Difference between revisions of "Exorcism" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image: GiottoArezzo.jpg|266px|right|thumb|[[Francis of Assisi|Saint Francis]] "exorcised demons" in [[Arezzo]], fresco of [[Giotto]]]]
 
[[Image: GiottoArezzo.jpg|266px|right|thumb|[[Francis of Assisi|Saint Francis]] "exorcised demons" in [[Arezzo]], fresco of [[Giotto]]]]
  
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'''Exorcism''' (from Late [[Latin]] ''exorcismus''—to adjure) is the practice of evicting [[demon]]s or other evil [[spiritual being|spiritual entities]] from a person or place which they are believed to have [[Spiritual possession|possessed]]. The practice is quite ancient and still part of the belief system of many [[religion]]s.
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'''Exorcism''' (from Late [[Latin]] ''exorcismus''—to adjure) is the practice of evicting [[demon]]s or other evil [[spiritual being|spiritual entities]] from a person or place which they are believed to have [[Spiritual possession|possessed]]. The practice is quite ancient and still part of the belief system of many [[religion]]s.
  
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The person performing the exorcism, known as an [[exorcist]], is often a [[priest]] or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use [[prayer]]s, and religious formulas, [[gesture]]s, [[symbol]]s, [[icon]]s, [[amulet]]s, etc. In the Christian tradition, the exorcist invokes [[God]] and/or several different [[angel]]s and [[archangel]]s. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as [[evil]] in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions.  
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The person performing the exorcism, known as an [[exorcist]], is often a [[priest]], [[shaman]], or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as [[evil]] in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions.  
  
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The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism originated in prehistoric [[Shamanism|Shamanistic]] beliefs. Several examples are found in the Hebrew Bible, and the [[New Testament]] included numerous exorcisms among the [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]] performed by [[Jesus]]. Today, [[Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], and some [[Protestant]] sects recognize the practice.
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The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism originated in prehistoric [[Shamanism|shamanistic]] beliefs. In [[Hinduism]], the [[Vedas]] (holy books of the Hindus) include sacred spells needed to cast out demons and evil spirits. Several examples are found in the [[Hebrew Bible]], and the [[New Testament]] includes numerous exorcisms among the [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]] performed by [[Jesus]]. Today, [[Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], and some [[Protestant]] sects recognize the practice.
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In Judaism, a person is possessed by the dislocated [[soul]] of a dead person, who has returned from purgatory, where all spirits go to before entering heaven. In Hinduism, one must refer to the the four [[Vedas]] (holy books of the Hindus) to discover the secret spells needed to cast out demons and evil spirits. For Muslims, there is no explicit statement in the [[Qur'an]] referring to demonic possession, with the closest Qu'ranic verse comparing the state of sinners on [[Judgment Day]] to the state of the insane.
 
  
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In recent times, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased. This is due mainly to the study of [[psychology]] and the functioning and structure of the human [[mind]]. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of [[mental illness]], and are handled as such.
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Exorcism is a popular fictional theme, with the bestselling 1971 novel, [[The Exorcist]] by [[William Peter Blatty]]), being a prime example.
 
Exorcism is a popular fictional theme, with the bestselling 1971 novel, [[The Exorcist]] by [[William Peter Blatty]]), being a prime example.
  
 
==Shamanism==
 
==Shamanism==
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The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and widespread originated in prehistoric [[Shamanism|Shamanistic]] beliefs as practices.
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The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and widespread. In shamanic healing, exorcism is needed when a negative entity, called a [[demon]] in Western society, takes hold of a person's [[soul]]. When a shaman performs an exorcism, the demon may try to engage the shaman in [[conversation]], reveal secrets that the [[shaman]] may be ashamed of, or use physical, energetic, and [[telekinetic]] attacks against the shaman. The only thing that will protect the shaman is her firm connection to, and faith in the power of her divinity or spiritual gift.
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Shamanic healing deals with the spiritual aspect of the emotional, mental, and physical illness or dysfunction. Exorcism is needed when a negative entity, called a [[demon]] in Western society, takes hold of a person's [[soul]]. The person who has, on some level, allowed [[demonic possession]] to occur on some level, must also wish this being to leave if an exorcism is to be successful.
 
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When a shaman performs an exorcism, she must be fully connected to the Divine. The demon may try to engage the shaman in [[conversation]], reveal secrets that the shaman may be ashamed of, or use physical, energetic, and [[telekinetic]] attacks against the shaman. The only thing that will protect the shaman is her firm connection to, and faith in the power of her divinity.
 
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In recent times, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased. It is currently found mainly in Eastern Europe and Africa. This is due mainly to the study of [[psychology]] and the functioning and structure of the human [[mind]]. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of [[mental illness]], and are handled as such.
 
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===Korean shamanism===
 
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Korean shamanism encompasses a variety of indigenous beliefs and practices that have been influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. In contemporary Korean, shamanism is known as ''muism'' and a shaman is known as a ''mudang'' (무당, 巫堂). The role of the mudang, usually a woman, is to act as intercessors between a god or gods and human beings.Shamans, most of whom are women, are enlisted by those who want the help of the spirit world. Shamans hold gut, or services, in order to gain good fortune for clients, cure illnesses by exorcising evil spirits, or propitiate local or village gods. Such services are also held to guide the spirit of a deceased person to heaven.
 
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Koreans, like other East Asians, have traditionally been eclectic rather than exclusive in their religious commitments. Their religious outlook has not been conditioned by a single, exclusive faith but by a combination of indigenous beliefs and creeds imported into Korea. Therefore, although the overwhelming majority of South Koreans who profess a religion consider themselves either Buddhists or Christians, many still turn to the old folk traditions of muism.
 
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Even though belief in Korean shamanism is not as widespread as it once was, the practices are kept alive. In the past such shamanistic rites have included as agricultural rites, such as prayers for abundant harvest. With a shift away from agriculture in modern Korea this has largely been lost. Korean shamanism is distinguished by its seeking to solve human problems through a meeting of humanity and the spirits. This can be seen clearly in the various types of gut that are still widely observed.
 
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Often a woman will become a shaman very reluctantly—after experiencing a severe physical or mental illness that indicates "possession" by a spirit. Such possession allegedly can be cured only through performance of a ''kut''. Once a shaman is established in her profession, she usually can make a good living.
 
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Korean shamans are similar in many ways to those found in Siberia, Mongolia, and Manchuria. They also resemble the yuta found on the Ryukyu Islands, in Japan. Cheju Island is also a center of shamanism.
 
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===Shamanism in China===
 
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Ever since the Shang Dynasty (1500-1000 B.C.E.), shamanism has made its presence known among Chinese peoples. The Mongol invasion of China (thirteenth century) contributed its version of shamanism to the already existing beliefs in the supernatural world.
 
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Ancestor veneration often is associated with shamanistic beliefs and practices. Ancestors are believed to have power to interfere with and to influence the daily existence of the "living." Therefore, appeasing the ancestors and honoring them is of paramount importance to those who are on this side of life.
 
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Today, Shamanism is well-practiced in China. It is closely related to animism, which is the belief that the natural world is a living entity, made up of several interconnecting parts and elements-human and spiritual beings included. Animists believe that harmony is a key element for the whole universe to function properly. Therefore, seeking balance between human beings, spiritual forces and the surrounding environment is absolutely essential to the ebb and flow of existence. As a corollary, anything that disrupts this harmony must be dealt with-usually through the mediation of an individual, known as a shaman.
 
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A shaman's role has to do with restoring peace and harmony to the universe. He or she often will be involved in healing, counseling and spiritual travels, in order to fulfill his/her calling by the spirits. As such, a shaman is highly respected by all and sought after by leaders and common people alike.
 
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Taoism, another Chinese religion which strongly emphasizes the maintenance of harmony in the world, has blended well with shamanistic beliefs and practices among the Chinese peoples. On the other hand, the well-known terms "Ying" and "Yang"—opposing elements in traditional Chinese dualistic philosophy—applied to the idea that the imbalance of opposing spiritual forces leads to disease, often are used in healing practices. The shaman may enter into a spiritual trance as a way of establishing the connection between the forces of light and darkness that are necessary to promote healing and wholeness.
 
