The Lord of Spirits Podcast

Episode: Pantheon and Pandemonium IV: Asynchronous Q&A June 2022

Date: June 25, 2022
Hosts: Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick & Fr. Stephen De Young

Brief Overview

This special Q&A episode features the hosts tackling a wide variety of listener-submitted questions regarding the Orthodox Christian view of the seen and unseen world. Topics range from scriptural interpretation and spiritual practices to complex theological and contemporary issues—including the nature of prophecy, the concept of sin as a spiritual force, justice and blessing, the effects of curses and folk beliefs, gender and embodiment, and the development of Orthodox traditions and liturgy. The tone blends scholarly insight, humor, and pastoral warmth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scriptural Interpretation and Demonic References

• Leviticus 18 and Molech/Sin:

  • A question about Leviticus 18:21 (“you shall not give your offspring to worship a ruler...”) is clarified. “Ruler” is a mistranslation for “Molech.”
  • Molech, associated with child sacrifice, is a demon whose cult involved fertility rites (see 03:14–05:41).
  • The prohibition is not about a “Nephilim ritual” but about forbidden demonic worship tied to sexual immorality.

  “So, don't give your kids to Molech, who is the notorious specific demon...it's not talking about the Nephilim ritual but really talking about sacrificing children to this demon.” — Fr. Stephen (04:31)

2. Gospel Differences: Exorcisms in John

• Why no exorcisms in John’s Gospel?

  • John’s Gospel was likely written last and presumes readers are familiar with synoptic accounts.
  • Instead of repeating exorcisms, John “fills in the gaps” with stories not covered elsewhere, like the raising of Lazarus (07:35–13:24).
  • This highlights how different Gospels serve varying theological emphases without redundancy.

  “John’s Gospel functions as a kind of theological supplement to the other three.” — Fr. Stephen (12:02)

3. The Holy Spirit and Prophecy

• Spirit 'Possession' in Prophecy (e.g., Saul)

  • Old Testament language distinguishes the Spirit “coming upon” (temporary, overwhelming) versus “filling” (abiding presence).
  • When the Spirit rushes upon the impure or rebellious (e.g., Saul), the result may be disorder or suffering—akin to “torture by holiness” rather than blessing (16:05–22:19).
  • Cooperation with the Spirit is essential; passive yielding leads toward demonic possession.

  “The negative reaction...is based on the holiness or corruption...of the person encountering the presence of God in the Spirit.” — Fr. Andrew (20:57)

4. Sin as Spiritual Force and Demonization

• Nature and Origin of Sin

  • Sin isn’t merely moral failing but a manifestation of demonic influence; passions make us passive, and habitual yielding blurs the line with demonic possession (24:26–30:12).
  • There is a spectrum: minor sin <—> complete demonization.
  • Conversely, cooperation with the Holy Spirit produces virtue.

  “There’s more of a continuum between sinning and demonic possession...if you think about sin, the fathers call the passions...because they make you passive.” — Fr. Andrew (29:11)

• Is Sin ‘Mistimed Goodness’?

  • Certain passions are always blameworthy; not all sin is simply “good done at the wrong time.” (31:15–33:36)

5. Adam & Eve, Nakedness, and Human Nature

• Nakedness Before and After the Fall

  • Nakedness in Genesis is a symbol of innocence; after the Fall, shame arises from self-awareness and the loss of innocence (35:46–40:05).
  • “Garments of skin” are iconographically depicted as animal skins but theologically signify a change in human nature—mortality, not just clothing.

  “Garments of skin aren’t an answer to the problem of them being naked...the story is trying to tell us this is about their innocence.” — Fr. Andrew (37:52)

6. Justice, Wisdom, and Blessing

• How are Justice, Wisdom, and Blessing Related?

  • All describe aspects of right order:
    • Justice: Actual harmony in creation.
    • Blessedness: The experiential state of being in accord.
    • Wisdom: The apprehension and ability to enact that order (41:26–45:00).

  “Justice is everything in its place...blessedness is the state when a creature is in accord with the whole.” — Fr. Andrew (43:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Spiritual Passivity:

  “Passions are called passions because they make you passive.” — Fr. Andrew (29:11)

• The Limits of Ritual Protection:

  “If we enter into sort of that world and that way of doing things, then we're giving those things purchase in our lives...pray this prayer—Christ protects you from the demonic powers.” — Fr. Andrew (54:30)

• Clergy and Service:

  “All of us, when we approach serving the church, have to wrestle a little bit with our ego...that means I'm going to do whatever the church needs me to do.” — Fr. Andrew (69:58)

Timestamps for Important Topics

| Segment | Time (MM:SS) | Summary | |------------------------|--------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Spirit, Molech & Leviticus | 02:34–05:41 | Child sacrifice; demonic interpretation | | John's Gospel & Exorcism | 07:35–13:24 | Why John omits exorcisms | | Prophecy and Spirit | 15:11–22:19 | Nature of prophetic possession | | Sin as Passions/Demonization | 24:26–34:33 | Demonic 'agent' model of sin, continuum to possession | | Nakedness & Garments of Skin | 35:46–40:08 | Innocence, shame, iconography | | Justice, Wisdom, Blessing | 41:00–45:20 | Theological connections between the terms | | Paganism, Curses, and Evil Eye | 48:51–59:56 | Orthodox approach to curses, supernatural protections | | Women and Ministry | 59:56–72:44 | Role of women historically and today in Orthodox context | | Marriage and Sacraments | 111:33–116:50 | Nature and function of holy matrimony | | Tradition and Change | 116:57–126:56 | How Orthodox traditions develop and adapt | | Gender, Body, and Identity| 127:11–146:44 | Sex/gender distinction, pastoral response to trans issues |

Additional Highlights

• How to Approach Curses & Folk Beliefs:

  • The Orthodox position is not to become superstitious or paranoid; rituals/pastoral prayers are about directing trust to Christ, not magic (52:00–57:53).

• Role of Women in the Church:

  • Orthodox Christianity deeply values female sanctity and contribution (e.g., St. Cassiani, the Theotokos, abbesses, monastics). While priesthood is reserved for men, women’s spiritual motherhood and creative contributions are essential (61:25–72:44).

• Complexity of Sin & Addiction:

  • Sinful habits foster demonic influence akin to spiritual addiction—fighting passions requires both grace and continued resistance (28:27–31:04).

• Theology of the Body & Gender:

  • The sex/gender distinction, role of community in forming identity, and Orthodox anthropology are explained at length. Emphasizes compassion, not polemic, in response to current gender confusion (127:11–146:44).

• Tradition, Change, and Pastoral Reality:

  • Liturgy and tradition develop organically, not by committee or innovation-for-its-own-sake; change arises from lived experience, spiritual discernment, and episcopal oversight (118:12–126:56).

Flow and Tone

• The conversation flows naturally, alternating serious theological reflection with playful banter (“Punishment continues as it will...” 03:41).
• The show maintains a welcoming, pastoral tone even on controversial subjects. The hosts push for nuance and charity alongside doctrinal clarity.
• Notable for its avoidance of platitudes and defense against reactionary or overly narrow readings on topics like exorcism, tradition, curses, and gender roles.

Conclusion

This rich, multi-layered episode demonstrates the Lord of Spirits podcast at its best—combining sophisticated scriptural and theological analysis with practical, compassionate advice for modern Orthodox Christians. Mysteries of the spiritual world, human experience, and the ongoing life of the Church are explored with depth, humility, and a consistent focus on Christ as the center of all reality.