While taking part in a street evangelism internship in New York City, Scotty McDowell, son of Christian apologist Sean McDowell, found himself in what he believes was a face-to-face encounter with a demonic presence.

Scotty, a student at Biola University, approached a self-identified Satanist during a missionary effort with The Center for Truth in Love and described an intense interaction that he and his father later suggested was a spiritual conflict, as CBN reports.

The encounter unfolded over the summer while Scotty participated in an internship with The Center for Truth in Love, a ministry founded by Ben Schettler. This program brought interns to the streets of New York City to engage locals in gospel conversations and theological dialogue.

Scotty’s team used tools like “change my mind” tables and brief interviews to spark conversations about faith and the Bible. It was during one of these outreach efforts that he met a man named Jason who introduced himself as a Satanist.

Jason had reportedly been waiting to debate Schettler directly about the inerrancy of the Bible. Before that conversation occurred, Scotty decided to speak with him first and posed a question asking Jason to explain the meaning of the Gospel.

Conversation quickly shifts into strange territory

Scotty noted that things began to shift dramatically when Jason responded by pulling out Tarot cards. According to Scotty, Jason said he needed to “check [his] map,” and then began to act erratically.

Scotty described Jason’s movements as unusual, noting that he shifted side to side and made noises that sounded like gargling. His speech also became disjointed and included words in a language Scotty couldn’t identify.

Attempting to ease the tension, Scotty placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder. Jason reacted abruptly, shouting a profanity, saying “Peace, Scotty,” and then running off from the scene without further explanation.

McDowell reflects on a moment of spiritual tension

Scotty recalled that in the moment, he didn’t fully grasp what was happening, but soon began to sense the spiritual gravity of the situation. He said he started praying for Jason’s soul even before realizing how strange the encounter had become.

He shared that the most powerful moment came after he asked Jason whether he knew who Jesus was. Scotty said the question triggered an immediate and visible shift in Jason’s demeanor and tone.

“At that point,” Scotty said, “something went off in his brain.” Scotty later emphasized that the experience reinforced his belief in the power of speaking spiritual truth in public, even in uncomfortable or unpredictable situations.

Confidence in faith trumps fear, student says

Despite the intensity of the moment, Scotty said he never felt afraid, attributing his inner calm to a strong sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence. “We’re not supposed to be ashamed,” he added, citing the power of Jesus’ name.

However, upon reflecting afterward, Scotty acknowledged how serious the situation may have been. He admitted that placing his hands on Jason could have posed real physical danger, saying, “I probably should’ve been scared.”

Nevertheless, Scotty expressed belief that God was protecting him and even imagined the possibility that an angel had been beside him during the event. He viewed the encounter as a moment of divine supervision and personal growth.

Family and ministry leaders react to the experience

Sean McDowell, Scotty’s father and a professor of theology at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, affirmed the authenticity of his son’s account. He said he considered the events “genuinely demonic” and was proud of Scotty’s willingness to stand firm in his faith.

CBN News contacted both Sean and Scotty to discuss the encounter further. Though neither drew hard conclusions about what exactly took place, both maintained that it went beyond a simple conversation or personality clash.

For Scotty, the memory of the incident serves as a reminder of what’s at stake in evangelism and the spiritual realities he believes operate beneath the surface of daily life. “There’s power in the name of Jesus,” he said.