How Demons Became Political Weapons in America | Dr. Michael E. Heyes

For our October POV live show, Dr. Michael E. Heyes, religion professor at Lycoming College and author of Devils of Democracy, joins Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram to explore the history of demons and how beliefs about them have shaped Christianity, culture, and political movements. We trace the evolution of demonic imagery from the Bible and early Christianity through medieval monasteries, witch trials, and the spiritualist movements of the 19th century. Heyes explains how Abraham Lincoln was accused of being influenced by demonic forces and why some Americans once associated abolitionism and women's equality with the devil. The conversation also examines modern spiritual warfare, the New Apostolic Reformation, Bethel Church, the Seven Mountain Mandate, and the religious activity surrounding January 6. Along the way, we explore a consequential question: What happens to democracy and civil discourse when political disagreements become battles against supernatural evil? BOOKBook: Devils of Democracy: America's Love Affair with Political Demons from the Revolution to Today Author: Michael E. Heyes Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798341900936 GUEST BIODr. Michael E. Heyes is an associate professor of religion and department chair at Lycoming College. His research examines the history of demons, religious imagination, and the ways supernatural beliefs influence social and political life. He is the author of Devils of Democracy: America's Love Affair with Political Demons from the Revolution to Today, which explores how Americans have used demonic language and imagery to understand political conflict. His work connects early Christian and medieval demonology with modern American religious movements and political rhetoric.