The son of famous apologist Sean McDowell, sharing the gospel with a self-recognized Satanist in New York City, encounters what he believes to be the manifestation of the demon.
Scotty McDowell, a Viola University student whose Sean is a professor at Talbot Theological School, took part in an internship this summer at the Center for Truth in Love.
TCFTIL founder Ben Schettler invited Scotty to New York City where he conducted street interviews and set up a “My Heart of Change” table to discuss the issue of faith with passersby. At one of these events, Scotty met the man he introduced as Jason.
“He says he’s a self-proclaimed Satanist,” Scotty says of Jason. “At this moment I thought, ‘Oh, OK. This is very different to talking to someone in New York. It’s a spiritual battle.”
After Jason reveals he is a Satanist, Scotty asks him if he can explain to him “what the gospel is.”
In response, the man moves back and forth before pulling the set of tarot cards out of his pocket, telling Scotty that he “have to check my map.” Jason then bumps into him, creating a noise of gargling, and appears confused before Scotty places his hand on his shoulder and attempts to bring him back to the present.
Seconds later, Jason screams, “Peace, Scotty.”
Initially, Scotty explained to her father what followed when Jason was “speaking in a different language” and became “granting,” and told her that she was somewhat “unaware” what was actually happening.
“I remember at this moment I remember praying for this man’s soul. …The crazy thing for me was when the man did nothing. It was like a switch in his brain… And I think what you know was to say is true about Jesus.”
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He added that the harsh interaction reminded him of the power of Jesus’ name.
When Sean asks his son if he believes that the encounter that took place a few months ago is a real demonic manifestation, Scotty says he “is really confident.”
Looking back at the exchange, Scotty said he realized that he “had the Holy Spirit” and that he was “not scared” by the encounter. He continued to refer to Romans 1:16. The apostle Paul said, “Because I am not ashamed of this good news about Christ. It is God’s power in the workplace, saving everyone who believes – saves the Jews and Gentiles” (NLT).
“We’re not embarrassed,” he said. “There is power in the name of Jesus, and I was not scared. I put my hand on him.
Nevertheless, Scotty continues, and is confident that he “the Lord was watching over him”, and that he has the “angel next to him.”
Sean agreed that the encounter seemed to be a real demon, and described her son as “very proud” of his summer work and his faith in the moment.
In the video below you can see the full clip and the conversation with Sean Scotty.
CBN News contacted Sean and Scotty McDowell to discuss their encounters.
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