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===Shamanism among Native Americans===
 
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Native Americans believe that illness stems from spiritual problems. They also say that diseases are more likely to invade the body of a person who is imbalanced, has negative thinking, and lives an unhealthy lifestyle. Some Native American healers believe that inherited conditions, such as birth defects, are caused by the parents' immoral lifestyles and are not easily treated. Others believe that such conditions reflect a touch from the Creator, and may consider them a kind of gift. Native American healing practices are supposed to find balance and wholeness in a person to restore one to a healthy and spiritually pure state.  
 
  
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Some people believe Native American medicine can help cure physical diseases, injuries, and emotional problems. One of the most common aspects of Native American is shamanism, who use purifying rituals to cleanse the body. The shaman focuses on using spiritual healing powers to treat people with illness based on the idea that spirits have caused the illness. Symbolic healing rituals, which can involve family and friends of the sick person, are used to invoke the spirits to help heal the sick person. The spirit is believed to be an inseparable element of healing, and medicine is part of spirit.  
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Exorcizing demonic forces is central to native [[China|Chinese]] religious [[culture]]. [[Taoism]], which emphasizes the maintenance of harmony in the world, has blended with shamanistic beliefs and practices among the Chinese peoples. Thus, the shaman may enter into a spiritual trance as a way of establishing the connection between the forces of [[light]] and [[darkness]]—[[yang]] and [[yin]]—that are necessary to promote healing and wholeness. Historically, one way that people in China dealt with [[demon]]s was through ritual performances that summoned martial deities from a celestial bureau called the Thunder Department ''(lei bu)''. These [[performance]]s have been used to exorcise demons blamed for causing individual [[illness]]es, [[epidemic]] outbreaks, irregular patterns of [[rainfall]], and other disorders in the world. By marshaling the powers of [[thunder]] in these Thunder Ritual systems ''(lei fa)'', ritual practitioners (shamans) turned to celestially sanctioned forms of [[violence]] to rid the world of disruptions of order and set the world aright.
  
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Native American shamanistic healing practices vary greatly because there are over 500 Native American Nations (commonly called tribes), however they do have some basic rituals and healing practices in common. Because of their extensive knowledge of herbs, one of the most common forms of Native American healing involves the use of herbal remedies which can include teas, tinctures, and salves. For example, one remedy for pain uses bark from a willow tree (the origins of aspirin).  
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[[Image:Yupik shaman Nushagak.jpg|thumb|200px|And Eskimo (Yupik) shaman exorcises demons from a sick boy.]]
  
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Purifying and cleansing the body is also an important technique used in Native American  healing. Sweat lodges (a special, darkened enclosure heated with stones from a fire) or special teas that induce vomiting may be used by the healer for this purpose. Smudging (cleansing a place or person with the smoke of sacred plants) can be used to bring about an altered state of consciousness and sensitivity, making a person more open to the healing techniques. Because some illnesses are believed to come from angry spirits, healers may also invoke the healing powers of spirits. They may also use special rituals to try and appease the angered spirits.  
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[[Korea]]n shamanism encompasses a variety of indigenous beliefs and practices that have been influenced by [[Buddhism]] and [[Taoism]]. In contemporary Korean, a shaman is known as a ''mudang'' (무당, 巫堂). The role of the mudang, usually a [[woman]], is to act as an intercessor between God or the gods and [[human beings]]. Shamans hold services to cure illnesses by exorcising [[evil spirits]], propitiating local gods, or offering sacrifices to liberate a person's ancestors. Korean shamans are similar in many ways to those found in [[Siberia]], [[Mongolia]], and [[Manchuria]]. They also resemble the yuta found on the [[Ryukyu Islands]], in [[Japan]]. [[Cheju Island]] off [[South Korea]] is also a center of shamanism.
  
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Another practice of Native American healing—symbolic healing rituals—can involve whole communities. These rituals use ceremonies which can include chanting, singing, painting bodies, dancing, exorcisms, sand paintings, and even limited use of mind altering substances to persuade the spirits to heal the sick person. Rituals can last hours or even weeks. These ceremonies are a way of asking for help from the spiritual dimension. Prayer is also an essential part of all Native American healing techniques.  
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[[Native American]] shamans use purifying [[rituals]] to cleanse the body. The healer focuses on using spiritual healing powers to treat [[people]] with [[illness]] based on the idea that spirits have caused the illness. The smoke of the [[sage]] plant is believed by some to exorcise evil spirits from an area to help create a sacred space. Because some [[illnesses]] are believed to come from angry spirits, healers may also use special rituals to appease or exorcise the angered spirits. Another practice of Native American shamans—symbolic healing rituals—can involve whole [[communities]].  
  
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Native American healing has been practiced in North America for up to 40,000 years. It appears to have roots in different cultures, such as ancient ''Ayurvedic'' (East Indian) and Chinese traditions, but it has also been influenced by what people learned about the environments in which they settled: nature, plants, and animals. Other healing practices were influenced over time by the migration of tribes and contact with other tribes along trade routes. The tribes gathered many herbs from the surrounding environment and sometimes traded over long distances.
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In [[Africa]], shamans (called [[witch doctor]]s because of the supposed ability to combat witchcraft), often perform exorcisms to cure people of various maladies. In [[Southern Africa]], in the [[Zulu]], [[Swazi]], [[Xhosa]], [[Sotho]], [[Tswana]], [[Venda], and [[Tsongo/Shangaan]] traditions, such a shaman is known as a [[Sangoma]]. In African tribal culture, the [[devil]] is said to sometimes target children. In a number of regions of Africa, there is a strong belief that witches indeed exist. Chants and ritualistic formulas are used to drive out the demons. However, sometimes [[violence]] is used for deliverance. In some cases [[peppers]] may be rubbed in the child's [[eye]]s, or they are threatened with [[drowning]] in an attempt to drive out the [[evil spirit]].
  
 
==Exorcism in Hinduism==
 
==Exorcism in Hinduism==
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Beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in south. Of the four [[Vedas]] (holy books of the Hindus), the [[Atharva Veda]] is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the spells described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in [[West Bengal]], [[Orissa]] and southern states like [[Kerala]]. The basic means of exorcism are [[mantra]] and [[yajna]] used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.
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In Hindu tradition, beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in the south. Of the four [[Vedas]] (holy books of the Hindus), the [[Atharva Veda]] is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the spells described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in [[West Bengal]], [[Orissa]] and southern states like [[Kerala]]. The basic means of exorcism are [[mantra]] and [[yajna]] used in both [[Vedic]] and [[Tantric]] traditions.
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[[Vaishnava]] traditions also employ a recitation of names of [[Narasimha]] and reading scriptures (notably [[Bhagavata Purana]]) aloud. According to [[Gita Mahatmya]] of [[Padma Purana]] reading of third, seventh, and eighth chapter of [[Bhagavad Gita]] and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Also, [[Bhajan|Kirtan]], the continuous playing of mantras; keeping scriptures and holy pictures (especially of Narasimha) in the house; burning incense offered during a [[puja]]; and the sprinkling water of holy rivers and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices.
 
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The main Vedic resource on ghost- and death-related information is [[Garuda Purana]].
 
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==Exorcism in Judaism==
 
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In [[kabbalah]] and European [[Judaism|Jewish]] folklore (which does not believe in possession by demons), possession takes on a different (and often much more positive) context. A person may be possessed by a spirit called a [[dybbuk]] — which is believed to be the dislocated [[soul]] of a dead person, returned from [[Gehenna]] (a Hebrew term for the in-between world or purgatory that all spirits go to before entering heaven. It literally refers to the valley outside Jeruselem where the city's garbage and dead bodies were burned. The word later came to mean "the valley of dead," and became very loosely translated as "[[hell]]" by later Christian researchers). According to those beliefs, on rare occasions a soul which has not been able to fulfill its function in its lifetime is given another opportunity to do so in the form of a dybbuk. The soul then seeks out and "attaches" itself to a living person who is going through things or in a similar "life position" to what the soul was in during its lifetime.
 
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It is believed there are good dybbuks and bad, with a good dybbuk's "attachment" performing more the role of a "spiritual guide" there to help the person through their current trials and tribulations that the soul was attracted to. These "good" possessions are usually referred to as a '''sod ha'ibbur''. 
 
