What's in a 'word'?

A companion piece at least by the title and general topic to "what's in a name"?

Here it is a matter of words, words to describe, not being used or understood correctly.

Again with a Christian-Judeo perspective as expected. ;)
But the main point of the blog here is in saying how people get to caught up in the Wikipedia definition of the word, as oppose to how it is really used.

Here are some examples that apply to Demonology:

Devil.
Some refer to Lucifer as "The" Devil, while Higher rank demons are referred to as "Devils". Being as Lucifer is over all demons he would in fact be the Devil, or boss devil. The shoe fits.

Demon.

OK we all know some geek has to always try to rationalize what demons really are because of the origins of the word. Copy and paste blogs I see on Iamhaunted.com, just goes to show how one can be so misinformed trying to research demons on the web. And by typing in the word "Demon"

"The Greek conception of a daemon (< δαίμων daimōn) appears in the works of Plato… blah blah blah."

In short the origin is misleading in this case. Demon is referring to the fallen angels.

Poltergeist.

We all know it's original meaning as it is German for "Noisy Ghost". However the Scientific community has used this word apart from the original meaning in association with "PK" (psycho-kinetic energy) which isn't in reference to a an 'entity" or spirits at all. But the ability of the human mind. Typically as it might revolve around a child entering 'puberty.'
As Poltergeist is the phenomenon, PK is only one possible cause. (However, myself and most of my collegues will agree that we have not seen a true case PK poltergeist)

Exorcism.
I went over this in my Blog "Exorcisms- Begon!"
Confusion between:

Demonization – Temptation can lead at some point to self-destructive bad habits such as Alcohol or drug abuse, or Chain smoking. It is believed as you hinder to these temptations you empower the demon(s) whom tempt you initially with mere thoughts.
They gain a strong subliminal voice in you mind (so-to-speak) as you "give in" more and more. This is more or less "demonization." It is NOT oppression or possession.

The problem, again, is TV evangelist treat this as Possession, exorcising the "demon of smoking". Now prayers for one whom is demonized will help but portraying it as an "exorcism" on TV is misleading and wrong.

Demonic Attachments.
Attachment say more of how it is there and whom it is with. It is a sort of personal infestation, however, it may not have that level of manifestation. That can depend on the individual. The peers. You are essentially "Haunted", you might experience what some consider "bad luck" you moods might tend to lean "darker" or "Negative" as your personality might overtime move to as well. Self-control will no doubt drop and yes self-destructive habits will increase, while new ones might appear.
All of this can happen overtime, slowly or faster. It all depends on the persons, spiritual and psychological makeup. Overtime surely it can lead to possession, so this is why I give strong caution of "ghost hunting", why out taking precautions in protection prayers before and after the hunt.

Possessions and Oppressions-
The second and third stages of a Demonic manifestation, in a sense this is a bit vague, sort of saying it has gone from yellow alert. (infestation) to orange, (oppression) to "red" (possession). Realizing how advance the level of manifestation is important in deliverance. In a sense think of it as how advance the cancer has spread, is it more deeply rooted in the advance stages? That would compare to "possession".

You can have an attachment that might tempt you to do things that will invite it to manifest as an infestation or more.

I can add on here with more 'words', but let me conclude for now.

What's in a word? My final thoughts:

Typically I don't say it is an "exorcism" unless it is the Roman Ritual that is performed. However this will vary to others. Where I call it "deliverance" in other cases where it might be successful. This is where I vary from the origins of the leaning.

The problem with this is what is the common understanding of the word?

If we say it and others don't define it as you, you are not adequately communicating with them. With a client, and colleagues they need to understand what we are talking about. "Shop talk" is one thing but if your own personal definitions are not widely accepting in the mainstream. Be prepared to not be successful in conveying needed information.
We try to avoid "fad" words, as so to better stay on more recognizable words and phrases that are universally understood by everyone.

You could say my Demonology book will better appeal to laity than many that are out there.

As I will try to make it easy for ANYONE to understand. We have to avoid trying to be too intellectual, or cerebral, which might make us seem smart to the average Joseph.
But at what cost?
Comprehension!
And this not just Clergy or even Christians.
Let's hope I can pull it off well where I feel others have failed….

(c)2007-2008 Kenneth Deel - Catholic Demonologist

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