Christians have diverse beliefs about evil spiritual forces or beings (such as Satan and demons) and their role. At one end of the spectrum, some believe that Biblical references to Satan and demons reflect cultural understandings rather than spiritual realities. At the other, some Christians frequently attribute suffering and illness to direct demonic influence or possession. Others take a more integrated view, in which spiritual, physical, emotional and sociocultural realities are deeply intertwined and interdependent. They recognise an element of mystery in this space – that we often don’t know what role the spiritual realm plays in individual circumstances.
Given this diversity, it’s not surprising that Christians have different ideas about whether and how evil spiritual influences are involved in eating disorders. For those who entertain this possibility, a careful approach is generally wise.
People experiencing eating disorders are often fearful and deeply uncomfortable in their body and identity. Suggesting that their eating disorder results from demonic influence could intensify these symptoms, and may also exacerbate stigma. Wisdom and sensitivity is required.
‘My family got involved in…a cult…I went through a lot of trauma with that. I had been offered counselling through…that church. The counselling, looking back, was extremely harmful…They had told me I had an eating disorder because I had a demon inside me, because I had invited negative…they basically said I’d invited sinful things in and that’s why I had this issue. And then they wanted to do an exorcism to get the demon out…I remember being very angry about it. Like, absolutely furious.’
Precisely understanding whether and what role the spiritual realm plays in eating disorders might not be necessary to respond helpfully. The name ‘Satan’ means ‘Accuser’, and Jesus calls Satan the ‘Father of Lies’ (Jn 8:44). Some Christians with eating disorders think of their experience as in part a ‘spiritual battle’ against accusations and lies about their worth and identity. Some find it helpful to challenge these with Scripture, like the gospels describe Jesus using Scripture when he was tempted in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11; Mk 4:1-14).
‘Reading the Bible, listening [to] sermons, learning more about who [Jesus] is versus…what the enemy is trying to do…God doesn’t condemn. There’s no more condemnation in those who believe in Christ Jesus. So just really learning those scriptures and memorising those scriptures and saying that over and over, you know, when the condemnation does come.’
It is possible to pray and to focus on internalising God’s truths about these issues without necessarily emphasising, or even fully understanding, the potential role of evil spiritual forces. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps people to identify and challenge unhelpful patterns of thinking and change related behaviours. It is often used to treat eating disorders, and aligns well with Scriptures like Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:8-9 that talk about renewal of our minds. Incorporating spiritual ‘truths’ within cognitive behavioural type approach might be a positive way to address potential spiritual undertones with Christians experiencing eating disorders. It is also accessible across the Christian spectrum of belief about the spiritual realm.
If you are a Christian struggling with an eating disorder and wondering with whether it involves a spiritual element: Remember that Christ has overcome – you are safe in Him. ‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome [every spirit that is not from God], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ (1 Jn 4:4)
