The son of well-known apologist Sean McDowell encountered what he believes was a demonic manifestation while sharing the Gospel with a self-avowed Satanist in New York City.
Scotty McDowell, a student at Biola University, where Sean serves as a professor in the Talbot School of Theology, was participating in an internship this summer with The Center for Truth in Love.
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TCFTIL founder Ben Schettler invited Scotty to New York City, where they conducted street interviews and set up “change my mind” tables to discuss theology and matters of faith with passersby. During one of those events, Scotty met a man who introduced himself as Jason.
“He tells me that he’s a self-proclaimed Satanist,” Scotty says of Jason, who was waiting in line to debate Schettler on the inerrancy of Scripture. “At this moment, I’m like, ‘Whoa, OK. This is very different from just talking to somebody from New York. This is a spiritual battle.’”
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After Jason discloses he’s a Satanist, Scotty asks him if he can explain to him “what the Gospel is.”
In response, the man shifts back and forth before pulling a set of Tarot cards from his pocket, telling Scotty he has to “check my map.” Jason then bumbles and makes gargling noises and appears to be disoriented before Scotty puts his hand on his shoulder, trying to bring him back into the present.
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Seconds after, Jason shouts an expletive and says, “Peace, Scotty,” then runs off.
Initially, Scotty told his dad he was somewhat “oblivious” to what was actually happening, describing what ensued as Jason was “speaking in another language” and “grunting.”
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Reprinted with permission from faithwire.com. Copyright © 2025 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