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In the case of a negative dybbuk, the spirit is not there to help as much and cause the same mistakes and chaos that it originally experienced during its own lifetime.
 
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In the case of exorcism, there are generally two types - though both take on a much less negative confrontational manner than in the Christian context.
 
  
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Briefly, the first involves a non-invasive approach (which generally is applied to the non-negative type of attachment but can be used in both) and involves treating the person and attached entity as a whole. Helping "him" to identify his goal or path in life (his true identity and purpose) and guiding them along it. In the case of a positive attachment, the spirit will leave when the "path" or purpose is significantly engrained and pursued. In the case of a negative, the pursuant of the "path" keeps it in check and eventually causes it to loose its connection (sometimes referred to as the "void" in the host) thereby forcing it to move on.
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[[Vaishnava]] traditions also employ a recitation of names of [[Narasimha]] and reading scriptures (notably [[Bhagavata Purana]]) aloud. The main Vedic resource on ghost- and death-related information is [[Garuda Purana]].
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The second approach is a little more confrontational, but still far less that those commonly seen in Christian rites. It involves 10 people (including the rabbi) who surround the possessed individual. Each person (including the rabbi leading the ritual) represents the 10 kabbalistic [[sephirot]]. The rabbi that leads the ceremony also requires a [[shofar]] (an instrument made from a ram's horn), which is interestingly used in a manner similar to the bell in buddhist and other East-Asian meditative practices. The group repeatedly recites [[Psalm 91]] and then the rabbi proceeds to blow the shofar in a specific pattern. This "shocks" both the possessed and the possesser, causing a loosening between the two enabling the addressing of each individually.
 
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The rabbi then enters in to dialogue with the spirit to find its purpose, and the group proceeds to heal it through dialogue and prayer meant to have it feel it has accomplished its goal.  This is also done for the possessed. As [[Rabbi Gershon Winkler]] puts it: "We don't drive anything out of anybody. What we want to do is to heal the soul that's possessing and heal the person. It's all about healing—we do the ceremony on behalf of both people."
 
  
 
==Exorcism in Buddhism==
 
==Exorcism in Buddhism==
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The arrival of Buddhism absorbed and reinforced shamanism. Buddhism teaches the need to attain moral perfection through a series of reincarnations in order for a person to experience nirvana-absolute peace and absolute nothingness. Contrary to what many outsiders believe, Buddhism is strongly shamanistic in its popular versions. Shamans are especially active in Tibetan Buddhism.
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The arrival of [[Buddhism]] absorbed and reinforced [[shamanism]]. Buddhism teaches the need to attain moral perfection through a series of reincarnations in order for a person to experience nirvana—absolute peace and absolute nothingness. Buddhism is strongly shamanistic in its popular versions. Shamans are especially active in [[Tibetan Buddhism]].
  
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A large number of Buddhist exorcists work in Japan. A Buddhist exorcism is performed by a temple's chief priest and his assistant, reading an appropriate'' sutra'' (the scriptures of Buddhism) and burning a special incense. The priest also carries a ''shakujo''—a wooden staff with metal rings threaded onto it, creating an unearthly sound to scare evil spirits away.
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A large number of Buddhist exorcists work in Japan. A Buddhist exorcism is performed by a temple's chief [[priest]] and his assistant, reading an appropriate ''sutra'' (the [[scriptures]] of Buddhism) and burning a special incense. The priest also carries a ''shakujo''—a wooden staff with [[metal]] rings threaded onto it, creating an unearthly [[sound]] to scare evil spirits away. In some Buddhist traditions, spirits are driven out of a person's body by causing physical discomfort such as fasting, bathing in extremely cold water, or slapping the skin of the possessed person.
  
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Chief evil spirits include:
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==Exorcism in Judaism==
  
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'''Yurei:''' The most similar to the Western concept of ghost—spirits of the deceased, wearing white kimono, their visible bodies ending at the waist. They are drawn back to haunt the living from unrequited love, or sometimes, hunger for revenge.
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Exorcism in the Old Testament is rare. However, a famous instance of its practice is the story of David's acting as King Saul's harper when Saul was beset by an "evil spirit form the Lord." According to 1 Samuel 16:23 "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." In the apocryphal [[Book of Tobit]], the beautiful young woman Sarah is plagued by a demon who has killed all seven or her husbands on her wedding night. She is liberated from this curse after the hero of the story, Tobias, is instructed by the angel Raphael to drive away the demon when he attacks on his wedding night by burning a fish's liver and heart. Raphael follows the demon to Upper Egypt and binds him there.
  
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'''Yokai:''' Living but non-human creatures such as ''Tengu'', the phallic-nosed goblins who grace hundreds of ''izakaya'' menus. There are also ''Kappa'', reptilian beasts living in isolated lakes; the cannibalistic ''Oni Babaa''; and the ''Yuki Onna'', with her kiss of frozen death.
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Around the first century C.E., Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or by making sacrifices. (Josephus, "B. J." vii. 6, § 3; Sanh. 65b). Exorcisms were reportedly done by the [[Essene]] branch of Judaism ([[Dead Sea Scrolls]] at Qumran). [[Jesus]] of Nazareth was a powerful Jewish healer and exorcist, and was apparently not alone in this profession, as evil spirits were believed to be the source of much illness.
  
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'''Oni:''' Taken directly from Buddhist theology, ''Oni'' are the fearsome fanged and horned demons whose images are found carved near temple entrances. They have specific duties, such as rescuing the innocent, scaring the wicked to death, and guarding the gates of hell itself.
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In [[kabbalah]] and European [[Judaism|Jewish]] folklore, possession takes on a different (and often much more positive) context. A person may be possessed by a spirit called a [[dybbuk]]—which is believed to be the dislocated [[soul]] of a dead person—returned from [[Gehenna]] (a Hebrew term for the in-between world or purgatory that all spirits go to before entering heaven. According to these beliefs, on rare occasions a soul which has not been able to fulfill its function in its lifetime is given another opportunity to do so in the form of a dybbuk. The soul then seeks out and "attaches" itself to a living person who is going through things or in a similar "life position" to what the soul was in during its lifetime.
  
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'''Fushigi na Dobutsu:''' Mischievous animal spirits, of which the most notorious are the foxes, ''Fushigi na Dobutsu'' are regarded with distrust and suspicion; they are believed to be able to transform themselves into human shape and possess the unwary. Shrines to appease the fox god Inari can be found all over Japan.
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It is believed there are good dybbuks and bad, with a good dybbuk's "attachment" performing more the role of a "spiritual guide" there to help the person through their current trials and tribulations. In the case of a negative dybbuk, the spirit is not there to help as much as cause the same mistakes and chaos that it originally experienced during its own lifetime.
  
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'''Mononoke:''' In English, ''Monoke'' are called poltergeists, though they owe their history to the Shinto belief in every physical object—stones, trees, machines—having life and consciousness. This has led to countless stories of screaming stones, ''shoji'' doors with staring eyes, and domestic tools that move and persecute their owners.
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Exorcism involves 10 people (including the [[rabbi]]) who surround the possessed individual. The rabbi that leads the ceremony also requires a [[shofar]] (a ram's horn trumpet). The group repeatedly recites [[Psalm 91]] and then the rabbi proceeds to blow the shofar in a specific pattern. This "shocks" both the possessed and the possesser, causing a loosening between the two enabling the addressing of each individually. The rabbi then enters in to dialog with the spirit to find its purpose, and the group proceeds to heal it through dialog and prayer meant to have it feel it has accomplished its goal. This is also done for a person who is possessed.
  
