Wow! This story is pretty dramatic sounding, but for those who might doubt, I can personally attest to the authenticity of the "demonic" details.

In my own youth, I witnessed similar "prophecies" and assertions of literal demonic control — in mainstream Baptist and similar churches, including in Alabama where my dad pastored a church in the 70s.

One dedicated member of our congregation was a single woman who pretty much everybody presumed was a lesbian "struggling" with a demon. She was the constant subject of gossip and prayer. "Dear God, please release Sister So and So from the wiles of the Enemy," etc etc etc.

To my knowledge, nobody performed an exorcism, though my dad did exercisms now and then. She was certainly annointed with oil and prayed over by the deacons and my dad a few times.

Later in life, I learned she really was a lesbian and the woman people accused of being her lover was, in fact, her lover.

I've often wondered what kept her in church despite the snide gossip, the disapproval, and the implicit understanding that to be accepted in the church community, she had to fundamentally change who she was.

I'll be looking forward to future articles from you to see if they shed any light on the mystery!