Is this teaching biblical?
Greg Locke's claim that autism is demonic possession is one of the most harmful false teachings in modern Christianity. It causes immense pain to families, delays proper medical treatment, and places spiritual blame on innocent children. When Jesus' disciples asked about a man born blind — 'who sinned, this man or his parents?' — Jesus explicitly rejected the premise. Not every affliction is demonic or the result of sin. Locke's angry, fear-based ministry also violates James' warning that 'the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.'
What did Greg Locke say?
"Autism in some cases is demonic. I have seen it cast out."
Speaker: Greg Locke
Source: Global Vision Bible Church service, 2022
What does Scripture actually teach?
John 9:2-3
"And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.'"
— NKJV
Jesus EXPLICITLY rejects the assumption that every affliction is caused by sin or demons. The disciples assumed the blindness was someone's fault; Jesus said 'NEITHER.' Locke makes the same false assumption the disciples made — and Jesus corrected. Autism is not a spiritual punishment or demonic possession; it is a neurological difference that God can use for His glory.
James 1:19-20
"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
— NKJV
Locke's ministry is characterized by explosive anger — screaming at congregants, public confrontations, and aggressive rhetoric. James says human wrath 'does not produce the righteousness of God.' A shepherd leads with rod and staff (comfort and guidance, Psalm 23:4), not with a whip of fear and rage.
Proverbs 18:13
"He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him."
— NKJV
To diagnose autism as demonic without understanding the medical, neurological, and scientific evidence is to 'answer a matter before hearing it.' This is folly and shame. Locke dismisses decades of medical research to make sensational spiritual claims that harm vulnerable families.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
— NKJV
Jesus describes Himself as 'gentle and lowly in heart' who gives 'rest.' Locke's ministry produces fear, condemnation, and burden — the opposite of Christ's character. Families of autistic children should find rest in Christ, not accusations of demonic possession from angry preachers.