 
==Exorcism in Christianity==
 
==Exorcism in Christianity==
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===Jesus===
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[[Image:Saintfrancisborgia exorcism.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Painting by [[Francisco Goya]] of [[Saint Francis Borgia]] performing an exorcism.]]
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According to the [[Catholic Encyclopedia]] article on [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05709a.htm Exorcism]:
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[[Jesus]] is portrayed in the [[New Testament]] as the premier exorcist of his time. As much as one-quarter of Jesus' many reported healings were exorcisms. At times, Jesus cured the sufferers by the mere touch of his hand (Mark 1:25), or by the use of spittle put upon the affected organ, accompanying the operation with a whisper, Mark 8:23. He even drove a [[Legion (demon)|whole legion of evil spirits]], 2,000 in number, out of a maniac living in a cemetery and made them enter a herd of swine to be drowned in the adjacent lake (Luke 8:26-39). Mary Magdalene was famous for being exorcised of seven demons, although it is not clear that Jesus was the exorcist in this case.
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:"Assuming the reality of [[demonic possession]], for which the authority of Christ is pledged, it is to be observed that [[Jesus]] appealed to His power over [[demons]] as one of the recognised signs of [[Messiah]]ship ({{bibleverse||Matthew|12:23}},{{bibleverse-nb||Matthew|12:28}}; {{bibleverse||Luke|11:20}}). He cast out demons, He declared, by the [[Finger of God|finger]] or [[Holy Spirit|spirit of God]], not, as His adversaries alleged, by collusion with the [[Beelzebul|prince of demons]] ({{bibleverse||Matthew|12:24}},{{bibleverse-nb||Matthew|12:27}}; {{bibleverse||Mark|3:22}}; {{bibleverse||Luke|11:15}},{{bibleverse-nb||Luke|11:19}}); and that He exercised no mere delegated power, but a personal authority that was properly His own, is clear from the direct and imperative way in which He commands the demon to depart ({{bibleverse||Mark|9:24}}; cf. {{bibleverse-nb||Mark|1:25|NIV}} etc.): "He cast out the spirits with his word, and he healed all that were sick" ({{bibleverse||Matthew|8:16}}).
 
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Sometimes, as with the daughter of the Canaanite woman, the exorcism took place from a distance ({{bibleverse||Matthew|15:22}} sqq.; {{bibleverse||Mark|7:25}}). Sometimes again the spirits expelled were allowed to express their recognition of Jesus as "the Holy One of God" ({{bibleverse||Mark|1:24}}) and to complain that He had come to torment them "before the time," i.e the [[Last Judgement|time of their punishment]] ({{bibleverse||Matthew|8:29}} sqq; {{bibleverse||Luke|8:28}} sqq.). If demoniac possession was generally accompanied by some disease, yet the two were not confounded by Christ, or the [[Four Evangelists|Evangelists]]. In {{bibleverse||Luke|13:32}}, for example, the Master Himself expressly distinguishes between the expulsion of evil spirits and the curing of disease. Christ also empowered the [[Apostles]] and [[Disciple (Christianity)|Disciples]] to cast out demons in His name while He Himself was still on earth ({{bibleverse||Matthew|10:1}},{{bibleverse||Matthew|10:8}}; {{bibleverse||Mark|6:7}};{{bibleverse||Luke|9:1}}{{bibleverse-nb||Luke|10:17}}), and to believers generally He promised the same power ({{bibleverse||Mark|16:17}}).
 
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But the efficacy of this delegated power was conditional, as we see from the fact that the Apostles themselves were not always successful in their exorcisms: certain kinds of spirits, as Christ explained, could only be cast out by [[prayer]] and [[fasting]] ({{bibleverse||Matthew|17:15}},{{bibleverse-nb||Matthew|17:20}}; {{bibleverse||Mark|9:27-28}}; {{bibleverse||Luke|9:40}}). In other words the success of exorcism by Christians, in Christ's name, is subject to the same general conditions on which both the efficacy of prayer and the use of [[Charismatic authority|charismatic power]] depend. Yet conspicuous success was promised ({{bibleverse||Mark|16:17}}). [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]] ({{bibleverse||Acts|16:18}},{{bibleverse-nb||Acts|19:12}}), and, no doubt, the other Apostles and Disciples, made use of regularly, as occasion arose, of their exorcising power, and the [[Church]] has continued to do so uninterruptedly to the present day."
 
−
 
 
−
According to the [[Jewish Encyclopedia]] article on [http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=254&letter=J&search=Jesus Jesus] he:
 
−
 
 
−
:"was devoted especially to "casting out demons," i.e., according to the folk medicine of the time, healing nervous and mental diseases. It would appear that Jesus shared in the current belief of the Jews in the nominal existence of demons or evil spirits; and most of his miraculous cures consisted in casting them out, which he did with "the finger of God" ({{bibleverse||Luke|11:20}}), or with "the Spirit of God" ({{bibleverse||Matt|12:28}}). It would seem also that he regarded diseases like fever to be due to the existence of demons ({{bibleverse||Luke|4:39}}).  
 
−
 
 
−
One of the chief functions transmitted to his disciples was the "power over unclean spirits, to cast them out" ({{bibleverse||Matt|10:1}}), and his superiority to his followers was shown by his casting out demons which they had failed to expel ({{bibleverse||Mark|9:14-29}}) ... he drove out the unclean spirits, "rebuking" them ({{bibleverse||Matt|17:18}}; {{bibleverse||Luke|4:35}},{{bibleverse-nb||Luke|4:39}},{{bibleverse-nb||Luke|4:41}},{{bibleverse-nb||Luke|9:42}}; compare ''[http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/words.pl?word=01605 ga'ar]'' in {{bibleverse||Zech|3:2}}; {{bibleverse||Isa|1:2}}; {{bibleverse||Ps|68:30}}) with some [[Magic word|magic "word"]] ({{bibleverse||Matt|8:8}},{{bibleverse-nb||Matt|8:16}}; comp. "milla," Shab. 81b; Eccl. R. i. 8), even as he "rebuked" the wind and told the sea to stand still ({{bibleverse||Mark|4:39}} and parallels).
 
  
−
At times he cured the sufferers by the mere touch of his hand ({{bibleverse||Mark|1:25}}; {{bibleverse||Matt|8:8}},{{bibleverse-nb||Matt|9:18-25}}), or by powers emanating from him through the [[Tzitzit|fringes of his garment]] <ref>[http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=254&letter=J&search=Jesus Jewish Encyclopedia: Jesus]: "Jesus wore the Ẓiẓit (Matt. ix. 20)"; [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=2899 Strong's Concordance G2899]; [[Walter Bauer]]'s ''Greek-English Lexicon of the NT'', 3rd ed., 1979: "{{polytonic|κράσπεδον}}: 1. edge, border, hem of a garment - But meaning two is also possible for these passages, depending on how strictly Jesus followed Mosaic law, and also upon the way in which {{polytonic|κράσπεδον}} was understood by the authors and first readers of the gospels. 2. tassel (ציצת), which the Israelite was obligated to wear on the four corners of his outer garment, according to Num 15:38f; Dt 22:12." ... Of the Pharisees ... Mt 23:5.</ref> ({{bibleverse||Matt|9:20}},{{bibleverse-nb||Matt|14:36}}), or by the use of spittle put upon the affected organ, accompanying the operation with a whisper ({{bibleverse||Mark|7:33}},{{bibleverse||Mark|8:23}}; {{bibleverse||John|9:1-11}}; comp. Sanh. 101a; Yer. Shab. xiv. 14d: Loḥesh and Roḳ). By the same exorcismal power he drove a [[Legion (demon)|whole legion of evil spirits]], 2,000 in number, out of a maniac living in a cemetery and made them enter a herd of swine to be drowned in the adjacent lake ({{bibleverse||Luke|8:26-39}} and parallels; comp. Ta'an. 21b; Ḳid. 49b; B. Ḳ. vii. 7)."
+
The ability to cast out evil spirits was also a sign of true discipleship among the [[apostle]]s. Thus, exorcism became an important part of the tradition of the early Christian church, and many exorcisms are reported in early Christian literature.
  
−
In the time of Jesus, non-New Testament Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or other by making sacrifices. ([http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/text/josephus/war7.html Josephus, "B. J." vii. 6, § 3]; Sanh. 65b). They do not report of Jesus being an exorcist, but do mention that exorcisms were done by the [[Essene]] branch of Judaism ([[Dead Sea Scrolls]] at Qumran).
+
===Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism===
 +
Solemn exorcisms, according to [[Catholic Church]] law, can only be exorcised by an ordained priest (or a higher prelate), with the express permission of the local [[bishop]], and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. Symptoms listed in the [[Roman Ritual]] as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge, supernatural abilities and strength, knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, or [[sacrilege]].
  
