Metropolitan Anthony on Discernment

As far as non-Christian religions are concerned…a person can become the object of a demonic temptation. But here is a criterion by which to judge. St Seraphim of Sarov spoke of the fact that if an inner experience is linked with light from the mind, warmth from the heart, joy,  a feeling of deep humility and gratitude, then one can think that this is an experience of God. The Devil is cold: when we are under his influence we enter into darkness, coldness, arrogance and so on. If a person experiences the former, he can say that he has touched the hem of Christ’s garment.