Reflecting on Abolition as Resurrection: The Demon-Possessed Man in Gerasnes

Author: Camille Hernandez

In a recent recording of the Abolition As Resurrection podcast, Jia and I talked with guests Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart and Minister Willette Benford on how we can reduce harm in our communities. They retold the story of the demon-possessed man in Gerasenes in a way that opened my eyes to decolonizing, abolition, and being accountable to reject anti-Semitic theologies.

I had already known that within the man were many demons who collectively called themselves Legion. I remember pastors sharing sermons about how Legion signifies that an entire military of demons lived inside of him. What I didn’t realize is how representational this is of the ways we’re indoctrinated to internalize colonialism and militarization of an imperialistic empire. One man was possessed with many demons; but how many people are possessed with the propagandas set by colonialism, police state, and the military industrial complex?

Surely, if these systems devalue human life and impede the progress of human flourishing then I can easily equate it with demonic possession. This violence makes me think about how these evils have caused mass PTSD that impact us at the very molecular levels of our DNA. I’m thinking of how that trauma is passed down generationally.

The man — possessed with a militarized demonic force — would cry out and cut himself with stones daily. This reminds me of the ways trauma will entrap us in unhealthy coping mechanisms that are our cries for help; and how communities without resources or understanding will isolate hurting people. When Jesus removed the demonic military that existed within the man he also removed the ways one can internalize the violence of a colonial militaristic empire. Jesus lived in the violent time of Roman colonial occupation.

What, in our contemporary age, would be the colonial militaristic empire(s) that we’ve internalized? Of course, this healing isn’t the “quick fix” that we think it is. I believe Jesus heals and I also think Jesus believes in the power of healing community.

This is the point in the story where our liberation theologies can turn to anti-Semitism. Once the man was healed the people were afraid and wanted him gone. I don’t think they were afraid because they hated Jesus. I think they were afraid because opposition to a militarized colonial empire will be met with violent retaliation. `To say, “the Jews hated Jesus and that’s why they didn’t want the healed man to return” doesn’t take into account the ways Roman Empire implemented their supremacy to destabilize and oppress the peoples of the land. A goal of oppression is to so further traumatize people that it inhibits their ability to imagine or pursue a different life. Liberation begins in the imagination; but those who are not ready for that imagination to become a reality will oppose the freedom presented to them. Not only are anti-Semitic Biblical interpretations awful but they lack basic understanding of human trauma.

Instead of hanging out with that crazy-dirty-homeless-magical-Rabbi named Jesus, the man is told to return to where he’s from and to tell the people all about it. He does exactly that (probably with many awkward interactions that started with “aren’t you that guy who…?”). The people are amazed and this abolitionist son of God continues on.

It’s often preached that the healing is the miracle, but what if the miracle is that a healed person has the ability to create deep abolitionist communities that resist colonial empires? What if your pursuit of decolonizing and abolition are the miracle?

 …it’s definitely something to think about.

To hear more about creating an abolition world subscribe to the Abolition as Resurrection podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google, and Spotify. The first episode premiers on March 2nd.

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Camille Hernandez is a writer, educator, community organizer and coach blending leadership development and pastoral care to help abuse survivors find their voice, develop self-compassion practices, and deepen their spiritual journey. You can find her online at @hellocamilleh on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.