For those who are curious as to how informed Christadelphians approach Jas 2:19 vis-à-vis the existence or non-existence of demons, consider the following from one of the best Christadelphian apologists on Satan & Demons, Andrew Perry (others include Jonathan Burke and Duncan Heaster):
Trembling Demons
One common argument used for the existence of demons is based on James
2:19: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and tremble”. It is
argued that James pre-supposes the existence of demons, and as he is an
inspired author, we must accept this pre-supposition.
If we focus on this single verse, James’ apparent assertion could establish a belief in demons on
his part. However, the context of the verse indicates that James is conducting
an argument with hypothetical opponents, and that this verse is part of the opponent’s argument. This
part of his letter is structured in the following way: (1) “A man may say ...”
(verse 14); (2) “Yea, a man may say ...” (verse 18); (3) “But wilt thou know, O
vain man ...” (verse 20).
The first man (verse 14) presents a “faith only” position. The second
man presents a “works” position, and James counters the first and second man
with a “faith and works” position.
James counters the arrogance of the “I have faith” man in verse 17
when he says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone”. He
then introduces an argument from another type of man, one who bases his
confidence in works, so that he can show the vulnerability of the “I have
faith” claim. This “faith only” man is wide open to attack by those who place
their confidence in works. James produces the “works” argument from “a certain
man” in verses 18 and 19. What does this opponent say?
Firstly he argues, “Thou
hast faith, and I have works ...”. Here the “works man” addresses the “faith
only man” as the one who has claimed to have faith. In contrast, he claims to
have works. His position is one that values works above faith in some way. His
next statement builds on his emphasis on works: “Shew me thy faith without thy works”. Here he challenges the “faith only”
man to show him his faith without mentioning any works. By this he is aiming to
prove that works are what counts. He goes on, “I will shew thee my faith by my works”. James’ “works only” man
has “faith”, but it consists in his works.
His argument now adopts a sarcastic tone toward the “faith only” man: “Thou believest that there is one God;
thou doest well”. Here he continues to address the “faith only” man, who
believes in (has faith in) God.
Continuing the thrust he says, “The demons also believe (have faith) and
tremble”. This statement belongs to James’ “works only” man and it is part of
his rhetorical argument that aims to expose the fallacious thinking of the
“faith only” man.
The next verse has James taking up the gauntlet and addressing the
“faith only” man. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is
dead?” James puts to one side the argument of verses 18 and 19, as he gives
more examples of how real faith gives rise to works and is manifested in works.
This stress places faith in the foreground,
with a natural consequence of works.
From this analysis, the following points emerge:
• James, in 2:19, does
not express a belief in demons on his part; he reproduces a hypothetical
argument voiced in his day.
• James constructs a
rhetorical comparison for effect, and
the effect he is trying to elicit is the recognition that there is more than
just believing in God.
• James’ comparison has
a sarcastic overtone—“even the demons believe”.
On the basis of these points, it is clear we have a mention of demons
not dissimilar to Jesus’ mention when in argument with the Jews of his day over
Baal-Zebub. Jesus’ arguments also deployed effective comparisons using the
Jewish belief in Baal-Zebub. One cannot therefore use this verse to establish a
Biblical belief in demons, nor to suggest that it was a belief that James
personally held. (Andrew Perry, “Trembling Demons,” The
Christadelphian 136, no. 1623 [September 1999]: 333)
Further
Reading:
Listing
of Articles on Christadelphian Issues
Thomas Farrar, “Even the Demons Believe and Shudder: Demonology in the Epistle of James,” Dianoigo Blog, February 12, 2018
