What happens when subtle influences creep into a church, slowly shifting its focus away from biblical truth? Can one seemingly harmless choice open the door to spiritual chaos?
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” ~Acts 5:1-3 KJV
The biblical account of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a reminder of the dangers when believers allow Satan or any demonic influence to infiltrate their lives. Their story marks a cautionary tale of what happens when the adversary gains a foothold within the church, a message that reverberates through Christian communities to this day.
- Genesis 3:13-17 – God asks Eve why she did what she did & the curses
- 1 Kings 22:21-22 – A spirit becomes a lying spirit to persuade men
- 1 Chronicles 21:1-3 – Satan provokes King David to take a census
- Matthew 4:3-11 – the temptation from Satan to Jesus
- Luke 22:3-4 – Satan entering into Judas’ heart. Afterward, Judas went to the Pharisees.
- John 13:2, 27 – Satan “moves” Judas to betray Jesus. After the bread, Satan “moves” Judas to leave.
- Ephesians 6:11-16 – The “wiles” of the Devil. “Wiles” meaning in the NT, connected with evil-doing, a device, artifice, art, artificial method, craft, or wile
- James 4:7 – The “blueprint” as to the cause and how to cure temptation & oppression for the believer.
- 1 Peter 5:8 – Warning believers about the Devil and what he will do (“devour”)
- Revelation 12:9-11 – Discusses the source (Satan), what happened to him, what he does, and how to overcome him.
The scriptures above show that Satan (and demons) work to influence people (believers and non-believers) to listen to them. The kingdom of darkness hopes to impart things against God, like false teachings and enticements to sin. As James wrote (by inspiration of the Holy Spirit), “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15 KJV. This passage from James shows the point of origin to its conclusion. Satan & demons “speak to our flesh (“old man,” carnality – Galatians 5:19-21) through our heart (the central place where thoughts, emotions, and our drive to do things reside). The supporting scriptures listed below the main scripture show instances where Satan and demons have influenced believers and non-believers alike.
This analysis aims to dissect a real-life story of demonic infiltration in a modern church setting. It examines the consequences of opening spiritual doors to demonic influence and the ripple effect on believers and their community. It explores the psychological, physical, and spiritual dangers of introducing occult practices into the Christian faith, supported by scriptural references and psychological insights.
The real-life story of infiltration
There was this small non-denominational church in a rural area. It wasn’t a huge congregation—maybe 50 people or so—but that didn’t seem to matter. The pastor and his wife had been running the place for years, and from the outside, everything seemed fine. People were getting baptized, the church was growing, and there was a real sense of community. The pastor’s sermons were always “biblical,”
But one weekend, some of the women from the church, including the pastor’s wife, decided to take a trip to the beach. During that trip, they came across a spirituality shop on the boardwalk. You know the kind—full of sage, crystals, tarot cards, the whole New Age deal. One of the women, who was new to the faith, immediately knew what the shop represented. She tried to warn the others. She told them, “We shouldn’t be going in there. This stuff is dangerous.”
But the pastor’s wife brushed it off. “It’s harmless,” she said, “You’re just being overly cautious.” Some of the women followed her inside, despite the warnings, and even made a few purchases—crystals and other so-called “spiritual” items.
Now, here’s where things started to get strange. Not long after that beach trip, the pastor’s wife began showing up to church events with a new cup—crystals inside it. She’d carry it around, and the reason for the crystals was clear: they were supposed to “infuse” her drink with energy. A lot of people didn’t see anything wrong with it, but others were alarmed.
At one women’s group, the pastor’s wife introduced a topic that had nothing to do with the Bible—burning sage, yoga, things deeply rooted in New Age practices. When someone raised a concern, asking, “How is any of this connected to Christ?” the pastor’s wife scoffed. “It’s just something for us women,” she said. “It’s harmless.” But it wasn’t harmless. Something was off, and that became more obvious as time went on.
Not long after, the church leadership team gathered for prayer one Sunday before the service. The pastor’s wife arrived, and before they began, she announced she had some new oil she wanted to anoint everyone with. But when asked what kind of oil it was, it wasn’t olive oil, frankincense, or any biblical anointing oil. It was something she had bought online—completely unconnected to anything scriptural. Despite this, most of the leadership team allowed her to anoint them.
At this point, I was getting more and more concerned, but I wasn’t the only one. Someone else in the group—who had been hesitant but respectful—reached out to a more experienced Christian for advice. They were told, “Stay, but if this kind of New Age stuff makes its way into the pastor’s teachings, then it’s time to go.”
Well, sure enough, not long after that, it did. On Easter Sunday, of all days, the pastor stood in the pulpit to preach—not about the resurrection of Christ, but about something called the “spiritual hawk,” a concept he had picked up during a retreat. The retreat, by the way, was rooted in Native American spiritualism, not Christianity. That was the final straw.
