The son of well-known apologist Sean McDowell had a face to face with what he believes was a demonic manifestation while sharing the Gospel in New York City. He was in the city as part of a summer internship with The Center for Truth in Love, doing street interviews and “change my mind” tables. The setting was public, loud, and unpredictable, exactly where spiritual clashing often shows up.
During one event, Scotty met a man who introduced himself as Jason, and the conversation quickly shifted tone. “He tells me that he’s a self-proclaimed Satanist,” Scotty recounts, and he added, “At this moment, I’m like, ‘Whoa, OK. This is very different from just talking to somebody from New York. This is a spiritual battle.’” The air changed in a way that made the team feel they were no longer only debating ideas.
A Sudden Spiritual Clash
Scotty asked Jason if he could explain “what the Gospel is,” and the man’s reply turned physical. Jason pulled Tarot cards, swayed, made strange gargling noises, and behaved as though disoriented, which left Scotty and his companions scrambling to respond. Scotty placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him and call him back into the moment.
Seconds later the man shouted an expletive, said, “Peace, Scotty,” and bolted away, leaving a stunned group behind. Initially Scotty told his dad he was somewhat “oblivious” to what was actually happening, describing what ensued as Jason was “speaking in another language” and “grunting.” The scene felt like more than a tussle of opinions; it felt like a spiritual skirmish with heavy, visible effects.
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Scotty said the moment he asked, “Jason, do you know who Jesus is?” something switched in the man’s behavior. “It was like a switch in his brain. Something went off,” he said, and that sudden, visible reaction became a lesson for him about the potency of gospel words. He walked away convinced that truth spoken boldly can press against darkness in a real way.
Looking back, Scotty admitted he “wasn’t scared” because he “had the Holy Spirit” with him, and that confidence kept him steady amid the chaos. He reflected on Romans 1:16, quoting, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes — the Jew first and also the Gentile” (NLT). That verse framed the encounter for him: the Gospel is not a polite conversation trick but active, world-shaking power when it is proclaimed.
Even now, Scotty wonders how close the danger was and admits he probably should have been more fearful. “I put my hands on him. I don’t know what could’ve happened. I could’ve gotten seriously hurt,” he said, recalling the raw vulnerability of standing between a troubled man and public chaos. Yet he also said he felt protected, believing “the Lord was watching over” him and that he had “an angel next to” him.
Sean McDowell echoed his son’s conviction and expressed pride in Scotty’s faith and composure during the incident. This account is a sharp reminder that ministry in public spaces can move beyond conversation into spiritual confrontation, and believers need boldness grounded in Scripture. The take away is simple: say what is true about Jesus without shame and trust the Holy Spirit to work.
There is raw urgency in this story for anyone who shares faith on the street or online. Christians are called to speak the Gospel clearly and confidently, knowing it is “the power of God at work.” Go out, pray, and be ready to declare truth with courage because real spiritual stakes are often closer than we think.