The Sean McDowell Show Mind Reading, Demonic Possession: the Bible on Demons
Sep 20, 2024
In this engaging discussion, scholar Michael Heiser, renowned for his insights into biblical themes, delves into the intriguing world of demons as depicted in scripture. He addresses whether demons can read minds and clarifies their actual powers. The conversation unveils the complexities of biblical interpretations, particularly the narratives of Genesis 6, and the interplay of chaos and order in divine contexts. Heiser sheds light on the historical differences in understanding demonic possession across the Old and New Testaments, challenging popular misconceptions.
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A Providential Poke in the Eye
- Michael Heiser's study of the unseen realm began unexpectedly during a casual church conversation.
- A friend's suggestion to read Psalm 82 in Hebrew sparked a journey into biblical theology and the divine council.
Selective Supernaturalism
- The Bible presents a complex, supernatural worldview that modern readers often miss.
- Christians tend to selectively embrace supernatural concepts while rejecting others from the same source.
Demons in the Old Testament
- The word "demons" appears infrequently in the Old Testament and has a different meaning than in the New Testament.
- Understanding the original languages and context reveals a richer vocabulary for evil spirits.