−
===Roman Catholicism===
+
The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, although the traditional rite is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be a dangerous spiritual task. The ritual involves prayers, blessings, and invocations often with the use of the document ''[[Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications]]''.  
−
[[Image:Saintfrancisborgia exorcism.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Painting by [[Francisco Goya]] of [[Saint Francis Borgia]] performing an exorcism.]]An ancient ritual method, known from the [[African Rite]], was called [[exsufflation]] (blowing out the spirit from the possessed).
 
  
−
Solemn exorcisms, according to the [[Canon law (Catholic Church)|Canon law]] of the church, can only be exorcised by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. The ''Catholic Encyclopedia'' (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the [[Roman Ritual]] as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, or [[sacrilege]].
+
One example of the contemporary Church's view on exorcism is that of [[Emmanuel Milingo]] (born June 13, 1930), who was consecrated by [[Pope Paul VI]] as the Archbishop of Lusaka, [[Zambia]] in 1969. Milingo's work as an exorcist began gradually after his priestly ordination, but only in 1973 four years after his consecration as archbishop did he become well-known, due to the instantaneous recovery of an apparently mentally ill woman over whom he had prayed. Eventually, his healing services were attended by large audiences. However, he was asked in 1983 to step down from his position for his performance of exorcisms and faith healing practices were unapproved by higher Church authorities.
  
−
The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, although the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be an incredibly dangerous spiritual task; the ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free-will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document ''[[Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications]]''. Other formulas may have been used in the past, such as the [[Order of Saint Benedict|Benedictine]] ''[[Vade retro satana]]''. In the modern era, the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism exceedingly rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play. In mild cases the [[Chaplet of Saint Michael]] should be used.
+
In the [[Church of England]], every [[diocese]] has an official exorcist, who will usually be an elderly priest and from the [[Anglo-Catholic]] wing of the church. In [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|The Episcopal Church]] the ''Book of Occasional Services'' discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist." Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican exorcisms sometimes take the form of a mass for the dead if it is suspected that the souls suffering in [[Purgatory]] are responsible for the disturbance. Like their Catholic counterparts, Anglican [[priests]] may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan (regional) [[bishop]], and a medical evaluation is also involved.
  
−
===Anglicanism===
+
===Orthodox Church===
−
In the [[Church of England]], every [[diocese]] has an official exorcist, who will usually be an elderly priest and from the [[Anglo-Catholic]] wing of the church. In [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|The Episcopal Church]] the ''Book of Occasional Services'' discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist." <ref>"Concerning Exorcism," ''Book of Occasional Services'', Church Publishing.</ref> Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican exorcisms sometimes take the form of a mass for the dead if it is suspected that the souls suffering in [[Purgatory]] are responsible for the disturbance. 
+
In Orthodox tradition, exorcism is the rite of prayer which expels demons from a person or physical object. The most common use of exorcism in the Church is at the reception of a [[catechumen]]—a convert to the church—which is most often included at the beginning of the baptismal rite. An exorcism may also be performed if it is believed that a person is suffering from demonic influence. In this case, the prayer of interdiction of St. [[Basil the Great]] is read by a priest over the possessed person:
  
−
Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan (regional) bishop. Exorcism is an extremely dangerous ritual and must not be performed unless the bishop and his team of specialists (including a psychiatrist and physician) are convinced that the individual's problem is not a form of mental illness or a behavioural disorder. The theological danger of exorcism is that if the cause of illness is not demonic in nature, the patient will perceive the continuation of their condition as a sign that they are rejected by God and beyond divine healing. They may interpret the continuation of their distress (which may be behavioural or physiological in origin) as a sign of damnation. They may enter into a state of despair which is spiritually dangerous as one cannot enter into a trust relationship with God because one feels divine rejection or unworthiness.
+
<blockquote>O God of gods and Lord of lords... Grant that this my exorcism being performed in Your awesome name be terrible to the Master of evil and to all his minions who had fallen with him from the height of brightness. Drive him into banishment, commanding him to depart hence, so that no harm might be worked against Your sealed Image. And, as You have commanded, let those who are sealed receive the strength to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all power of the Enemy. For manifested, hymned, and glorified with fear, by everything that has breath is Your most holy Name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and into ages of ages. Amen.</blockquote>
  
 
===Protestant denominations===
 
===Protestant denominations===
−
Most traditional Protestant denominations such as [[Southern Baptists]], would disagree with the [[Roman Catholic]] rite of exorcism entirely, particularly because of the end of the rite which states: "The priest may repeat the exorcism at his discretion." Protestants say that rituals (in which the exorcism is highly coated) do not hold the power themselves as the Bible clearly states that God alone has the power to "exorcise" Satan and He may delegate this power to his children. In the [[New Testament]], it states that if you "resist the devil he will flee from you." (James 4:7) God is considered - as in Catholicism - the only true exorcist and his children merely his obedient tools in which to use. Therefore, God has ultimate power and control, which in the Southern Baptist interpretation eliminates the need for multiple attempts of an exorcism.
+
Some [[Protestant]] denominations also recognize possession and exorcism, although the practice is generally less formalized than it is in the [[Catholic Church]]. While some denominations perform exorcism very sparingly and cautiously, some may perform it almost routinely, as part of regular religious services (especially [[Pentecostal]] denominations). Some denominations hold that any Christian have the authority to perform exorcism, not just the clergy.
−
 
+
[[Image:Laying on of hands.jpg|thumb|250px|Faith healing in a Pentecostal church]]
−
Some Protestant denominations also recognize possession and exorcism, although the practice is generally less formalized than it is in the Catholic Church. While some denominations perform exorcism very sparingly and cautiously, some may perform it almost routinely, as part of regular religious services (especially [[Pentecostal]] denominations). Some denominations hold that all Christians have the authority to perform exorcism, not just the clergy.
 
−
 
 
−
A test which is often used to determine whether a mental disturbance is psychological or spiritual in nature is to pray over the person for the healing of their affliction and throw holy water on them. If the person reacts violently or uncharacteristically in response to prayer in the name of Jesus, it is often taken as a good indication that the affliction is demonic in nature.
 
−
 
 
−
Psychiatrist [[M. Scott Peck]] researched exorcisms (initially in an effort to disprove demonic possession), and claims to have conducted two himself. He concluded that the Christian concept of possession was a genuine phenomenon. He derived diagnostic criteria somewhat different from those used by the Roman Catholic Church. He also claimed to see differences in exorcism procedures and progression.
 
  
−
Contemporary exorcist [[Richard Rossi]] filmed exorcisms with multiple cameras for documentation. Rossi's footage and clinical approach is considered by many the best [[extant]] evidence of exorcism in recent years. The footage has been used in university courses on [[animism]] and [[paranormal]] studies, and has been used on national television programs and purchased by [[National Geographic]]. (Some of the footage appears in the award-winning documentary "Quest for Truth" (1992). Rossi has also trained teams of exorcists.
+
In some traditions, a test which is often used to determine whether a mental disturbance is psychological or spiritual in nature is to pray over the person for the healing of their affliction and throw holy water on them. If the person reacts violently or uncharacteristically in response to prayer in the name of Jesus, it is often taken as a good indication that the affliction is demonic in nature.
  
−
===The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)===
+
Exorcisms are common in some traditions in which faith healing is practiced. They sometimes involve dramatic phenomena such as the possessed person shouting, falling on the floor, or violently shaking before the spirit is supposedly driven out by the combined power of the exorcist and the [[Holy Spirit]].
−
Many Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in exorcism.
 
−
 
 
−
"While [in [[Colesville, New York]], [[Joseph Smith]]] challenged Newel Knight to pray vocally. In the attempt, Newel was attacked by an evil spirit that lifted him from the floor "and tossed him about most fearfully." Neighbors gathered, and then saw the Prophet command the devil in the name of Jesus Christ to depart. Newel felt great relief and gladly accepted baptism. (This exorcism was the first miracle performed in the restored church.)" [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Liahona/1989.htm/tambuli%20october%201989.htm/the%20knight%20family%20part%20i%20.htm "The Knight Family: Part I By William G. Hartley, LDS.org]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Elder (Latter Day Saints)|Elder]] Alexander B. Morrison of the [[Melchizedek Priesthood|Seventy]] opined, "Some blame their problem on demonic possession. While there is no doubt that such has occurred, let us take care not to give the devil credit for everything that goes awry in the world! Generally speaking, the mentally ill do not need exorcism" [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2005.htm/ensign%20october%202005.htm/myths%20about%20mental%20illness.htm?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0$q=exorcism$x=Simple#LPHit1 "Myths about Mental Illness" LDS.org]
 
−
 
 
−
In Latter Day Saint tradition, the act of casting out evil spirits is performed by a worthy male member of the church who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood though a [[Priesthood blessing]], after a confirmation from the Holy Ghost.
 
