Demonology is a subject shrouded in fear, fascination, and a deep misunderstanding of spiritual warfare. My journey—spanning from the corrupt confines of Islamic doctrines to the liberating truths of Christianity—has brought me face-to-face with the stark reality of demonic forces. These entities, far from being the mythological beings of folklore, are real agents of chaos and destruction, bent on separating mankind from the divine light of Jesus Christ.
As an Iranian-American with royal lineage from the Safavid Dynasty, I was raised in an environment where Islamic mysticism and cultural traditions often intermingled. Growing up, we heard whispers of jinn—creatures described in the Qur'an as smokeless fire entities, capable of good or evil. These tales, however, were more than just folklore. They were tools of control, instilling fear and submission rather than empowering a true relationship with God.
In my roles as a former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director and President of the Muslim Forum of Utah, I saw how Islam weaponized these superstitions. The focus on external rituals, including exorcisms steeped in Islamic chants, was hollow compared to the profound spiritual authority found in the name of Jesus Christ. It wasn’t until I embraced Christianity that I understood the true nature of these entities and how they operate.
The Nature of Demons
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled alongside Lucifer against God (Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:7-9). Unlike the Islamic jinn, which are presented ambiguously as morally neutral, demons are wholly corrupt. They thrive on deception, manipulating human weakness to perpetuate sin and spiritual blindness. As a Freemason and LDS Priest, I have delved deeply into understanding these forces, finding wisdom in scripture, tradition, and even ancient texts to discern their tactics.
The Book of Mormon, in tandem with the Bible, reveals profound truths about the adversary. Korihor, for example, in Alma 30, exemplifies how demonic influence manifests through ideological subversion, denying Christ and promoting self-centered philosophies. This "Korihor effect" is not unlike the lies spread by modern socialist and Islamist ideologies, both of which seek to dismantle faith, family, and freedom—values deeply rooted in Christianity.
My Personal Encounters
As an ex-Muslim, I’ve seen firsthand how Islamic rituals fail to confront demonic oppression effectively. In my own life, I experienced spiritual torment that no amount of Islamic prayer or fasting could resolve. It wasn’t until I called upon the name of Jesus Christ that I found deliverance. This moment marked a turning point in my life, solidifying my rejection of Islam and my embrace of the redemptive power of Christianity.
Demonology isn’t just about identifying demons; it’s about understanding how they exploit human sin and societal decay. Marxist ideologies, which I once championed as a socialist, are an example of how demonic forces infiltrate human institutions. Karl Marx himself wrote dark poetry about his pact with destruction, and his atheistic materialism denies the existence of a spiritual realm, making people vulnerable to unseen forces.
The Christian Approach to Demonic Warfare
The antidote to demonic influence is found in Jesus Christ. The Bible is clear that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against "principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). As a Christian Priest in the LDS Church, I emphasize the importance of spiritual armor: prayer, scripture study, and righteous living.
Freemasonry, too, has provided me with tools to understand spiritual hierarchies and the importance of discipline and charity in combating evil. These principles align with the teachings of the LDS Church, particularly the emphasis on agency and the eternal battle between good and evil.
Conclusion
Demonology is not just an abstract study; it is a call to action for Christians to stand firm in their faith. The forces of darkness are real, but so is the victory we have in Christ. My journey from Islam, socialism, and spiritual darkness to the light of Christianity has taught me that the ultimate weapon against demons is the love and authority of Jesus Christ.
Let us not be passive in the face of evil. Equip yourself with knowledge, faith, and the power of Christ to confront the spiritual battles of our time.
Citations
- The Holy Bible, King James Version.
- The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
- Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur'an al-Azim.
- Marx, Karl. Collected Works.
- Hinckley, Gordon B. Standing for Something: Ten Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes.
- Alma 30, The Book of Mormon.
- Lewis, C.S. The Screwtape Letters.
- “Ephesians 6:12,” Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A12.
No comments:
Post a Comment