After the service, a meeting was arranged with the pastor, and everything was laid out on the table: the New Age practices, the crystals, the burning sage, even the strange teachings he’d been introducing. But despite the concern, the pastor made his position clear the following Sunday: “You and your family can throw away your crystals,” he said, “but as for me and my house, we’re keeping ours.”
That’s when it became clear that this wasn’t just an innocent misunderstanding—there was a spirit at work in that church, and it wasn’t the Holy Spirit.
After that, people started leaving. The church dwindled. Those who stayed, well, they weren’t left untouched. Marriages fell apart. Families were broken. There were divorces, affairs, and even children being led down paths that tore them from biblical truth. One of the men involved came out as gay, another as transgender, and in the end, the pastor himself renounced his faith—he deconstructed.
It became obvious: once the door to the occult was opened, destruction followed. This wasn’t just a one-off event. The enemy had come in through a tiny crack—one visit to a New Age shop—and what followed was chaos. The Bible warns us about false teachers and false prophets, and that’s exactly what this was. When leadership opens the door to the demonic, the congregation suffers.
The good news is that God can heal even the deepest wounds. Some people have left that environment, found new churches, and grown stronger in their faith. But the damage done by allowing a demon into that church? It was real, and it was devastating.
Scriptural Support for Key Elements of the Story:
- The Danger of False Teaching:
- Story Reference: The pastor and his wife introduced New Age practices like crystals, burning sage, and chakras into the church.
- Scripture: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13, KJV).
The Bible is clear that false teachers can look and sound like apostles of Christ, but they lead people astray with teachings that are not rooted in Scripture.
- Opening the Door to the Occult:
- Story Reference: The church leadership engaged in New Age practices, which opened the door to demonic influence.
- Scripture: “Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27, KJV).
Allowing any form of occult practice or false teaching into a Christian setting opens the door for the enemy to work. This verse warns us not to give Satan any foothold in our lives.
- Destruction of Families and Marriages:
- Story Reference: After the church opened the door to New Age beliefs, many families fell apart—divorces, affairs, and children lost to deception.
- Scripture: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10, KJV).
The enemy’s goal is to destroy the family unit, as shown in the breakdown of marriages and the confusion spread throughout this congregation.
- Anointing with Strange Oils:
- Story Reference: The pastor’s wife used non-biblical oil to anoint the church leadership, which caused discomfort and unease.
- Scripture: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14, KJV).
The anointing oil used in Scripture is always tied to God’s purposes, never to worldly or occult practices. Anointing should be done in the name of the Lord, with oil that is symbolic of His presence, not something bought online with no biblical connection.
- The Warning Against Idolatry and Occult Practices:
- Story Reference: The pastor’s wife and others dabbled in crystals and other spiritual items.
- Scripture: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31, KJV).
God’s people are warned against seeking anything tied to occult practices, including familiar spirits, crystals, and other tools of the New Age.
The Narrative of Demonic Infiltration: When Innocence Meets Spiritual Deception
In this story, a small rural church of around 50 members initially thrived under the leadership of a committed pastor and his wife. Over time, however, subtle changes began to seep into the church. A pivotal moment occurred when the pastor’s wife, along with other women from the congregation, visited a New Age spirituality shop during a casual beach trip². Drawn to items like crystals and sage, she dismissed concerns from one congregant who sensed the danger of these objects. The pastor’s wife saw these items as “harmless”—a seemingly innocent perspective that opened the first door for demonic infiltration into the church.
Spiritual Psychology of Deception
The decision to engage with New Age artifacts demonstrates a psychological phenomenon known as “normalization of deviance,” where repeated exposure to minor compromises blurs the line between right and wrong³. Once a threshold is crossed—such as visiting a New Age shop or purchasing crystals—it becomes easier to dismiss subsequent deviations from scriptural teachings.
Psychological studies suggest that even a slight departure from core beliefs can alter one’s perception of truth, especially when charismatic figures, like the pastor’s wife in this case, endorse these changes⁴. Social influence and cognitive dissonance play roles here, as individuals reconcile conflicting beliefs to maintain harmony within their group⁵.
Gradual Onset of New Age Practices: A Deeper Descent into Darkness
After the beach trip, the pastor’s wife began incorporating crystals into her everyday life, even bringing them to church. Initially unchallenged, she introduced practices like sage burning and spoke of “energy infusion,” distancing the women’s group activities from biblical teaching. When questioned, she dismissed concerns, insisting these practices were harmless.
Theological Implications of Idolatry and Occult Practices
The Bible sternly warns against engaging in occult practices. Leviticus 19:31 reads, “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31)⁶. By bringing crystals and New Age rituals into the church, the pastor’s wife inadvertently introduced idolatry, violating biblical commandments against such practices and giving place to the enemy.
