📖 Biblical Definition
Demonology is the biblical doctrine of evil spirits. Scripture teaches that demons are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan: "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels" (Revelation 12:7-9). They are personal, intelligent, malicious spiritual beings who oppose God, deceive humanity (1 Timothy 4:1), and empower false religions (1 Corinthians 10:20). Jesus demonstrated absolute authority over demons throughout His ministry (Mark 1:21-27; 5:1-20; 9:14-29) — they recognized Him, feared Him, and obeyed Him instantly. He delegated the same authority to His disciples (Luke 10:17-20). Demons are real; they are powerful; and they have already been defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
A discourse on the nature of demons; the doctrine of evil spirits.
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DEMONOL'OGY, n. A treatise on demons or evil spirits. Webster understood demons as real spiritual beings — a view shared by all of Christian orthodoxy until Enlightenment rationalism.
📖 Key Scripture
• Ephesians 6:12 — "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities."
• James 2:19 — "Even the demons believe — and shudder!"
• 1 John 4:1 — "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God."
• Mark 1:34 — "He healed many and cast out many demons."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern culture either denies demons entirely or obsesses over them apart from biblical authority.
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Secular culture and liberal theology deny demons altogether, reducing spiritual warfare to metaphor. Meanwhile, segments of charismatic Christianity have developed an unbiblical obsession with spiritual warfare resembling pagan shamanism — seeing a demon behind every headache and engaging in theatrical deliverance rituals with no basis in Scripture. Biblical demonology is sober, Christ-centered, and grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture.
Usage
• "Biblical demonology avoids two errors: rationalist denial and charismatic obsession."
• "The demons believe in God and shudder — more theological conviction than most modern theologians claim."