  
 
==Exorcism in Islam==
 
==Exorcism in Islam==
−
Possession by evil spirits ([[Genie|jinn]]) or the Devil ([[Shaitan]]) and exorcism of those who are wicked at heart is warned about in Islam since its beginning.
+
Possession by evil spirits ''([[Genie|jinn]])'' or the Devil ([[Shaitan]]) and exorcism of those who are wicked at heart is warned about in [[Islam]]. The ''jinn'' enters a person and may cause him to speak incomprehensible words, and gives him supernatural physical power.
−
 
 
−
It is believed that jinn can gain control only over those who do not hold true to God. According to Islamic scholars, "The Jinn enters the one seized by fits and causes him to speak incomprehensible words, unknown to himself; if the one seized by fits is struck a blow sufficient to kill a camel, he does not feel it." (ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo al-Fatawa.)
 
−
 
 
−
Islamic clergy caution against the overuse of exorcism, citing that most cases are due to psychological and physical causes mistaken for possession. Real cases of possession are very rare and the faithful are warned to watch out for exorcists who encourage a diagnosis of possession too quickly, as they may merely be seeking profit.
 
−
 
 
−
Islamic authorities also deny the possibility of possession by souls of deceased persons, and warn that evil spirits may make this claim in order to encourage sinful behavior among the living.  
 
  
−
===Exorcism in the Qur'an and Sunnah===
+
The prophet [[Muhammad]] and his followers expelled evil beings from the bodies of believers by using verses from the Qur'an, supplications to Allah, and holy ''[[Zamzam]]'' water. For example:
−
There is no explicit statement in the [[Qur'an]] referring to possession by [[Genie|jinn]]. The closest is the following Qu'ranic verse which compares the state of sinners on the Day of Judgment to the state of those made insane by the [[Iblis|Devil]]:{{cquote|Those who eat Ribâ ([[usury]] or [[interest]]) will not stand (on the day of [[Resurrection]]) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitan ([[Satan]]) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: `Trading is only like Ribâ,' whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns to Ribâ, such are the dwellers of the Fire—they will abide therein. (Qur'an [Yusufali tr.], al-Baqara, 275)}}
 
  
−
Some cite this verse as proof against Muslims who deny the possibility of jinn possession.
+
<blockquote>He then placed the boy between himself and the middle of the saddle, opened the boy's mouth and blew in it three times, saying, 'In the name of Allah, I am the slave of Allah, get out, enemy of Allah!' Then he gave the boy back to her... (Musnad Ahmad [vol: 4, p. 170], and al-Haakim, who declared it Saheeh)</blockquote>
  
−
There are also [[Sunnah]] (traditional statements that are not part of the Qur'an) about the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] and his followers expelling evil beings from the bodies of believers by using verses from the Qur'an, supplications to Allah, and holy [[Zamzam]] water. This example is related by Ya'la ibn Murah:{{cquote|I saw Allah's Messenger ([[Peace be upon him in Islam|sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam]]) do three things which no one before or after me saw. I went with him on a trip. On the way, we passed by a woman sitting at the roadside with a young boy. She called out, 'O Messenger of Allah, this boy is afflicted with a trial, and from him we have also been afflicted with a trial. I don't know how many times per day he is seized by fits.' He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) said: 'Give him to me.' So she lifted him up to the Prophet.
+
Many members of the Islamic clergy caution against the overuse of exorcism, citing that most cases are due to psychological and physical causes mistaken for possession. Real cases of possession are considered rare, and the faithful are warned to beware of exorcists who diagnosis possession too quickly, as they may merely be seeking profit. Islamic authorities also deny the possibility of possession by souls of deceased persons, and warn that evil spirits may make this claim in order to encourage sinful behavior among the living.
−
 
 
−
He ([[Peace be upon him in Islam|sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam]]) then placed the boy between himself and the middle of the saddle, opened the boy's mouth and blew in it three times, saying, 'In the name of Allah, I am the slave of Allah, get out, enemy of Allah!' Then he gave the boy back to her and said: 'Meet us on our return at this same place and inform us how he has fared.' We then went. On our return, we found her in the same place with three sheep. When he said to her, 'How has your son fared?' She replied: 'By the One who sent you with the truth, we have not detected anything (unusual) in his behavior up to this time.... (Musnad Ahmad [vol: 4, p. 170], and al-Haakim, who declared it Saheeh)}}
 
−
 
 
−
===On the nature of jinn===
 
−
In Islamic belief, [[Genie|jinn]] are intelligent creatures made from fire. Much like human beings, they have free will to choose between right and wrong. While a jinni may possess a human for pure wickedness, it may also do it for other reasons. Shaikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah suggests that a jinni may do it in order to experience the physical world, for reasons of desire or love. In this case, a jinni may not have a malicious intent, or may be unaware of the harm it is causing.  A jinni might also use possession for revenge. Jinn are said to be quick to anger, especially when they believe themselves to have been purposely harmed (since jinn are usually invisible to humans, a person can accidentally injure a jinni).
 
−
 
 
−
==Exorcism in Scientology==
 
−
On Scientology advanced level "OT3," "[[body thetan]]s" are exorcised using a complicated technique. Body thetan exorcism, with a simpler technique, is revisited on advanced level "OT5," also known as "New Era [[Dianetics]] for [[Operating Thetan]]s."
 
  
 
==Faiths opposing exorcism==
 
==Faiths opposing exorcism==
−
In Sikhism, exorcism is not permitted and is seen as a violation of the ''Sikh Rehat Maryada'' (Code of Conduct), since Sikhs do not believe in demons, ghosts, or the sort. If a Sikh person were to be found practicing exorcism, an ordained ''Ghiyanhi'' (priest) would have the power to strip that individual of any ties to the Sikh faith. This anti-exorcism stance separates Sikhism from what are viewed as the exorcism rituals of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, and Shintoism.
+
In [[Sikhism]], exorcism is not permitted and is seen as a violation of the ''Sikh Rehat Maryada'' (Code of Conduct), since Sikhs do not believe in demons, [[ghosts]], or the sort. If a Sikh person were to be found practicing exorcism, an ordained ''Ghiyanhi'' (priest) would have the power to strip that individual of any ties to the Sikh faith. [[Jainism]] also does not believe in exorcism.
−
 
 
−
Also Jainism does not believe in exorcism.
 
  
 
== Exorcism in fiction ==
 
== Exorcism in fiction ==
−
[[Image:Captain howdy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|A still of one of the images of [[Pazuzu]] that appears briefly on screen during [[The Exorcist (film)|The Exorcist]].]][[Image:The Exorcism of Emily Rose film.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Poster for the movie ''The Exorcism of Emily Rose'']]
 
 
Exorcism has been a popular subject in fiction, especially [[Horror fiction|horror]].
 
Exorcism has been a popular subject in fiction, especially [[Horror fiction|horror]].
  
