Conservative pastor calls Greta Thunberg 'psychologically disturbed', says she is 'possessed by demonic spirits'
A Conservative pastor has reportedly claimed that teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is "the most iconic picture of the death of the west", and that she may be possessed by a "demonic spirit". The outrage from the evangelical pastor comes days after the 16-year-old was named Time magazine's 2019 Person of the Year.
"Friends, this is it. This is the unraveling of the western world. This is what it looks like," pastor Kevin Swanson said on December 16's edition of his evangelical Generations Radio podcast. While mocking Thunberg, Swanson dubbed her "the prophetess of the new age", and claimed that the teen, who has Asperger syndrome, is "psychologically disturbed".
"Her face is contorted in a horrible, horrible shape," claimed Swanson. "But whatever the case, she does have these psychiatric disorders and I guess that's no secret, that's been around."
The pastor also added that the "disturbing" young climate change activist was being used by "other demonic spirits" to take control of the world. "I have to say, there's something very disturbing about the appearance of and the presentation of this Greta Thunberg," he said. "Now she's being trotted out in front of the others, the other demonic spirits are using her to lead the world, wherever it's going. I don't know where this world is going."
Thunberg, who rose to popularity through her weekly Friday protest outside the Swedish parliament a year ago, has inspired millions of people across the world to take to the streets in an effort to demand emergency action on climate change from their governments.
Swanson also used Bible passages to support his argument, comparing Thunberg to a boy whose "demonic spirit" was said to have been driven out by Jesus. In another biblical reference, he mentioned a warning about civilization being harmed when children become insolent "oppressors" while women "rule over" society.
Thunberg, earlier this month, was recognized by TIME magazine as its Person of the Year 2019, becoming the youngest person to receive the title in TIME's 92-year history. The Swedish teen was recognized by the magazine for her fearless efforts of raising global awareness about climate change.
She was chosen from TIME's five finalists, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump, the anonymous whistleblower who lodged an official complaint about Trump's July 25 call to Ukraine President, leading to an impeachment inquiry against the president, and the anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.