Some teachers involved in deliverance ministries believe that individuals can "inherit" misfortune, and a tendency to specific types of moral weaknesses and sins, from their ancestors by what is referred to as a generational curse. Some view this as a demon to whom is given power to harass the descendants of individuals who were particularly given to certain kinds of sins. Others view it as more of a general "spiritual inheritance." It is not believed to have any connection with actual physical or chemical causes, such as a genetic tendency to alcoholism. It is rather viewed as a completely spiritual issue. Under this theory, therefore, some people are "predestined" to be prone to commit certain kinds of sins, or to have certain moral weaknesses. The solution offered is to have a deliverance ministry "discern" what generational curses may be involved in the life of the individual seeking help. The individual then renounces the curses specifically. For those who believe the cause is an actual demon, the deliverance ministry will attempt to "cast it out." See:
Spiritual Warfare definition.