AJ Philips,
No where in the Hebrew of the Old Testament scriptures is demons as spirit beings taught. Jesus taught from the Hebrew texts of the OT. Unfortunately the culture of New Testament times was deeply influenced by polytheistic views from Persian, Greek and Roman ideas; all these cultures had occupied the Jewish territory.

The non Sadducean Jewish people believed in evil spirits and Jesus taught among these Jews whose culture was influenced from international thought.

It is pointless to tell people there are no such things as demons who believe very deeply they do exist. However a culture that is based in such can only be confronted by eradication of the supposed powers. The ultimate purpose of such eradication - is there are no demons in control. Jesus did not believe in demons as beings, only evil men; it was the culture of his time that he confronted to cast out evil spirits. Such a practise was used by the Sadducean Jews to cast out demons [evil spirits]. He did not originate the practise it was first used by the Sadducees as the NT identifies.

Spirit in the NT is linked to breath [pneuma] and linked to the persons motive in speach and action. In other words - motive is the power of words and actions. "What is the motive?" "What is the spirit?"

When a person in their culture demonstrated uncharacteristic behaviour or speech it was assumed to be from some evil being. The Greeks in 600BC identified fremented grapes caused evil spirits [they thought] to enter the person - hense the name 'spirits" became associated with alcohol. Bundy Rum might cause uncharastic behaviour in some that need to be socially restrained.

So many people believe in so many things.

There is no conclusion, no answer and no proof that what you believe as an individual exists, so there is no use getting upset when another person doesn't share your point of view.

Humans have a remarkable gift to question things, unfortunately when that gift is mixed with fear, it produces a nasty little result called hate, this mixed with ignorance has produced some catastrophic events in our history.

It is natural to try to impose our beliefs onto somebody else, but history shows that this has a negative outcome.
In my opinion acceptance is the hardest thing for people have.

Here is my belief. Accept the way things are and allow the universe to provide and unfold, everything happens for a reason including the bad.
Shift no blame and be responsible for your own actions, only you control what you do and how you do it.
At the end of the day, stressed or not, you are alive, live the best you can.

Only you have to look at yourself in the mirror, humble your soul and seize every moment, discontinue the urge to constantly seek better.

On the quest for truth, keep your eyes, heart and mind open.

But that is just my belief, I may be wrong but the important thing is I believe in myself and I will accept the expression of somebody elses belief and control the way I do so.

well I never thought i would ever agree with A.J. Phillips on anything. He is totally right in that Jesus believed and drove out evil Spirits along with His disciples. Philo needs much twisting of Scripture to deny this. Jesus also could of called angels to prevent His crucifixion if He so wanted. The old testament (Hebrew) also teaches that King Saul was tormented by a evil spirit.

Hi all, before I start with my opinion, I'd like to tell a little bit what I am going through personally. I'm actually sitting in the magistrate courts right now. It's funny n interesting, getting charged wt some law in dis country. I really couldn't be bother to be here on time. 1 1/2 hours late. On my way here I had a good time reading ur comment DEEP.. Make my fur rise I twitted. I will respond to that when I can type quicker.

I hv decided to file against the government here as well, just haven't had time to do the paperwork yet. Thanks to the government, I have to struggle with my daily life. They have complicated my life so much thanks to all their laws and human judgment. Yes they think I'm a prostitute n think that they can come into my temporary home. Sit in front of my face and how many times did they indicate I am one? They have broken my family, they have made my life into pretty much hell. Lol

I am not allowed to leave to see my friends and family, I am broke(yippee) so I can use the system to fight the system. So since I am stuck here, I will file a few more suits, so that this government acknowledges what they have done to me and my family thanks to the great laws they have. I'm making this one of my life mission :)!

I might be broke, I might be alone, but I've got my dignity, and a good brain, and I will use it well....

To be continued.... Sunshine and lollipops :) yippeee

runner,
Please read the text below. Saul suffered from a breathing disorder known today as Apnea. This can cause irritability, bad temper and violent behaviour because of the lack of oxygen to the brain during sleep.

1Sa 16:14 Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.
1Sa 16:15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
1Sa 16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, that are before thee, to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
1Sa 16:17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
1Sa 16:18 Then answered one of the young men, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Jehovah is with him.

1Sa 19:9 "But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp".

His disorder was a natural event inflicted upon him by God as a natural affliction, and in Saul's case was associated with his breathing. It is recorded in Jewish antiquities as him “chocking in his sleep”.

Does God cause evil?

Philo

No matter how many times you read it, it says what it says. When the Holy Spirit departs and an evil spirit takes His place I could hardly conclude it a natural event. It certainly would not be taught so in science. I think he had more than a disorder just like Hitler had more than the adamic nature working in his life.

You ask does God cause evil? No but He allows it to a point. I think that is obvious. Just look at the heart of man and you will see how patience He is.