Changes

A '''demon''' is a supernatural immortal creature which is an enemy of [[God]] and totally evil. Demons may also be referred to as 'devils,' with a lowercase initial letter to differentiate them from the Devil, a title for [[Satan]].

A '''demon''' is a [[Fallen angels|fallen angel]], an enemy of [[God]], and completely evil. Demons may also be referred to as 'devils', to associate them with "the Devil", a title for [[Satan]].

A [[succubus]] is an example of one kind of demon.

A [[succubus]] is a fictional example of one kind of demon.

Putting on the "Armor of God," Ephesians 6:10-20, is the response in [[Scriptures]].  Ephesians 6:11 states, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the [[devil]].”<ref>[[ESV]] translation.</ref>

Putting on the "Armor of God," Ephesians 6:10-20, is the response in [[Scriptures]].  Ephesians 6:11 states, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the [[devil]].”<ref>[[ESV]] translation.</ref>

==Demons in the bible==

==Demons in the bible==

In the [[Old Testament]], God uses 'evil spirits' to serve His purposes. The precise nature of these spirits is unclear, but they may be classed as demons.

In the [[Old Testament]], God uses 'evil spirits' to serve His purposes. The precise nature of these spirits is unclear, but they may be demons.

*Judges 9:23, ''God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem''

*Judges 9:23, ''God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem''

*Isaiah 34:14, ''Wildcats shall meet hyenas, / Goat-demons shall greet each other; / There too the [[lilith]] shall repose / And find herself a resting place''

*Isaiah 34:14, ''Wildcats shall meet hyenas, / Goat-demons shall greet each other; / There too the [[lilith]] shall repose / And find herself a resting place''

In the [[New Testament]], Jesus cures the illnesses of various people by casting possessing demons from them.

In the [[New Testament]], Jesus cures the illnesses of various people by casting demons from them.

*Matthew 4:24: ''...they brought unto him'' [Jesus] ''all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy...''

*Matthew 4:24: ''...they brought unto him'' [Jesus] ''all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy...''

==Modern views of demons==

==Modern views of demons==

More liberal-leaning Protestants tend to either ignore or explicitly reject the existence of demons, or view scriptural passages about them as metaphorical for sin or illness. The [[Catholic Church]] still acknowledges that demons exist and actively try to corrupt humans into sinful behavior, but has reduced the significance of this element of doctrine.

More liberal-leaning Christians tend to either ignore or explicitly reject the existence of demons, or view scriptural passages about them as metaphorical for sin or illness. The [[Catholic Church]] still acknowledges that demons exist and actively try to corrupt humans into sinful behavior, but has reduced the significance of this element of doctrine.

More conservative Protestants, especially those from evangelical denominations, see demons as engaging in a constant struggle for the soul of each person. Fallen angels who followed Satan in his rebellion, demons are believed to operate in secret in order to corrupt and influence individual humans in order to ensure they turn away from Christ. For some examples of this, see the works of [[Jack Chick]].

More conservative Christians, especially those from evangelical denominations, see demons as engaging in a constant struggle for the soul of each person. Fallen angels who followed Satan in his rebellion, demons are believed to operate in secret in order to corrupt and influence individual humans in order to ensure they turn away from Christ. For some examples of this, see the works of [[Jack Chick]].

===Notable cases===

===Notable cases===

==Demons in fiction==

==Demons in fiction==

Demons are, by definition, evil. This moral unambiguity makes them useful antagonists in TV series such as [[Charmed]], as the 'good guys' can kill demons without either moral dilemma or proof of guilt for any specific crime. They also play important parts in [[Frank E. Peretti]]'s novels, such as ''[[This Present Darkness]]'' and ''[[The Visitation]]''. Other works of fiction, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, [[Angel]], and many comic series, depict demons who, possessing free will, can choose to do good.   

Demons are, by definition, evil. This moral non-ambiguity makes them useful antagonists in TV series such as [[Charmed]], as the 'good guys' can kill demons without either moral dilemma or proof of guilt for any specific crime. They also play important parts in [[Frank E. Peretti]]'s novels, such as ''[[This Present Darkness]]'' and ''[[The Visitation]]''. Other works of fiction, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, [[Angel]], and many comic series, depict demons who, possessing free will, can choose to do good.   

==References==   

==References==