Confronting the Reality of Demonic Possession: A Christian Perspective on Causes and Deliverance
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
The topic of demonic possession isn’t just reserved for Hollywood thrillers or dismissed as medieval superstition. As someone who has undergone profound transformations in my life—from an ex-Muslim and former socialist to a conservative Christian in the LDS faith—I have come to realize the reality and impact of spiritual forces in our lives. The phenomenon of demonic possession may sound foreign to the modern skeptic, yet historical and contemporary evidence underscores its legitimacy, its causes, and the ways to remove these evil influences.
The Reality of Demonic Possession
Demonic possession has been documented in nearly every culture and religion, suggesting a near-universal recognition of spiritual malignance afflicting individuals. While some in secular circles may argue that possession cases are merely mental health issues, even modern psychology has been confounded by cases where symptoms do not align with known mental disorders. For instance, Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s chief exorcist for decades, performed over 70,000 exorcisms, many of which involved phenomena inexplicable by naturalistic explanations: supernatural strength, speaking in unknown languages, or exhibiting knowledge of hidden thingsuses of Demonic Possession: How It Happens
Demonic possession doesn’t happen randomly; rather, there are identifiable factors that open individuals to such dark influences. From my experience, both as a former leader in Islamic organizations and now as a conservative Christian, I see possession as a consequence of embracing ideologies, practices, or behaviors that contradict divine principles. The root causes include the following:
Engagement with the Occult: Many cases of possession occur when individuals dabble in occult practices, whether through “harmless” practices like Ouija boards, séances, or tarot readings, to more intense rituals involving spell-casting or conjuring spirits. The Bible warns explicitly against such practices (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) for good reason: these rituals are a gateway for demonic influence.
Substance Abuse and Addiction: Addiction is one of the most profound entry points for evil spirits, primarily because substances like alcohol and drugs impair judgment and often lead to immoral actions, distancing individuals from divine influence. In my work in the Muslim Forum and later in my life as a Christian, I’ve seen how addiction can break down spiritual defenses, making individuals susceptible to possession.
Sexual Immorality: This is another common factor in possession cases. When people engage in behaviors that objectify or degrade the body—such as promiscuity, pornography, or other acts outside of sacred covenants—they are defiling what God has deemed holy. In Islam, sexual morality is stressed, yet certain behaviors are still often excused or ignored, which I believe opens a path to demonic influence. From a Christian LDS perspective, sexuality is sacred, and violating that sanctity can invite dark forces.
Blasphemy and Denial of God: Apostasy and rejection of divine truths can lead people to open themselves up to deception. From my own journey as a former Muslim and ex-socialist, I know how secular ideologies often foster disbelief and mockery of the divine, breeding spiritual emptiness. A lack of belief, or worse, outright blasphemy, leaves people spiritually unguarded.
Exposure to Extreme Suffering and Trauma: People who have experienced profound trauma or violence—such as survivors of war or abuse—are often more vulnerable to possession. Evil spirits prey on the broken, the hurt, and the isolated. While psychology may attribute symptoms to post-traumatic stress, I have witnessed how demons can use trauma as an entry point, twisting the pain to isolate individuals further and maintain a foothold.
Recognizing Signs of Possession
Symptoms of possession can range from behavioral changes to supernatural manifestations. According to Christian belief, common indicators include uncharacteristic violence, a deep aversion to holy symbols or scriptures, sudden knowledge of unknown languages, or contorted physical movements. During my work in CAIR, I met people who expressed signs that went beyond psychological conditions; as a Christian, I now see these as indications of possession or oppression.
How to Remove Demons: The Path to Deliverance
Deliverance from demonic possession is not an easy or simple process, but it is possible. The LDS Church, like other Christian faiths, believes in the power of the priesthood and the authority granted by Jesus Christ to cast out demons. Based on biblical teachings and my own spiritual journey, here are ways one can be freed from demonic influence:
Repentance and Confession: The first step to breaking free from demonic influence is repentance. By acknowledging sin and turning away from it, individuals break the legal grounds demons may claim. Repentance cleanses the soul and restores one's connection with God. Jesus said in Luke 13:3, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Repentance is not merely an apology but an active rejection of previous sinful actions.
Seeking Priesthood Authority: In the LDS Church, the priesthood authority plays a crucial role in exorcism. LDS scriptures outline instances where those with proper authority have cast out evil spirits through the power of the priesthood. This authority, restored through Joseph Smith, allows us to cast out demons by the name of Jesus Christ. There are numerous cases in both historical and modern times where priesthood holders, when acting righteously, have successfully exorcised demons .
** Fasting**: Jesus told his disciples that some demons “goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Fasting strengthens spiritual resolve, and combined with earnest prayer, it weakens the influence of evil spirits. I have personally experienced how fasting and prayer enhance spiritual protection, particularly during moments of spiritual conflict.
Living Righteously and Invoking the Holy Spirit: A strong defense against demonic influence is a life lived in accordance with God’s commandments. By doing so, one invites the Holy Spirit, whose presence repels evil spirits. After I left Islam and socialism, I sought strength in my newfound Christian faith, adhering to values that foster the presence of the Holy Spirit. With God’s presence, demonic influence cannot thrive.
Using Sacred Texts and Symbols: Demons recoil from scriptures, holy names, and symbols such as the cross, the beehive, and other sanctified emblems. These symbols carry the authority and reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and victory over evil. In cases where individuals feel attacked, reading scriptures aloud or displaying symbols of Christ’s authority can serve as powerful deterrents to demons.
Conclusion
Demonic possession is not a myth. It is a spiritual reality that has plagued humanity for millennia, impacting individuals who engage in behaviors that stray from divine protection. In today’s world, where secularism and materialism erode faith, people are more vulnerable than ever to spiritual attacks. From my perspective as an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and former leader in the Muslim Forum of Utah and CAIR, my journey to Christianity has opened my eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare. My hope is that my LDS brothers and sisters, and all who seek truth, will heed the signs and take comfort in the power of Jesus Christ to protect and deliver them.
References
: Amorth, Gabrielrcist Tells His Story*. Ignatius Press, 1999.
: Peterson, Daniel C. “Demliverance in the LDS Context.” BYU Studies Quarterly, vol. 50, no. 3, 2011, https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/demons-and-deliverance/.
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