[Aquinasfan]

And perhaps that's where I'm missing the boat here.

That's usually the root of these kinds of disagreements 8-).

The existence of the demons is a tough thing to prove positively, although the anecdotes can be very convincing and difficult to explain otherwise.

If you're a Christian, the existence of the demonic is easier to believe since there are many references to, and warnings against, occultic practices in Scripture.

[LIConFem]

"If you're a Christian, the existence of the demonic is easier to believe since there are many references to, and warnings against, occultic practices in Scripture."

I am a Christian, and I have no problem accepting that demons exist. But I'm still a skeptic when it comes to the idea of summoning these critters using Ouija boards, seances and tarot cards, just as I'm skeptical (though not necessarily a hard-line scoffer) of stories of possession, ghosts, goblins and the tooth fairy :)

Anyway, my knowledge of the occult is obviously lacking, but this exchange has given me something to think about.

[steve-b]

the anecdotes can be very convincing and difficult to explain otherwise

The plural of "anecdote" is not "data". If it were, it would be an accepted fact that Elvis is alive.