What is the biblical basis for consulting psychiatrists to rule out natural explanations before declaring someone demon-possessed?
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This question addresses the epistemological challenges of determining whether someone is possessed by demons. Belief in demon possession has to contend with skepticism from those who view it as a myth lacking scientific evidence (see the sources cited in the appendix of [this question](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/101703/61679)) . Even among believers in demonic possession, there is often an acknowledgment of the need to rule out alternative natural explanations such as mental illness or fraud. For example, see the article [*As a psychiatrist, I diagnose mental illness. Also, I help spot demonic possession*](https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/07/01/as-a-psychiatrist-i-diagnose-mental-illness-and-sometimes-demonic-possession/) by Richard Gallagher.
However, the Bible does not mention any cases where a mental health professional was consulted to confirm that an allegedly possessed individual was not simply experiencing a mundane psychological disorder. Jesus and the Apostles were able to discern possession directly, presumably using [discernment of spirits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discernment_of_spirits) , without the need for intermediaries to rule out false positives.
What is the biblical basis for requiring a psychiatrist to examine an individual before declaring them demon-possessed?
Asked by user61679
May 20, 2024, 06:07 AM
Last activity: May 21, 2024, 12:56 PM
Last activity: May 21, 2024, 12:56 PM