Effects on the Congregation: Spiritual and Psychological Fallout
The spiritual compromise led to profound repercussions within the church. Congregants noticed a shift, sensing something “off” that they could not initially identify. The breakdown of relationships, the rise in personal struggles, and eventual splits in the church community underscored the chaos that followed the introduction of demonic influences.
Studies on Emotional and Psychological Impact of Spiritual Disconnection
Psychological research links emotional stability and mental health with spiritual practices that align with one’s core beliefs. When these beliefs are disrupted, as seen when New Age practices infiltrated a Christian setting, individuals often experience cognitive dissonance, resulting in anxiety, stress, and a sense of alienation⁷.
A 2014 study in The American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that spiritual discord within one’s religious community can cause mental health struggles, including depression and heightened emotional distress⁸. This could explain the breakdown of relationships and increase in personal turmoil within the congregation following the pastor’s wife’s actions.
The Unsettling Introduction of Non-Biblical Anointing Oil
Further deepening the infiltration, the pastor’s wife introduced a non-biblical anointing oil, claiming it to possess “special powers.” This action caused discomfort among some members, as the use of oils outside of scriptural tradition can serve as a portal for spiritual deception.
Anointing Oil: Sacred or Secular?
The Bible is explicit about the use of anointing oils, associating them with specific spiritual purposes. James 5:14 says, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14)⁹. The symbolic nature of this practice emphasizes God’s presence, not the mysticism attached to non-biblical or occult sources.
Consequences of Spiritual Drift: Destruction and Division in the Church
As the pastor adopted non-Christian concepts, the church experienced decline. His teaching on a “spiritual hawk” rather than the resurrection on Easter Sunday was the tipping point. Families left, marriages crumbled, and young people were led into sin and confusion. The chaos exemplified John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”¹⁰.
The Role of Demonic Oppression in Christian Life
Though believers cannot be possessed by demons, they can be oppressed if they open doors through sinful actions or ungodly influences. Studies in spiritual counseling show that prolonged exposure to demonic oppression can lead to emotional instability, disrupted relationships, and loss of faith¹¹.
Healing and Restoration: A Path Forward
While the damage was significant, some congregants found healing in other churches and recommitted to their faith. This journey back reflects the hope in James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”¹².
Psychological Support for Rebuilding Faith Communities
Reconnecting with a supportive faith community has been shown to significantly improve emotional resilience and overall mental health. Research in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality indicates that social support from a spiritually grounded community aids in recovery and fosters resilience among those who have experienced religious or spiritual trauma¹³.
Characteristics of Demonic Oppression:
- Emotional Turmoil: Oppressed individuals may experience extreme bouts of depression, anxiety, or fear, often beyond normal circumstances. This is not simply emotional distress but an intensified feeling of despair or hopelessness.
- 1 Samuel 16:14-15 – “But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.”
- Mark 5:5 – “And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.”
- Luke 8:27-29 – A man possessed by many demons was described as having “no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs,” indicating severe torment.
- 1 Kings 19:4 – Though not directly demonic, Elijah experienced extreme emotional distress and despair after being threatened by Jezebel, an instance of spiritual oppression.
- Matthew 17:15 – “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for oftentimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.”
- Spiritual Apathy or Blockages: There may be a lack of desire to pray, read scripture, or engage in worship. Demonic oppression can work to hinder spiritual growth and sever the relationship with God (James 4:7).
- Luke 22:31 – “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…”
- Matthew 12:43-45 – When an unclean spirit leaves a man and returns with “seven other spirits more wicked,” it hinders the person’s ability to spiritually recover.
- 1 Samuel 28:6-7 – When Saul sought God but received no answer, he turned to the witch of Endor, showing a spiritual blockage under demonic influence.
- Mark 9:17-18 – A boy’s possession prevented him from living a normal life, with his father describing the situation as spiritual oppression blocking any other form of help.
- Physical Symptoms Without Medical Explanation: Sometimes, physical illnesses, exhaustion, or afflictions come without any discernible medical cause, possibly indicating spiritual oppression (Job 2:7). However, this must be discerned carefully, as not all illness is demonic in nature.
- Luke 13:11 – “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.”
- Mark 9:25 – Jesus cast out a “dumb and deaf spirit” that caused physical symptoms of muteness and deafness in a boy.
- Matthew 12:22 – “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him…”
- Mark 5:2-4 – The man possessed with a legion of demons exhibited supernatural strength and self-destructive behaviors.
- Acts 19:16 – “And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them,” where demonic influence caused physical aggression.
- Unusual External Events: People under oppression may encounter strange occurrences such as accidents, financial setbacks, or relational breakdowns that seem to align with other symptoms of spiritual harassment.
- Job 1:12-19 – Satan caused a series of disastrous external events in Job’s life, including loss of livestock, servants, and family, as part of his spiritual harassment.
