase of ‘casting out demons’, I am not addressing the location of the demons, I am addressing the removal of the control of the demons.

Christians, Addiction and Demonization
Specifically we are going to explore if addiction opens up doors to the demonic, if the unsaved can have addiction and be demonized, and if Christians can be addicted and be demonized. Most Christians will agree that addiction can open the door to demoniac influence (at a minimum), and maybe a lost person can be demonized. Most Christians believe that Christians can become addicted to sin. Where there is disagreement is if a Christian with an addiction can be demonized.

Why the Discussion?
I believe the discussion of this topic is critical for several reasons and thus worth addressing such a controversial topic.
A. If individuals who are addicted, but not Christians, can be demonized, should there not be more focus on the casting out of demons? Is the reason so many individuals never obtain long term recovery is because the demonic influence is overall ignored? Are we, as Christians doing a disservice to those who are addicted if we never address the demonic?

B. If Christians can be addicted and can be demonized, and we never address the potential of demonization of an addicted Christian how successful do we think their recovery is going to be over an addiction? Is there the potential our doctrine has prevented Christian brother and sisters in Christ from walking free from an addiction?

C. If non-Christians who have addictions can be demonized and we do not include casting out demons as one of the means for them to be set free, we need to repent. How much more repentance should take place if Christians with addictions can be demonized and we have completely avoided the topic of casting out demons? By our avoidance of casting out demons have we allowed brothers and sisters in Christ to be tormented by demonic spirits?

It is time for addiction and demonization to be addressed. I would say it is overdue.