Line 185: Line 95:
 
*'''''House of Exorcism''''' (1975 movie directed by [[Mario Bava]])
 
*'''''House of Exorcism''''' (1975 movie directed by [[Mario Bava]])
 
*'''''Of Love And Other Demons''''' (1995 novel by [[Gabriel Garcia Marquez]])
 
*'''''Of Love And Other Demons''''' (1995 novel by [[Gabriel Garcia Marquez]])
−
*'''''[[The Biggest Douche in the Universe]]''''' (2002 [[South Park]] episode)
 
 
*'''''Exorcism''''' (2003 movie directed by William A. Baker)
 
*'''''Exorcism''''' (2003 movie directed by William A. Baker)
 
*'''''[[Kya Dark Lineage]]''''' (2003 video game)
 
*'''''[[Kya Dark Lineage]]''''' (2003 video game)
Line 196: Line 105:
 
*'''''[[D.Gray-man]]''''' (2006 Japanese animation series by [[Hoshino Katsura]])
 
*'''''[[D.Gray-man]]''''' (2006 Japanese animation series by [[Hoshino Katsura]])
 
*'''''[http://www.gnu.org/fun/jokes/vaxorcist.html The VAXorcist]''''' (1991 script by Christopher Russell)
 
*'''''[http://www.gnu.org/fun/jokes/vaxorcist.html The VAXorcist]''''' (1991 script by Christopher Russell)
−
 
−
==Notes==
 
−
<references />
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
*Amorth, Gabriele, & MacKenzie, Nicolleta V. ''An Exorcist Tells His Story'', Ignatius Press, 1999. ISBN 978-0898707106
+
*Amorth, Gabriele, and Nicolleta V. MacKenzie. ''An Exorcist Tells His Story''. Ignatius Press, 1999. ISBN 9780898707106
−
*Fortea, Jose Antonio. ''Interview With an Exorcist'', Ascension Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1932645965
+
*Fortea, Jose Antonio. ''Interview With an Exorcist'', Ascension Press, 2006. ISBN 9781932645965
−
*Peck, M. Scott. ''Glimpses of the Devil: A Psychiatrist's Personal Accounts of Possession, Exorcism, and Redemption'', Free Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0743254670
+
*Peck, M. Scott. ''Glimpses of the Devil: A Psychiatrist's Personal Accounts of Possession, Exorcism, and Redemption''. Free Press, 2005. ISBN 9780743254670
−
*Wilkinson, Tracy. ''The Vatican's Exorcists: Driving Out the Devil in the 21st Cientury'', Grand Central Publishing, 2007. ISBN 978-0446578851
+
*Wilkinson, Tracy. ''The Vatican's Exorcists: Driving Out the Devil in the 21st Century''. Grand Central Publishing, 2007. ISBN 9780446578851
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05709a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Exorcism]
+
All links retrieved March 23, 2024.
−
*[http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=553&letter=E&search=Exorcism Jewish Encyclopedia: Exorcism]
+
 
−
*[http://www.quranichealing.com/bp.asp?caid=61 Exorcism tradition in Islam and Interviews with Muslim Exorcists] Islamic View
+
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05709a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Exorcism]. ''www.newadvent.org''.
−
*[http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/EUD_FAT/EXORCISM_Gr_EEopd_av_to_conjure.html Encyclopedia Britannica: Exorcism]
+
*[http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=553&letter=E&search=Exorcism Jewish Encyclopedia: Exorcism]. ''jewishencyclopedia.com''.
 +
 
  
  
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
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{{Credit|153532869}}

Latest revision as of 23:55, 24 March 2024


Saint Francis "exorcised demons" in Arezzo, fresco of Giotto

Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus—to adjure) is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed. The practice is quite ancient and still part of the belief system of many religions.

The person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a priest, shaman, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions.

The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism originated in prehistoric shamanistic beliefs. In Hinduism, the Vedas (holy books of the Hindus) include sacred spells needed to cast out demons and evil spirits. Several examples are found in the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament includes numerous exorcisms among the miracles performed by Jesus. Today, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and some Protestant sects recognize the practice.

In recent times, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased. This is due mainly to the study of psychology and the functioning and structure of the human mind. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of mental illness, and are handled as such.

Exorcism is a popular fictional theme, with the bestselling 1971 novel, The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty), being a prime example.

Shamanism

The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and widespread. In shamanic healing, exorcism is needed when a negative entity, called a demon in Western society, takes hold of a person's soul. When a shaman performs an exorcism, the demon may try to engage the shaman in conversation, reveal secrets that the shaman may be ashamed of, or use physical, energetic, and telekinetic attacks against the shaman. The only thing that will protect the shaman is her firm connection to, and faith in the power of her divinity or spiritual gift.

Exorcizing demonic forces is central to native Chinese religious culture. Taoism, which emphasizes the maintenance of harmony in the world, has blended with shamanistic beliefs and practices among the Chinese peoples. Thus, the shaman may enter into a spiritual trance as a way of establishing the connection between the forces of light and darkness—yang and yin—that are necessary to promote healing and wholeness. Historically, one way that people in China dealt with demons was through ritual performances that summoned martial deities from a celestial bureau called the Thunder Department (lei bu). These performances have been used to exorcise demons blamed for causing individual illnesses, epidemic outbreaks, irregular patterns of rainfall, and other disorders in the world. By marshaling the powers of thunder in these Thunder Ritual systems (lei fa), ritual practitioners (shamans) turned to celestially sanctioned forms of violence to rid the world of disruptions of order and set the world aright.

And Eskimo (Yupik) shaman exorcises demons from a sick boy.

Korean shamanism encompasses a variety of indigenous beliefs and practices that have been influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. In contemporary Korean, a shaman is known as a mudang (무당, 巫堂). The role of the mudang, usually a woman, is to act as an intercessor between God or the gods and human beings. Shamans hold services to cure illnesses by exorcising evil spirits, propitiating local gods, or offering sacrifices to liberate a person's ancestors. Korean shamans are similar in many ways to those found in Siberia, Mongolia, and Manchuria. They also resemble the yuta found on the Ryukyu Islands, in Japan. Cheju Island off South Korea is also a center of shamanism.

Native American shamans use purifying rituals to cleanse the body. The healer focuses on using spiritual healing powers to treat people with illness based on the idea that spirits have caused the illness. The smoke of the sage plant is believed by some to exorcise evil spirits from an area to help create a sacred space. Because some illnesses are believed to come from angry spirits, healers may also use special rituals to appease or exorcise the angered spirits. Another practice of Native American shamans—symbolic healing rituals—can involve whole communities.

In Africa, shamans (called witch doctors because of the supposed ability to combat witchcraft), often perform exorcisms to cure people of various maladies. In Southern Africa, in the Zulu, Swazi, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, [[Venda], and Tsongo/Shangaan traditions, such a shaman is known as a Sangoma. In African tribal culture, the devil is said to sometimes target children. In a number of regions of Africa, there is a strong belief that witches indeed exist. Chants and ritualistic formulas are used to drive out the demons. However, sometimes violence is used for deliverance. In some cases peppers may be rubbed in the child's eyes, or they are threatened with drowning in an attempt to drive out the evil spirit.

Exorcism in Hinduism

In Hindu tradition, beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in the south. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the spells described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Kerala. The basic means of exorcism are mantra and yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.

Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. The main Vedic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana.

Exorcism in Buddhism

The arrival of Buddhism absorbed and reinforced shamanism. Buddhism teaches the need to attain moral perfection through a series of reincarnations in order for a person to experience nirvana—absolute peace and absolute nothingness. Buddhism is strongly shamanistic in its popular versions. Shamans are especially active in Tibetan Buddhism.

A large number of Buddhist exorcists work in Japan. A Buddhist exorcism is performed by a temple's chief priest and his assistant, reading an appropriate sutra (the scriptures of Buddhism) and burning a special incense. The priest also carries a shakujo—a wooden staff with metal rings threaded onto it, creating an unearthly sound to scare evil spirits away. In some Buddhist traditions, spirits are driven out of a person's body by causing physical discomfort such as fasting, bathing in extremely cold water, or slapping the skin of the possessed person.

Exorcism in Judaism

Exorcism in the Old Testament is rare. However, a famous instance of its practice is the story of David's acting as King Saul's harper when Saul was beset by an "evil spirit form the Lord." According to 1 Samuel 16:23 "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." In the apocryphal Book of Tobit, the beautiful young woman Sarah is plagued by a demon who has killed all seven or her husbands on her wedding night. She is liberated from this curse after the hero of the story, Tobias, is instructed by the angel Raphael to drive away the demon when he attacks on his wedding night by burning a fish's liver and heart. Raphael follows the demon to Upper Egypt and binds him there.

Around the first century C.E., Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or by making sacrifices. (Josephus, "B. J." vii. 6, § 3; Sanh. 65b). Exorcisms were reportedly done by the Essene branch of Judaism (Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran). Jesus of Nazareth was a powerful Jewish healer and exorcist, and was apparently not alone in this profession, as evil spirits were believed to be the source of much illness.

