DEMONIC POSSESSION Meaning and
Definition
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Demonic possession refers to the belief or concept that an individual's body, mind, or soul is taken over or controlled by a supernatural entity commonly referred to as a demon. This phenomenon is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and is found in various cultures and traditions around the world.
The term "demonic possession" is rooted in the idea that a person's behavior, thoughts, or actions are no longer under their own control but are instead manipulated by an external malevolent force. The possession is believed to occur as a result of the individual's interaction or contact with demons, usually through rituals, curses, or other occult practices.
Typical signs or symptoms that are associated with demonic possession include radical changes in personality, uncontrollable and violent outbursts, speaking in unknown languages or tongues, superhuman strength, aversion to religious symbols or prayers, and the ability to have knowledge of distant or hidden events.
Exorcism, a ritualistic practice performed by specially trained individuals such as priests or spiritual healers, is often employed to rid the possessed person of the demon's influence. The process typically involves prayers, incantations, the use of sacred objects, and commanding the entity to leave the person's body.
It is important to note that while demonic possession is deeply ingrained in religious beliefs, it is also a subject of skepticism and debate within scientific and secular communities, who typically attribute the experiences associated with possession to psychological or psychiatric conditions.
Etymology of DEMONIC POSSESSION
The word "demonic" is derived from the Late Latin word "daemon" or the Greek word "daimon", both of which refer to a supernatural being or spirit. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, daemons were not necessarily evil but were powerful entities that could influence human beings. Over time, as Christianity developed, the concept of daemons became associated with evil spirits or the devil.
The word "possession" comes from the Latin word "possessio", which means "act of possessing" or "a state of being possessed". It is derived from the verb "possidere", meaning "to have and hold". In the context of "demonic possession", it refers to the belief that an evil spirit or demon has taken control over a person's body, mind, or soul.
