It does not follow absolutely that "the casting out" (itself) cured them -- Jesus could have simply done that ALSO at the same time... (It is possible.)
"Might have... Might not have..."
I imagine that (because I am not going to look them all up - just going "off of memory" here) - in most, if not all, places in scripture where an account of such is given -- the two things are probably indicated as happening at the same time without saying that the one actually caused the other...
Now, if scripture actually says that the one actually caused the other -- that is a different case...
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I don't believe chemicals in the brain dismiss spiritual phenomenon. When we feel love and other such emotions one can trace it back to a chemical released in the brain. I don't think that is anything that discredits the spiritual forces at work, we are simply seeing the physical fingerprints caused by a spiritual element.
If this is true, then it appears to point to a possible 'connection' of some kind - which is certainly believable.I agree. It doesn't say one way or another, and I haven't looked all of them up either. this is just from memory, but all who were possessed did have something physically or mentally wrong with them as far as I can remember. None were healthy that had demons, at least the ones mentioned in the bible. You're right though, could have healed them as he cast the demons out, but I think if we read over all the cases where demons were cast out, the demons causing the illness is a more accurate implication, rather than healing them as he cast them out. But I agree with you that it could go either way. That was my point on my posts. There is no way to prove, or disprove anything in this topic. It's all speculation.
If this is true, then it appears to point to a possible 'connection' of some kind - which is certainly believable.
I can certainly see the possibility of 'health problems' being caused by demonic presence in the body - as a side effect. I can even imagine that some 'health problems' might be "initiated" - and even sustained - by demonic presence outside of the body.
My previous post was intended mainly to "warn against" the mis-interpreting of scripture by "reading into it" something it did not actually say. (Which is really easy for us to do if we are not careful.)
The 'focus' was on the interpretation of scripture, not so much the subject matter at hand (demons).
It is widely held that no born-again Christian can be "possessed" by a demon (because of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit). Based on this - I would say that this is your first and most meaningful 'clue' -- any 'health problem' that a [true] Christian may suffer - cannot be caused by demon possession (in the body). This is not to say that demon influence (from outside of the body) cannot have any effect on the health of the person (which complicates things a bit).
And, as I see it - this is the central basis for the OP's assumption - which I believe is "way too broad", although there may be some truth in it - but not in all cases "by definition"...
I personally believe that demonic forces are at work at "multiple levels" - only one of which is demonic possession (of the 'victim'). Please see post #282.
Separate from possession, I believe there is such a thing as demonic influence.
And the point is -- while there is such a thing as demonic possession ("low-level" direct control of the body from within the body by one or more demons that have "occupied" the body) - there also exists demonic influence (and sometimes, control) at "higher levels" (in the brain/mind)...
Perhaps the OP is really thinking about a "non-possession" type of "demonic" influence/control of the brain/mind?
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Who did that to Job ??? Still waiting on a answer
THE TERM CRISTIAN HAS BEEN STAINED WITH SIN. WHY WOULD LOVE USE THE TERM CRISTIAN TO DEFINE ITSELF.
Revelation 12:10 “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
The OP says they are not christians .. How does everyone keep looking over that?????? and keep bringing christian up and how they can't be possessed?