In kabbalah and European Jewish folklore, possession takes on a different (and often much more positive) context. A person may be possessed by a spirit called a dybbuk—which is believed to be the dislocated soul of a dead person—returned from Gehenna (a Hebrew term for the in-between world or purgatory that all spirits go to before entering heaven. According to these beliefs, on rare occasions a soul which has not been able to fulfill its function in its lifetime is given another opportunity to do so in the form of a dybbuk. The soul then seeks out and "attaches" itself to a living person who is going through things or in a similar "life position" to what the soul was in during its lifetime.

It is believed there are good dybbuks and bad, with a good dybbuk's "attachment" performing more the role of a "spiritual guide" there to help the person through their current trials and tribulations. In the case of a negative dybbuk, the spirit is not there to help as much as cause the same mistakes and chaos that it originally experienced during its own lifetime.

Exorcism involves 10 people (including the rabbi) who surround the possessed individual. The rabbi that leads the ceremony also requires a shofar (a ram's horn trumpet). The group repeatedly recites Psalm 91 and then the rabbi proceeds to blow the shofar in a specific pattern. This "shocks" both the possessed and the possesser, causing a loosening between the two enabling the addressing of each individually. The rabbi then enters in to dialog with the spirit to find its purpose, and the group proceeds to heal it through dialog and prayer meant to have it feel it has accomplished its goal. This is also done for a person who is possessed.

Exorcism in Christianity

Painting by Francisco Goya of Saint Francis Borgia performing an exorcism.

Jesus is portrayed in the New Testament as the premier exorcist of his time. As much as one-quarter of Jesus' many reported healings were exorcisms. At times, Jesus cured the sufferers by the mere touch of his hand (Mark 1:25), or by the use of spittle put upon the affected organ, accompanying the operation with a whisper, Mark 8:23. He even drove a whole legion of evil spirits, 2,000 in number, out of a maniac living in a cemetery and made them enter a herd of swine to be drowned in the adjacent lake (Luke 8:26-39). Mary Magdalene was famous for being exorcised of seven demons, although it is not clear that Jesus was the exorcist in this case.

The ability to cast out evil spirits was also a sign of true discipleship among the apostles. Thus, exorcism became an important part of the tradition of the early Christian church, and many exorcisms are reported in early Christian literature.

Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism

Solemn exorcisms, according to Catholic Church law, can only be exorcised by an ordained priest (or a higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. Symptoms listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge, supernatural abilities and strength, knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, or sacrilege.

The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, although the traditional rite is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be a dangerous spiritual task. The ritual involves prayers, blessings, and invocations often with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications.

One example of the contemporary Church's view on exorcism is that of Emmanuel Milingo (born June 13, 1930), who was consecrated by Pope Paul VI as the Archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia in 1969. Milingo's work as an exorcist began gradually after his priestly ordination, but only in 1973 four years after his consecration as archbishop did he become well-known, due to the instantaneous recovery of an apparently mentally ill woman over whom he had prayed. Eventually, his healing services were attended by large audiences. However, he was asked in 1983 to step down from his position for his performance of exorcisms and faith healing practices were unapproved by higher Church authorities.

In the Church of England, every diocese has an official exorcist, who will usually be an elderly priest and from the Anglo-Catholic wing of the church. In The Episcopal Church the Book of Occasional Services discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist." Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican exorcisms sometimes take the form of a mass for the dead if it is suspected that the souls suffering in Purgatory are responsible for the disturbance. Like their Catholic counterparts, Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan (regional) bishop, and a medical evaluation is also involved.

Orthodox Church

In Orthodox tradition, exorcism is the rite of prayer which expels demons from a person or physical object. The most common use of exorcism in the Church is at the reception of a catechumen—a convert to the church—which is most often included at the beginning of the baptismal rite. An exorcism may also be performed if it is believed that a person is suffering from demonic influence. In this case, the prayer of interdiction of St. Basil the Great is read by a priest over the possessed person:

O God of gods and Lord of lords... Grant that this my exorcism being performed in Your awesome name be terrible to the Master of evil and to all his minions who had fallen with him from the height of brightness. Drive him into banishment, commanding him to depart hence, so that no harm might be worked against Your sealed Image. And, as You have commanded, let those who are sealed receive the strength to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all power of the Enemy. For manifested, hymned, and glorified with fear, by everything that has breath is Your most holy Name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and into ages of ages. Amen.

Protestant denominations

Some Protestant denominations also recognize possession and exorcism, although the practice is generally less formalized than it is in the Catholic Church. While some denominations perform exorcism very sparingly and cautiously, some may perform it almost routinely, as part of regular religious services (especially Pentecostal denominations). Some denominations hold that any Christian have the authority to perform exorcism, not just the clergy.

Faith healing in a Pentecostal church

In some traditions, a test which is often used to determine whether a mental disturbance is psychological or spiritual in nature is to pray over the person for the healing of their affliction and throw holy water on them. If the person reacts violently or uncharacteristically in response to prayer in the name of Jesus, it is often taken as a good indication that the affliction is demonic in nature.

Exorcisms are common in some traditions in which faith healing is practiced. They sometimes involve dramatic phenomena such as the possessed person shouting, falling on the floor, or violently shaking before the spirit is supposedly driven out by the combined power of the exorcist and the Holy Spirit.

Exorcism in Islam

Possession by evil spirits (jinn) or the Devil (Shaitan) and exorcism of those who are wicked at heart is warned about in Islam. The jinn enters a person and may cause him to speak incomprehensible words, and gives him supernatural physical power.

The prophet Muhammad and his followers expelled evil beings from the bodies of believers by using verses from the Qur'an, supplications to Allah, and holy Zamzam water. For example:

He then placed the boy between himself and the middle of the saddle, opened the boy's mouth and blew in it three times, saying, 'In the name of Allah, I am the slave of Allah, get out, enemy of Allah!' Then he gave the boy back to her... (Musnad Ahmad [vol: 4, p. 170], and al-Haakim, who declared it Saheeh)

Many members of the Islamic clergy caution against the overuse of exorcism, citing that most cases are due to psychological and physical causes mistaken for possession. Real cases of possession are considered rare, and the faithful are warned to beware of exorcists who diagnosis possession too quickly, as they may merely be seeking profit. Islamic authorities also deny the possibility of possession by souls of deceased persons, and warn that evil spirits may make this claim in order to encourage sinful behavior among the living.

Faiths opposing exorcism

In Sikhism, exorcism is not permitted and is seen as a violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct), since Sikhs do not believe in demons, ghosts, or the sort. If a Sikh person were to be found practicing exorcism, an ordained Ghiyanhi (priest) would have the power to strip that individual of any ties to the Sikh faith. Jainism also does not believe in exorcism.

Exorcism in fiction

Exorcism has been a popular subject in fiction, especially horror.

  • The Exorcist (1971 novel by William Peter Blatty)
  • The Exorcist (1973 and 2000 movies), and its sequels and prequels, were inspired by Catholic exorcism ritual and folklore.
  • House of Exorcism (1975 movie directed by Mario Bava)
  • Of Love And Other Demons (1995 novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
  • Exorcism (2003 movie directed by William A. Baker)
  • Kya Dark Lineage (2003 video game)
  • Constantine (2005 movie) is based on the DC/Vertigo comic book Hellblazer.
  • The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005 movie) was inspired by the Anneliese Michel case.
  • Requiem (2006 German-language movie by Hans-Christian Schmid) is based on the Anneliese Michel case.
  • An American Haunting (2006 movie)
  • Blackwater Valley Exorcism (2006 movie)
  • The Devil You Know (2006 novel by Mike Carey)
  • D.Gray-man (2006 Japanese animation series by Hoshino Katsura)
  • The VAXorcist (1991 script by Christopher Russell)

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Amorth, Gabriele, and Nicolleta V. MacKenzie. An Exorcist Tells His Story. Ignatius Press, 1999. ISBN 9780898707106
  • Fortea, Jose Antonio. Interview With an Exorcist, Ascension Press, 2006. ISBN 9781932645965
  • Peck, M. Scott. Glimpses of the Devil: A Psychiatrist's Personal Accounts of Possession, Exorcism, and Redemption. Free Press, 2005. ISBN 9780743254670
  • Wilkinson, Tracy. The Vatican's Exorcists: Driving Out the Devil in the 21st Century. Grand Central Publishing, 2007. ISBN 9780446578851

External links

All links retrieved March 23, 2024.

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