Monstrous

The Darker Side => Demons, Demonology and The Devil => Topic started by: oldbill4823 on June 30, 2010, 03:11:40 PM

Title: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on June 30, 2010, 03:11:40 PM
They say the simple questions are the hardest, so...........

What is a demon ?
How do you know this?
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: matthew321 on June 30, 2010, 07:42:34 PM
Well you know what the hard questions are. Okay this will take some thinking...

A demon is a word, used to describe a being or state of being. To know that these states of being or beings can be defined with the word demon is more difficult. (it is hard to define where demon should be applied)
The word has been nulled down but all uses are still a state of being, or a type of being. Demons are thought of as rebels (they don't follow the rules). This is true in the bible as well when god cast his angels from heaven for rebelling. They became demons for this rebellion. Here is a common term I hear: "I am a lead foot when I drive, I am a speed demon." (demon used as state of being and it is describing being rebellious to the speed limit laws)
Demon can also be used to describe malicious intent. So for example a man kills 100 people in cold blood. He did it just for fun. He could be described as a demon. This act was malicious and the term demon is describing a state of being.
Now a demon used as describing a being. They are thought to be angels who rebelled from heaven and went to hell. They became demons for this. Okay so they are now against god who is projected as perfect and good. So if these demons are going against good they are being opposites. That makes them "evil" or not good. That is a reason why they are not thought of as good. When the angels were thrown out of heaven they lost their angelic radiance. They lost the feathers and their wings became flesh. They went from being bright to dark. A complete opposite of their previous form.

Okay I will finish this tomorrow but I believe I may be off to a good start.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: rave phillaphia on June 30, 2010, 07:43:08 PM
.... this is like trying to define religion. There is no definant answer but I guess we could put it broadly and say it is a negative entity that opposes the human race? or whatever is good? This is why I hate definitions and categories for such broad subjects.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: Tronth on June 30, 2010, 08:19:46 PM
Well you have to think of the roots of the word demon. Demon is translated form the Greek term daemon which means all non human spirits outside of the realm of humanity. so technically speaking the word demon means- angel, demon, and any other non human spirit. just some food for thought... hope this helps
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: matthew321 on July 02, 2010, 06:11:25 PM
okay part 2 of my post. It took longer then a day but that was due to laziness. I am rather ashamed of it.

The angels being demons now were against god. They were against many things god had done. Their main problem with god is that he made humans. Then told the angels they have to serve the humans. But these humans were considered lesser so some angels did not obey god.  So for not serving humans god kicked these angels out of heaven.
The angels became more dark and less beautiful. They have to go to a less radiant home (hell). In this home they contemplate things. How to destroy the creation (humans) that god them here in the first place. How to make them suffer, make god see the error of their creation.

This is why these demons seem to have such animosity toward humans and god. It really boils down to that they disagree. They are using their free will in the opposite manner of angels. When humans hear this story and get helped by angels, they think angels good and demons bad. Some people do get tortured by demons and those stories make demons look more evil. It also gives validity to demons not liking humans.
Eventually people get the idea that stay close to angels and to god. That way you stay away from demons. But these people seem to be the ones targeted the most.
 :focus:

The bible defines demons as angels who got kicked out of heaven. I would not keep it that simple. I think a demon is a word, an adjective and a noun. Simply used to describe state of being or a type of being. Simply a word used to describe rebellion which has been tied to become evil. That is what I think.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on July 03, 2010, 01:35:01 AM
Thanks to those that replied so far.

Next questions how do they manifest/appear?
How do they interact with us?
what effects do they have?
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: RunningElk on July 03, 2010, 06:03:06 AM
Manifestation Of Demons Would Be Negative Energy (Duh) Interaction Would Be Anything Really From Idle Chatter To Deals To Just Messing With Everyone To Possession And Effects Would Be Creation Of Material Out Of Pure Energy Eg. That Latest Xbox Console, Fire Balls Practically Anything For One Thing Negative Energy But As Pointed Out By Matthew Most Demons Are Here To Make Our Life A Living Hell (no pun intended)
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: Apprentice on July 04, 2010, 01:18:27 AM
I have a theory (I'm sure other people may think this way too) that what people call demons (not all, but some) are angels that have the task of "scaring" humans closer to God. This is just a theory and even I don't believe this 100% but I have a friend who was previously basically agnostic who had a very terrible experience with some demons. Afterwards she became Christian without influence from the others who witnessed the incident. This led us to the theory previously stated. It sort of make sense for some cases. Just thought I'd share!
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: SKGS on July 15, 2010, 10:05:22 PM
I do believe that they can take any form or shape they want to. 

