Spiritual Life Week Forum
11/05/2026
Drawing on her interdisciplinary research in New Testament studies, anthropology and ethnography, Vaughan examined accounts of spirit possession across cultures and religious traditions.
Bluffton University Forum explores biblical and multicultural accounts of spirits and exorcism
Bluffton University welcomed Dr. Joy Vaughan, assistant professor of New Testament at Asbury University, who presented “The Phenomenal Phenomena: Biblical and Multicultural Accounts of Spirits and Exorcism,” exploring how biblical accounts of exorcism have been interpreted throughout history and what global cultural perspectives can contribute to understanding spiritual experiences.
Vaughan began with accounts from the Gospels in which Jesus cast out evil spirits, including stories of individuals experiencing physical ailments, violent behavior and other forms of suffering. She discussed how these accounts have been understood by biblical scholars over time, particularly the tension between supernatural interpretations and explanations rooted in psychology, medicine and sociology.
Drawing on her interdisciplinary research in New Testament studies, anthropology and ethnography, Vaughan examined accounts of spirit possession across cultures and religious traditions. She identified three common characteristics found in both biblical and multicultural accounts: illness, violent or unusual physical activity and altered vocal activity. Her research explored how these experiences appear across different societies and throughout history.
Vaughan challenged the tendency to explain away spiritual experiences through exclusively natural or scientific interpretations, while also cautioning against attributing every unexplained experience to supernatural forces. She encouraged attendees to consider the complexity of human beings as physical, mental and spiritual, emphasizing the importance of discernment and recognizing when medical, psychological or spiritual support may be appropriate.
A central theme of the presentation was the importance of incorporating multicultural perspectives into biblical scholarship. Vaughan explained that experiences of spirit possession are documented across the world and that listening to voices outside Western academic traditions can broaden understanding of biblical accounts. Rather than treating natural and spiritual explanations as mutually exclusive, she encouraged scholars to allow different perspectives to inform one another.
Vaughan also connected the topic to the Christian understanding of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that other people are not the enemy and that Christ should remain at the center of Christian faith. She encouraged attendees to take responsibility for their actions, avoid an unhealthy fascination with evil spirits and focus instead on the hope and freedom found in Jesus.
Vaughan concluded by contrasting the destructive characteristics associated with evil, including illness, violence and deception, with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, including love, patience and joy. Her presentation invited the Bluffton University community to consider how faith, scholarship and cultural understanding can deepen conversations about spirituality.
Vaughan's presentation was part of Bluffton University's Spiritual Life Week, held Oct. 26-30, with the theme "Faith and Discovery." The week featured opportunities for students to explore faith through worship, discussion, fellowship and prayer. Other activities included a S'more Jesus Worship Night, open classes on the biblical worldview, a lunch with Vaughan, a chapel service focused on "What Is Real Freedom" and a campuswide hide-and-seek event. The week concluded with a prayer meeting, encouraging students to engage with faith and discover new ways to connect with their spiritual lives.