God can show up anywhere and at any time. A clear example of this would be the angelic presence at Sodom and Gomorrah. Read all about it in Genesis 18:16-19:29.

That horrific story should let us koow that God is a merciful God despite our willful disobedience. That mercy is conveyed through His patience. However, when the Sovereign who rules over our world sees a correction is needed, He acts. As He did with Sodom and Gomorrah.

Suggesting the presence of demons in our modern day raises eyebrows. When one has their eyes opened to true spiritual darkness, then that should alert us to the subtlety of demonic presence. A clear example is coming up.

In just a few days, Burning Man 2026 will take place. The dates are August 30th through September 7th. This annual event is held in the Black Rock Desert in Pershing County, Nevada. This is approximately 120 miles north of Reno.

Burning Man will be mentioned—even highlighted—in news reports in the days ahead. Will we be given any in-depth coverage of what actually takes place during this week of hedonism? No.

A year ago at about this time, Nicole Shanahan wrote an extensive piece for the Blaze newsletter about her multi-year experience at Burning Man. Nicole is an attorney, a philanthropist and a billionaire.

I’d encourage you to take time to read her article. It’s truly eye-opening. Her headline simply asks the question, “Is Burning Man Demonic?”

She explains the title.

“I used to be a devoted ‘Burner,’ having attended faithfully every year from 2014 through 2022. ‘Is Burning Man demonic?’ is a question I see floating around several Christian circles, and as a newly baptized Christian, I’ve been asking myself the same question.”

Nicole began a search on the topic of demons to find an answer. This led her to C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters and its companion essay, “Screwtape Proposes a Toast.” Her assessment states,

“His ability to frame the unseen in terms we can see and feel is nothing short of remarkable.”

What attracted Ms. Shanahan to Burning Man in the first place? She believes most attendees are, “in some way, searching.” Perhaps it’s a search for identity, self-expression, healing from loss, or a desire to break free and let loose.

In her synopsis of the week-long experience she says it “feels like an entire lifetime distilled into mere hours.” Countless parties. One-night stands. Profound conversations.

After the event ends, seasoned Burners will frequently attend “decompression parties.” These extend out the communal living, partying, sex, massages, and unabridged confessions to one another. Many go on for several days or even weeks.

Burning Man managers or “operators” all carry walkie-talkies to deal with whatever issues arise. This includes “arrests, injuries, deaths, accidents, missing-person complaints, and other concerns.” “The old guard of Burning Man” includes several people in their 60s and 70s.

Nicole’s review:

“There are constant orgies. …drugs are consumed in staggering quantities. And yes, sexual assault and rape occur at Burning Man, along with tragic, often preventable deaths. Nudity is everywhere.”

Overdoses happen frequently.

Many who attend openly practice magic.

“Occult symbols and ceremonies are practiced so frequently that they become ingrained in the fabric of daily life,” she writes.

Nicole’s “esoteric and occult encounters” were too many to count. Only later, while reading the Bible and books including The Screwtape Letters did she learn about the grand hierarchy of demons. That’s when she realized how eerily familiar everything seemed.

She concludes by saying,

“It has taken me years to rebuild what was broken inside me, and it took waking up from a near-death experience to see the truth finally—and to find the courage and humility to come to Christ for all the things I once went searching for at Burning Man.”

Other former Burners have found the same freedom.

Says Nicole,

“As I devote myself to Scripture, to my family, and to walking in the light of the Lord, I find that this process of renewal continues to unfold, deepening day by day, step by step. I no longer desire to “Burn the Man”; I now burn with zeal in the Spirit.”

As Jesus said,

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, CSB)

(“You might also consider reading, “Finding Jesus At Burning Man.”)