Don't think that they interact with us but more influence our thinking and through that effect us. They feed on our fears and emotions.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: Tronth on July 26, 2010, 12:45:38 AM
I dont think a demon is manifested I think they are drawn by something, that something being greed, sex, energy or just curiosity. I also dont think demons do anything a human wants unless it knows it has something to gain from it. But that is just my belief.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: bhambrice on August 27, 2010, 01:17:28 PM
I do believe that they can take any form or shape they want to. 

Don't think that they interact with us but more influence our thinking and through that effect us. They feed on our fears and emotions.

What about the many possession stories of the Bible - people going insane, diseases, blindness etc. Not only Biblical times but after 1900's many reports surfaced about men of God casting out demons from possessed people. I, also, had a run - in with a spirit/demon.  What he got was kicked out.
Yes they influence our thought and actions. That is their job. The "devil" didn't make anybody do anything unless they are possessed.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: SKGS on August 27, 2010, 04:43:41 PM
I do believe that they can take any form or shape they want to. 

Don't think that they interact with us but more influence our thinking and through that effect us. They feed on our fears and emotions.

The "devil" didn't make anybody do anything unless they are possessed.

What do you consider possessed?
There are different influences: Ordinary activity which is temptation
                                                 Extraordinary activity:  External physical pain

                                                                                      Demonic possession, diabolical oppression,diabolic obsession, diabolic infestation and diabolical subjugation or dependence.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: cylinder2166 on August 27, 2010, 06:40:00 PM
The description on demons here is better than some of my books, was their something more specific you needed to know?
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: bhambrice on August 28, 2010, 12:15:26 PM
I'm pointing our that throughout history there are are many reports of possession and because of this possession the entity has seriously interacted with humans.
Rosemary Guiley, Demons & Demonology, p.198 " possession - The takeover and control of a person's mind and body by a Demon, condemned soul, ghost, spirit, or deity. ....In demonic possession, a demon takes up residence in a person's body and influences or controls his or her thoughts, words, and actions. "
The possession has 3 stages - infestation, oppression, Possession.  Even mediums and channelers are voluntarily taken over by an entity for a time.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: keanz on October 02, 2010, 05:54:25 PM
A demon is a kind of defination on one people being a demon but the main meaning of it(based on what i thought) not a spirit but a people doing things against god an his rules like killing
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: Moloch on October 03, 2010, 01:48:16 PM
A demon is a kind of defination on one people being a demon but the main meaning of it(based on what i thought) not a spirit but a people doing things against god an his rules like killing

So everything in the world is defined by your opinion? What a world we live in where the whimsy of a child defines reality for all.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: bhambrice on October 03, 2010, 07:46:11 PM
Hopefully, someone's English or his typing is bad.  Keanz, people have the right to choose to                                                                                                                                                     obey God's rules or not, it's called Free-Will. God sees the acts of disobedience as sin. The angels that  chose to go against God and was changed to demons had the same free-will.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on October 04, 2010, 03:43:28 AM
If demons allegedly take over our thoughts how do we know which are our thoughts as opposed to the thoughts of some outside influence?
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: jordyn on October 05, 2010, 08:49:39 AM
If demons allegedly take over our thoughts how do we know which are our thoughts as opposed to the thoughts of some outside influence?

know thyself, if it's not something normal to your nature, then it's generally not from your  nature.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: onishadowolf on October 05, 2010, 09:14:16 AM
If demons allegedly take over our thoughts how do we know which are our thoughts as opposed to the thoughts of some outside influence?

know thyself, if it's not something normal to your nature, then it's generally not from your  nature.
Hmmm, and what if you already have two bickering Demons inside you? Do you just know something is up, when there is a fourth opinion...Well that's how I do it anyways.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: ViciouslyMe on October 05, 2010, 09:47:30 AM
In that case, Id expect it would get crowded and the original two would complain.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: chaoticpsyche on October 05, 2010, 07:47:40 PM
Or it might consume the first two and take their spot, or the other way around. You never know, it could be a never ending cycle of eating each other. O_o Not sure if that made any sense.....
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: ViciouslyMe on October 05, 2010, 08:23:10 PM
It did, though I think then the question would be who ate who.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: Moloch on October 06, 2010, 04:04:35 AM
Why do I suddenly get the mental image of a bunch of contortionist demons doing yoga and eating each other...
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on October 06, 2010, 04:17:46 AM
Well according to Jordyns 'know thyself' definition this maybe be evidence of 'a demonic takeover' in your head.

Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: Moloch on October 06, 2010, 08:00:31 AM
Nah, I'm odd to begin with... or a demon in the flesh according to some.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on October 06, 2010, 08:18:39 AM
Maybe demonic evidence for you would be wanting to look at fluffy kittens and a desire to hug cheerleaders.
Peace, love, caring, compassion, and being a little bit unsure of yourself.

I know it freaked kreepy out when it happened to him.


To be honest i am not a great believer in unusual thoughts being a sign of demonic presence. I mean yes to some degree it is true but the problem for me is that if you start thinking about thoughts being of 'other' origin where do you stop? It is just a hairs breath away from believing that our natural state is complete internal silence and that ALL thought is of demonic origin. This concept is just as valid surely?
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: onishadowolf on October 06, 2010, 10:48:46 AM
They do complain a lot, well that's all they are allowed to do. They usually complain about my thoughts,....."Stop thinking of cheerleaders Oni!!", yeah they get tortured.
I have unusual thoughts all the time, not a good way to determine demonic possession.

Haha, who ate who first...? I ate them first. Their mistake was trying to get me first.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on October 06, 2010, 11:03:17 AM
Oni you are living proof of my rapidly developing theory that all thoughts are of demonic origin.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: onishadowolf on October 06, 2010, 03:50:02 PM
Thanks OldBill...I think. I don't know if I  should be honored or offended, hmmm.  I wonder if I should imagine the purple teletubby raping them, with a cheerleader squad cheering the purple teletubby on in the background. Always do so love rattling their cages.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: matthew321 on October 06, 2010, 06:16:07 PM
Well I feel I can contribute to this part of the conversation.

I often have "other worldly" thoughts or "demonic" thoughts. Does that mean I am myself demonic? Or that I am going to transform into a winged demon and ditch my flesh prison to eat the delicious hearts of the courageous?
No matter how much I may want to (only because hearts are all muscle, high protein, iron, and with my daily dose of warrior spirit) that does not mean I am going to, or that it will happen.

Look your thoughts do not determine who you are or what you are. Your actions do a better job at that. (sometimes the lack of action) If you manipulate your mind to believe you are a demon and that all your thoughts must be like what you perceived a demon would think, then you will ruin yourself. You will believe you are a demon and you will either get put in the crazy house, be depressed because you are stuck being in a human body and your life did not change at all now that you are a demon or a real demon might find it fun to see where this goes. (that is not a positive thing)
Notice there were no positive results for manipulating your mind to believe you are a demon.

Whether I make sense or not just continue believing you are normal and life is more likely to be safe.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: oldbill4823 on October 07, 2010, 02:51:20 AM
Another risk i see with separating thoughts we experience as 'MINE' and 'OTHER' is that we are basically setting up conditions for split identity.

I wonder if there is also a risk of paranoia because we start to become suspicious of our own thoughts. Everything we think and feel will be tainted by the feeling of suspicion and doubt.
Next thing is we will see Demonic activity everywhere.


Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: keanz on October 08, 2010, 03:11:37 PM
Hopefully, someone's English or his typing is bad.  Keanz, people have the right to choose to                                                                                                                                                     obey God's rules or not, it's called Free-Will. God sees the acts of disobedience as sin. The angels that  chose to go against God and was changed to demons had the same free-will.
Sorry but what i was to say is a christian diobeying god
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: ViciouslyMe on October 08, 2010, 04:02:14 PM
I could have sworn not all demons were fallen angels, though I could be wrong. I dont know, Ive just always put demons and fallen angels into different categories because not all demons display the kind of power fallen angels possess.
Title: Re: what is a demon?
Post by: jordyn on October 09, 2010, 07:52:55 AM
I could have sworn not all demons were fallen angels, though I could be wrong. I dont know, Ive just always put demons and fallen angels into different categories because not all demons display the kind of power fallen angels possess.

i separate them as devils and demons, other pantheon based cultures have them as major and minor spirits and other cultural references.

demons can be any silly spirit with malicious intent whether an internal or external manifestation, devils are those with the original and actual power to influence humanity( "fallen angels" ie.); the really scary dudes and then Gods are an entirely different level of being, they created it all.

we're the only ones with the breath of God in our lungs, why worry about the jealous half siblings?