Investigating Exorcism & the TRUTH About Demonic Possession | Billy Hallowell

Billy Hallowell, author of Playing with Fire, conducted an extensive investigation into the reality of demonic possession and exorcism in the modern world, applying the rigorous methodology of an investigative journalist. His goal was to provide a solid overview of the topic by gathering facts, documentation, and personal testimonies from those who deal with the spiritual realm daily.

Does Demonic Possession Still Happen Today?

Based on his research, Hallowell concludes that the short answer to whether people can be possessed by demons today is yes. While acknowledging that such events are likely rare, his investigation yielded documented data and information that he found hard to dismiss by simply claiming the people involved were “crazy” or that “it didn’t happen”.

This modern reality aligns with biblical accounts, confirming that demonic activity did not cease with Christ’s resurrection.

Biblical Precedents for Modern Deliverance

Scripturally, there is a strong case to be made that exorcisms continued after Jesus’s time:

• The Book of Acts details that Paul spent a considerable amount of time performing what are now called exorcisms.
• In Acts 16, a slave woman possessed by a spirit allowed her to fortune tell. Paul ultimately expelled the demons from her. This account is particularly significant because it happened after Jesus’s resurrection, showing the continuation of deliverance ministry.
• The issue also arises again in Acts 19.

Discerning Demonic Activity vs. Mental Health Crises

A crucial part of investigating modern cases involves distinguishing genuine spiritual issues from mental health crises. Hallowell emphasized the importance of consulting mental health providers during this investigation.

The method used by those performing deliverance ministries to discern the difference is based on reaction:

• When a person is struggling with a spiritual issue, they will often react to the spiritual things being done to address it (such as prayer).
• When a person is struggling with a mental health issue, they are not reacting to those spiritual acts.

Hallowell stressed that modern deliverance or exorcism is not the sensationalized Hollywood version, which often includes “pea soup spewing out of people’s mouth [or] their head spinning around”. Instead, the real-world act is primarily a prayer over the affected person, where the person is often actively a part of the process. Thorough investigation of these circumstances is necessary to avoid harming people.

Can True Believers Be Possessed?

Hallowell posed the question of whether a believer can become possessed to numerous experts, including Michael Brown and other ministry leaders. The consensus he reached was no.

The rationale is theological: a true believer who is following Christ would not end up in a state of possession because the Holy Spirit would not allow the demonic to reside alongside it in that person.

However, Hallowell noted a caveat acknowledged by some camps: if an individual moves further and further away from their faith, or if they begin engaging with things that would open the door for them to have that experience, it might create an opportunity for spiritual distress. Ultimately, a Christian living the “walk” does not need to fear possession.

The Limited Power of the Devil and the Authority of Christ

A significant misconception Hallowell explored is the perceived power of Satan and demonic forces. Scripture confirms that Jesus possesses “All power and authority both in heaven and on earth”.

Hallowell agrees that this reality leaves the devil with essentially zero inherent power. The only power the devil holds is the power that people willingly give over to evil.

• The Schemes of Evil: Ephesians 6 calls Christians to “take a stand against the devil’s scheme”. The devil will always try to scheme and do things.
• Willing Engagement: People can willingly choose to engage with evil to attempt to “get something back” as part of that arrangement, as seen in the case of a Satanist woman Hallowell discussed in his book.
• The Victory is Won: Christ has already won that battle at the cross; “it’s done”.

Spiritual Warfare and Avoiding Invitation

Christians are engaged in a struggle “not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6).

The full armor of God is interpreted as being a Christian and living a Christian life.

The real danger is not random possession but rather when Christians start to engage in sin or intentionally invite in activity that would open the door for spiritual forces. The Bible repeatedly warns against such practices:

• Do not engage with fortune tellers.
• Avoid engaging with other practices the Scripture tells us to avoid.

Instead of being “petrified and afraid,” believers must be focused on Christ. Fear and worry are not from God. As Christians, the promise remains: “Greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world”. Believers are called to trust God, knowing He has defeated His enemies.