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Religion Quote by Michael Freze

“English-speaking practitioners generally use the four following terms to refer to the influence of evil spirits: Oppression – demonic influence which seems to come from outside a person, causing heaviness, weariness or discouragement. Oppressive spirits may be acquired through exposure to a heavy…” quote by Michael Freze
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““English-speaking practitioners generally use the four following terms to refer to the influence of evil spirits: Oppression – demonic influence which seems to come from outside a person, causing heaviness, weariness or discouragement. Oppressive spirits may be acquired through exposure to a heavy presence of evil: e.g. by participating in deliverance ministry (defined below), by being in a place where occult activities are taking place, by being placed under a curse, by coming into contact with items of witchcraft. Oppressive spirits may be dispelled by a simple command to leave in the name of Jesus. Obsession – demonic influence which seems to reside inside a person, usually afflicting a certain area of a person’s life in the form of strong habitual temptations. A person may open oneself to such influence by deliberately seeking the presence or power of evil spirits through witchcraft, Satanism, or fortune-telling (ouija, tarot etc.); demonic obsession may also occur through other grave sins which are not explicitly associated with the occult, e.g. sexual activity by consecrated or ordained persons pledged to celibacy. The obsessing spirit usually needs to be identified by name and cast out (i.e. commanded to leave) or bound (i.e. forbidden from exerting any further influence). Possession is very rare, and only occurs when human beings wilfully hand over complete control of their life to Satan, by expressly doing so or by embracing grave sin. Formal exorcism, sanctioned by the diocesan bishop, is always required in such cases.Infestation is used to refer to the influence of evil spirits over objects, animals, houses or places.””

Michael Freze

About This Quote

Source Book: Healing the Wounds of the Soul by Michael Freze, 1999

The passage categorizes four types of demonic influence—oppression, obsession, possession, and infestation—detailing their origins, symptoms, and typical spiritual remedies.

In simple terms: Different ways evil spirits affect people and places, and how they are addressed.

Key Takeaway

Identify the type of influence and apply appropriate spiritual response.

Themes

spiritual warfare religion psychology mental health

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

theological educational

When to use this quote

  • church counseling
  • personal prayer
  • ritual cleansing
  • seeking pastoral guidance
  • addressing occult involvement

Key Concepts

demonic influence exorcism faith practices

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one discern between spiritual and psychological distress?
  • What safeguards prevent misuse of spiritual authority?
A Different Perspective

Not all experiences labeled as demonic are medically or psychologically explained; professional help may be needed.

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