RE: [TruthTalk] Adam - sin - and the rest of us

[ShieldsFamily]

Izzy in blue:   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Debbie Sawczak Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 10:50 PM To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Adam - sin - and the rest of us   I am thinking that a one-to-one association between demonic activity and conditions affecting certain parts of the brain is a mistake. Agreed.   Where these conditions can be adequately explained by observable physical imbalances, malfunctions, damage, or whatever, why would one ascribe them, as a category, to demons? I have no doubt that such physical dysfunction or damage can be initiated by demons, but must it be in every case of the disorder, or even in most cases? Absolutely not IMO.  That is, if some cases of schizophrenia are actually demonic possession or oppression, must that be typical? Demons can probably cause eczema and bowel cancer too. Absolutely possible IMO. As for healings, God can heal any condition miraculously, but his doing so (no matter the words of the prayer) is not in itself evidence that the condition was caused by demons, even though the healing has spiritual significance. True IMO.   I think we should not be in haste to chalk stuff up to demons, nor to conclude that a mentally ill person has been spiritually weak or negligent, has been giving footholds to the devil, or needs to repent. It becomes a way of blaming the individual or casting aspersions on her spiritual integrity. Agreed—that was not the intended meaning of our conversation. But it does need to be considered if one isn’t sure of the source, would you agree?   It is also a way of denying that we are intrinsically physical beings. Though not reducible to chemicals and tissue, let's face it, if the chemicals or tissue are messed up, we are disabled to just that extent, whether it is colour blindness or PMS, diabetes or dementia, arthritis or bipolar disorder. Disability limits the choices open to us. What exactly is the extent to which it does so in each case? We don't know. Not knowing, we believe the best of people.  We can’t set people free of demons if we assume there are none.  Sometimes they have them and do wish to be set free. We might want to at least look into that option.  But not usually I’d say.  Have you read psychiatrist M. Scott Peck’s “People of the Lie”, where he describes exorcisms he has witnessed?  He says “evil” should be a valid psychiatric diagnosis. I agree. izzy   Debbie ----- Original Message ----- From: ShieldsFamily To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 5:30 PM Subject: RE: [TruthTalk] Adam - sin - and the rest of us   It would be impossible for anyone with Alzheimer’s or severe dementia to do anything like acknowledge responsibility or repent.  One of our pastors is a youngish (mid 40’s?) man who has Parkinson’s.  It doesn’t affect one mentally.  izzy   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Judy Taylor Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 7:59 AM To: truthtalk@mail.innglory.org Subject: [TruthTalk] Adam - sin - and the rest of us   At Pleasant Valley they are successful when they find the spiritual root or the reason for the curse to be there - followed by the victim acknowleding, taking responsibility, and repenting before the Lord.  Deliverance and freedom are then easy and for something like Alzheimers they would pray for a creative miracle to restore brain tissue.  I don't know that they pray for these as yet though because when I was there they were still doing research on Parkinson's, Alzheimers etc.  A cousin of my husband just died from a stem cell disorder which is a lot like these two and is called Supra Nuclear Palsy - have you heard of it Izzy?   From: "David Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Izzy wrote: > Would you expect such success in casting out > demons in cases of Alzheimer's, where there is > atrophied brain tissue?   I've never thought of Alzheimer's being caused by evil spirits.  In Alzheimer's there is definite organic destruction of brain tissue.  I suppose it could be caused by an evil spirit.  I've just never thought of it that way.  I've looked at it as an aging process gone awry, and would categorize it more with stroke victims than bipolar / schizophrenia. Obviously, my faith might tend to fall short in this scenario due to my lack of knowledge.  I would approach this more as a healing situation than a need for deliverance, but I'm teachable if this is not the case.   Peace be with you. David Miller.   ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man."  (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org   If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed.  If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.