Is spiritual mapping biblical? What is spiritual mapping?
The Bible does not refer to spiritual mapping in any sense. Spiritual mapping, or the technique to determine a demon's geographical area of power in order to do battle with it, is not biblical.
Spiritual mapping is based on the belief that demons have the ability or assignment to work and rule over specific territory. Those who espouse spiritual mapping usually also contend they can identify a specific demon, such as a spirit of greed around a casino, then engage it in spiritual battle. None of this is mentioned in the Bible.
People who engage in spiritual mapping name three levels of spiritual warfare. First, ground-level warfare involves casting demons out of individuals. Second, occult-level warfare engages more organized spiritual wickedness. The highest level, that of strategic-level warfare, directly battles territorial spirits who are said to rule over a larger geographic area. These territorial demons answer directly to Satan, are managers of a large area, and are sometimes referred to as "strongmen." This term comes from a misapplication of Mark 3:27: "But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house." Jesus is the one who does the binding in this instance, not His followers.
Many of those who speak of spiritual mapping are also involved in "apostolic ministry," meaning they believe apostolic gifts are being restored to the church today. Scripture says the apostles were to lay the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:19–20). Anyone with a passing understanding of construction knows a foundation only needs to be laid one time. There are no apostles today.
Belief in spiritual mapping is also often associated with dominion theology and Christian reconstructionism, both of which seek to bring about the fullness of God's kingdom on earth today.
Now, the Bible does tell Christians to resist the devil (James 4:7). It also instructs us to stand firm against the schemes of the devil using the armor of God and to use the Word of God and prayer as weapons (Ephesians 6:10–18). The victory, Proverbs 21:31 says, belongs to the Lord. The thing to remember is that Satan has been defeated, along with the rulers of this world (John 12:31). We do not have to fear demons, name them, or map them. Our focus should be on Christ and His goodness to us and those we encounter.
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