What is the difference, if any, between "unclean spirits" (Mark 5:2) and "demons" (Matthew 8:16)?
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I realized today that when I used the word "demons" I was thinking of evil spirits of all varieties, including human beings that work evil from the spirit world. But others believe the word "demon" only applies to non-human spirits such as fallen angels or perhaps evil deities of some sort.
In the Bible, Jesus refers to the "unclean spirit" [or spirits] that possessed the man who called himself Legion because he was tormented by so many evil spirits.
> [Jesus said] “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus
> asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we
> are many.” And he begged him eagerly not to send them out of the
> country. Now a great herd of swine was feeding there on the
> hillside; and they [the spirits] begged him, “Send us to the swine, let us enter
> them.” So he gave them leave. And the unclean spirits came out, and
> entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed
> down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea. (Mark
> 5:9-13)
But elsewhere, Jesus heals various people possessed by "demons."
> That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons;
> and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick.
I'd like to know more about how various Christian denominations and other religions view those who do evil in the spiritual realm, and especially: do they believe that the term "demons" includes evil spirits who were once human beings.
Rather than personal opinions, a good answer will provide the perspectives of several religions or experts. I would not rule out spiritualists in the latter category.
Asked by Dan Fefferman
(7370 rep)
Sep 1, 2022, 02:43 PM
Last activity: Dec 7, 2024, 05:05 AM
Last activity: Dec 7, 2024, 05:05 AM