- Acts 16:16-18 – A girl with a spirit of divination caused disturbances until Paul cast out the demon, leading to economic and social unrest.
- Mark 5:13 – The demons possessing the man in Gadara caused a herd of swine to run violently into the sea, leading to their destruction.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:18 – “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us,” describing external obstacles created by Satan.
- Acts 19:13-16 – The sons of Sceva were attacked by an evil spirit during an exorcism attempt, causing fear and confusion among the people.
Biblical Insights:
The Bible acknowledges spiritual warfare and the presence of evil forces. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Christians are called to be vigilant and to equip themselves with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to withstand these attacks.
James 4:7 provides the solution to demonic oppression: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Through prayer, scripture, and reliance on Christ’s victory over evil (Colossians 2:15), believers can resist demonic oppression.
Signs of Freedom from Oppression:
Deliverance from demonic oppression often manifests through renewed peace, joy, and spiritual fervor. This freedom comes through confessing sin, renouncing any agreements with evil, and immersing oneself in prayer and the Word of God.
Demonic oppression for Christians looks like intense spiritual attack meant to distract, discourage, and derail a believer’s faith. However, Christ provides the means for freedom through His power and the truth of scripture.
To Confront Or Not To Confront, That Is The Question
Biblical Support for Denouncing False Teachers:
- Old Testament Warnings:
The Bible consistently warns against false prophets. In Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Moses gives instructions about false prophets who lead people astray, commanding that they be put to death under the Law of Moses for promoting idolatry. Though the penalties for false prophecy in the New Testament age are no longer the same, the seriousness of false teaching remains. - Jesus’ Teachings:
Jesus Himself warned against false prophets, saying, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV). He called them “blind leaders of the blind” (Matthew 15:14) and warned that their influence could lead many astray. - Apostolic Instruction:
- Paul’s Example: Paul regularly called out false teachers. In his letters, he repeatedly warns churches about those who would distort the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). In his pastoral epistles, Paul instructs Timothy and Titus to rebuke those who promote false doctrine: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV). Additionally, Paul directly confronts false teachers in his ministry, such as when he condemned the false teachings of Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19-20).
- John’s Instruction: The Apostle John warned Christians to “try the spirits” to determine whether they are from God because “many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, KJV). He further advised believers to separate from those who teach falsehoods (2 John 1:9-11).
Denouncing False Teaching in the Presence of Non-Believers:
Paul’s confrontation of Peter in Galatians 2 is an example of publicly correcting error, even in mixed company. Peter’s actions were confusing to Gentile converts, and Paul openly rebuked him to maintain the integrity of the Gospel. Likewise, Christians today are called to uphold the truth even when addressing non-believers because the integrity of the Gospel is at stake. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines how to deal with sin within the church, but the pattern of accountability and correction can extend to confronting public falsehoods that undermine the Christian faith.
The Manner of Denunciation:
While it is essential to denounce false teachings, Christians are also called to do so with love, humility, and a spirit of restoration. The goal is not merely to win an argument but to protect the integrity of the Gospel and lead others to the truth. Paul advises in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness” (KJV).
Final thoughts:
This account illustrates the severe impact of inviting occult practices into a Christian community. From spiritual disconnection and psychological harm to broken relationships and even apostasy, the ramifications were devastating. Through vigilance, scripture, and adherence to biblical doctrine, believers can avoid similar pitfalls, ensuring that their worship remains pure and their communities safe from the influence of darkness.
Christians have a biblical mandate to stand against false teaching, whether it arises within the church or among non-believers. However, this should be done in a spirit of love, aiming to uphold the truth while seeking the restoration of those who may be led astray.
Footnotes:
- The Holy Bible, King James Version, Acts 5:1-3.
- “The Demon That Was Allowed in Church,” text file.
- Vaughan, Diane. The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at NASA, 1996.
- Festinger, Leon. A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, Stanford University Press, 1957.
- Asch, Solomon. “Opinions and Social Pressure.” Scientific American, vol. 193, no. 5, 1955, pp. 31–35.
- The Holy Bible, King James Version, Leviticus 19:31.
- Pargament, Kenneth I., et al. “Spiritual Struggles as a Metaphor for Psychological Distress.” Journal of Religion and Health, vol. 49, no. 1, 2010, pp. 52–61.
- Koenig, Harold G., et al. “Religious Coping and Mental Health Outcomes in a Jewish Community Sample.” The American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 161, no. 6, 2014.
- The Holy Bible, King James Version, James 5:14.
- The Holy Bible, King James Version, John 10:10.
- Wright, H. Norman. The Complete Guide to Crisis & Trauma Counseling, Regal, 2011.
- The Holy Bible, King James Version, James 4:7.
- Park, Crystal L., and Ken Pargament. “Religious and Spiritual Struggles and Psychological Distress.” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, vol. 2, no. 4, 2010.
