I believe that those who are described as being "demon-possessed" or similar were, um, "demon-possessed" or similiar.
Exactly what that means is, well, not stated. But I don't think there's an error involved.
Just THEORIZING (and that's about as close to worthless as can be), perhaps IN THOSE CASES, that "demon-possession" meant they were mentally ill. Does that mean every case of mental illness is a result of a specific demon possession? Nope, not at all. BUT it COULD BE (seems at least theoretically POSSIBLE) that in THOSE cases, it was.
I agree. EVERYTHING bad is a consequence of our fallenness, our sinfulness, our brokenness. Now, this isn't necessarily some "this-for-that" relationship, I think most often, it's simply a general result of a universal situation. It may not be a direct consequence of some specific SIN in/from me.... but a consequence of sin nonetheless. And, connecting to this thread, that includes sickness (mental and physical).... were Adam and Eve sick before the Fall? Are those in heaven sick? Probably not.
Blessings on your Lenten observation....
- Josiah (former Catholic, current LCMS Lutheran)
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