Calling people evil or demonic

[Grace]

Can you think of an example of Jesus calling someone demonic?

Isn't the phrase "Brood of vipers" another term for "seed of the serpent," or "Satan's off-spring", namely the children of the Devil? I see very little difference between pointing out demonic behavior and calling someone "Satan's offspring".

Jesus did not water down his condemnation for evil people. Calling people a "brood of vipers" in today's world would not be politically correct and would bring on much condemnation and outrage. But isn't that the problem today? Whenever exposing evil, the person doing the exposing is accused of not being Christlike. Why is it when evil is pointed out, those pointing it out, get targeted? I believe that the killing of the unborn and mutilating gender confused children is evil. I believe that these evils come out of the abundance of hearts filled with evil. Yet when I mentioned that Biden pushes those evils, it seems to have upset people.

As Christians we need to decide, will we cuddle evil with nice sounding politically correct words or will we point it out for what it is. I agree that we need to project our words with kindness, something I fail to do at times. But I will call "evil" for what it is.

[RZehr]

What does "demonic" actually mean? When is it accurate to apply that to someone else?

Good question. Maybe we don’t call things demonic enough? What if?

If we don’t know what it means, and don’t know when it is accurate to apply to someone, are we just guided by being nice instead of being accurate?

What is the results of watering down language? Let’s say someone is actually evil and demonic, but we don’t know, so we call it “bad” or perhaps “less than ideal” or maybe something else that minimizes the fact.

We all are scared of over emphasizing the issue, and generally are uncomfortable using that strong of language.
Are there any downsides for a people who consistently and regularly using watered down language?

Can you think of an example of Jesus calling someone demonic?

No. But people in his day did.

And if it exists today, if people are/can/behave demonic, then (a) maybe we should know what it is, and maybe (b) we should be free to identify it as such.

If it does exist, what is served by pretending it does not?

Of course if there is no such thing as demonic behavior at all, and it is just functionally slinging pejorative language around, then we don’t have to know what it really means at all.

[barnhart]

And if it exists today, if people are/can/behave demonic, then (a) maybe we should know what it is, and maybe (b) we should be free to identify it as such.

If it does exist, what is served by pretending it does not?

Of course if there is no such thing as demonic behavior at all, and it is just functionally slinging pejorative language around, then we don’t have to know what it really means at all.

How about assuming it exists and responding as Jesus did.

[Josh]

We all are scared of over emphasizing the issue, and generally are uncomfortable using that strong of language.
Are there any downsides for a people who consistently and regularly using watered down language?

One of my non-Mennonite employees once pointed out to me that I have a tendency to "make suggestions" or give strong hints such that people from my background understand it as a directive but he hears it as a mere suggestion. He said my communication would be more effective if I would adopt a more direct communication style. I think he was right.

I have had to learn the same thing; simultaneously, some of my (Mennonite background) associates need to be told directly to do certain things instead of “making suggestions”. It depends on the topic, I guess.

[Sudsy]

For Christians who believe in the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the flesh, when is it appropriate to call someone evil or demonic? When does that look more like living by the fruit of the flesh?

What does "demonic" actually mean? When is it accurate to apply that to someone else?

My view is probably not shared by some here but the way I see it is, we are only qualified to speak evil of others if the Spirit is truly leading us in what we say and we ourselves are in a sin free state. Jesus was as He was without sin and never acted in a sinful way. Jesus was often not gentle with the Pharisees but when they were going to cast stones at the woman caught in adultery, Jesus said to go ahead if you are without sin in your life. Then Jesus acted very gentle towards her as He revealed more to her about what He knew of her past life.

I believe we can point to acts that are sinful but not in a judging way on those who do these acts. 'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged'. And in Philippians 4:4 we read - 'Let your gentleness be evident to all.'

So, although I fail in this area at times, I believe we can point out sinful ways but I believe we are crossing the line of judging others who do these sins and in so, are sinning ourselves.

Well, going to the Salvation Army this morning so I better get dressed. Will chat more later.

[RZehr]

And if it exists today, if people are/can/behave demonic, then (a) maybe we should know what it is, and maybe (b) we should be free to identify it as such.

If it does exist, what is served by pretending it does not?

Of course if there is no such thing as demonic behavior at all, and it is just functionally slinging pejorative language around, then we don’t have to know what it really means at all.

How about assuming it exists and responding as Jesus did.

Doesn’t seem the wisest. Go around doing Mark 5:8 like Jesus did. When we don’t even know.

Story:
One time a man followed my Grampa home from church. Grampa went in the house and pretty soon there was a knock on the door. Grampa let him in and it wasn’t clear what the guy wanted. Eventually it came out that the man thought Grampa possessed and the man was there to cast it out of him.
Grampa shrugged and told the guy, “Alright, start casting then.” Then guy eventually left.

[Sudsy]

Your statement:

I believe I should not go around speaking evil of someone's actions or beliefs unless I am perfect myself, which only Jesus is. I am to love the sinner but hate the sin wherever sin shows up.

That comment is a bit confusing. "Speaking evil" of someone's actions, and saying you "hate that sin", seems to me as one and the same.

I'll try to explain better. When I speak of another's sinning, to me, that is passing judgment on them and not just the sin. And especially if their name is used it is a very personal condemnation. Whereas if I have compassion on the sinner ('Father forgive them for they know not what they do') and pray for them, then I see them as one enslaved by sin and need the grace of God to set them free. 2 Timothy 2:1-4

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

Regarding the underlined - wow, even give thanks for them. That is a far cry from calling them out for their sinful ways, imo. And look at the benefits from this obedience and it is what is good and pleases God as He wants everyone to be saved.

So, just saying, I don't find any room for pointing out the personal sins of all those in authority even though I have failed at times in doing just that. But would welcome reading more of your take on this as we explore how we address evil.

[Szdfan]

I think one of the problems of calling things “evil” and “demonic” is that it ends up taking away the potency of those words if we use them too much. I do believe that evil exists, but if everything I disagree with is “evil” or “demonic,” then nothing is.

[temporal1]

I think one of the problems of calling things “evil” and “demonic” is that it ends up taking away the potency of those words if we use them too much. I do believe that evil exists, but if everything I disagree with is “evil” or “demonic,” then nothing is.

Always the case.
i don’t think i’ve ever used the word, “demonic” or its forms, in my life. i hope i’m not misspeaking.
when i was a young teen i asked my mother about demons, i think many come across that word/concept in early teen years,
she advised not to think about it, to keep focus on God, Jesus, and this is protection.

decades later, i believe her advice served me well. i don’t plan to change.

evil is another matter. evil is around, it can be cunning, and it must be resisted. certainly there is great evil that causes murder and all description sin and crimes. God, Jesus are protection, offering The Way in all circumstances.

i don’t see overuse of these words everywhere.
sometimes certain people or groups will go overboard. i think most are conscientious.
they are weighty, fearful words, and should remain so.

[Grace]

I think one of the problems of calling things “evil” and “demonic” is that it ends up taking away the potency of those words if we use them too much. I do believe that evil exists, but if everything I disagree with is “evil” or “demonic,” then nothing is.

When is the line crossed between potent enough and not potent enough? On the "potent level" Is the killing of unborn children and mutilating gender confused children, potent enough to be called "evil"? Just asking and curious to know.