In reply to:

In the bible story, a man possessed by a "legion" of demons approaches Jesus asking him to use his powers to "send us into the swine". Presumably, the "unclean spirits" who possessed the man found their accommodations within their human host somewhat cramped.

Not quite, Plutarch. Look at verses 6-10:

6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; 7and he shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.’ 8For he had said to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’ 9Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion; for we are many.’ 10He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. NRSV(http://bible.oremus.org/browser.cgi?passage=Mark+5.6-10)

So, "Legion" only asked to be sent into the swine when it was clear that Jesus was going to cast them out of the man.

In reply to:

Jesus granted the legion what they wished, but then sent their new hosts hurtling over a cliff.

The text does not say Jesus sent the swine hurtling over the cliff, merely that that is what happened. The question of whether he gave "Legion" permission to enter the swine knowing that the pigs would run over the cliff is best left to a board of more theological bent.

Bingley


Bingley