Possession may conjure up the many images from movies and cartoon-like visages of the devil. There are many references in the Bible, and it can be a struggle to relate concepts in the scriptures to today. Even though these are ancient teachings, they are still very much relevant today. So, what is possession? Does it still happen in this day and age? How do you recognize the signs, and what can you do to guard yourself against evil in the world?

Today, we discuss how outside influences can become part of us and how we can often feel bound by them. We explore the differences between ideological and demonic possession and how it is not always the instant process we may think. We discuss how a healthy sense of sin is helpful and why we should not hate ‘evil’ people. We share how spiritual problems are not correctable with human solutions and why the Bible's teachings are still relevant today. We also discuss the power of belief, how you can deal with the feelings of being bound, and your best weapons against the modern world's evils.

"There's always something that you can't see, controlling something that you can." - Dr. Matt Hook 

This week on Shepherd & the Shrink:

●      Do outside influences truly possess us

●      How all belief has a metaphysical element

●      How symbolism helps to reflect the true meaning of faith

●      How we can feel bound by outside things

●      The difference between demonic and ideological possession

●      Why possession is not the quick or instant process we may think it is

●      How healthy guilt or a sense of personal sin can stop things from getting out of hand

●      Why an unsubmitted will can allow evil in

●      Why evil people are not to be hated

●      How we can follow scripture to mock the devil in the world today

●      The story of possession in Mark 5:1 and how it relates to modern times

●      How we entomb ourselves with things that are not life-giving

●      How spiritual problems can't be reconciled with human solutions

●      Why the teachings and actions in the Bible can help with the modern conditions we see in others

●      How we can change our view to look above what the world shows us

●      The power of belief and how it shapes our world

●      How you can deal with the feeling of being bound

●      What are demons, demonic possession, and your best weapon against it

Resources Mentioned:

●      The People of the Lie - by M. Scott Peck

●      The Road Less Traveled - by M. Scott Peck

●      The Screwtape Letters - by C. S. Lewis

Bringing Mental Health and Spirituality Together 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Shepherd & the Shrink Podcast with your hosts Dr. Matt Hook and Dr. Martin Fletcher, the show where theology meets psychology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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