It was early May, 2001 and 19-year-old James Matherson waved to his neighbor as he strolled to his car, enjoying the feel of the Spring sun on his naked body. He slid behind the wheel and was thankful for the seats not being upholstered in leather or vinyl. He drove around the city of Aurora for a while, enjoying the breeze coming through the open windows when he suddenly stopped in front of Living Hope Baptist Church. He strolled into the building, a broad smile on his lips, and he walked into the empty sanctuary. He picked up a Bible from one of the pews and made his way to the front where he promptly began urinating on the podium.

The police were called, the young man arrested and released wearing prison garb. After dropping him at his vehicle Matherson undressed again and drove around the city some more before spotting 28-year-old Jessica Fultcher. Immediately he become sober-minded, pointed his car at the young woman, and accelerated into her. Once on the ground he got out of his vehicle and began throwing rocks at the injured Fultcher. She suffered multiple skull fractures and head wounds. Emergency response admitted her to the Critical Care Unit at a nearby hospital, and Matherson was taken to jail for the second time that day.

When asked about his actions he simply responded that demons wanted him to destroy the young woman, and that he was naked in preparation for entering the Kingdom. I’ve no idea how this case ends, I only have a copy of the clipping from the May 10, 2001 Denver Post, but it seems pretty clear that James Matherson was at the very least psychologically disturbed. What he might have been, in fact, was demonically possessed.

I know some of the readers of this site are going to wonder how anyone could believe in such an old-fashioned and outdated concept while others are going to feel a tinge of excitement and thrill to learn more. I’m not going to debate the issue of demon possession today, the Bible mentions it quite frequently (especially in the New Testament) and Jesus, the disciples, and the apostle Paul all exorcised demons during their ministry. So doubters beware, it is my position that demons are spiritual entities that exist and that sometimes oppress or even possess living people.

With that in mind, I’m curious to know what our readers think. To join in an online discussion of the topic, join Think-Biblically’s Facebook group and comment. The discussion will begin at 6:00 PM Mountain time tonight. Or if you’re the silent loner type, email me your comments atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I’ll spend the weekend reviewing your comments and write again next week about the most interesting thoughts and questions.

So get to it, true believers and doubters alike!