Conceptualizing "Demonic Possession" Today: Jettisoning Traditional Christian Interpretations

Abstract

The author evaluates the traditional Christian understanding of "demonic possesion", which neccessitates and exploration of the "paranormal" phenomena that reportedly occur with the condition. After explaining how the symptoms of "possession" can be accounted for, the author shows that DSM-5 nomenclature provides appropriate diagnostic categories for this dissociative and/or conversion condition, and that the psychological literature allows one to conceptualize "demonic possession" in a meaningful way. The author then reveals a way to bring together a modern religious and psychological understanding of "demonic possession" that jettisons traditional Christian interpretations, as well as offers concluding commentary on the findings.