Exorcisms What do they look like today Contrast

Exorcisms: What do they look like today? ? ? Contrast this with what they look like in scripture and in relation to Gal 1: 8 -9 and Rev 22: 18

Introduction • I would like to spend this morning taking a look at some examples of what exorcisms look like today and what the prevailing attitudes are surrounding them • While there may not be as much scripture in this lesson, I believe it will be beneficial for us to lay down the ground work of what is happening today so that we may be properly prepared and understand where people are coming from when we study this very controversial topic • As we enter into this study, let us consider whether or not these teachings match up with the teachings and examples in scripture

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) • “If you are worried that someone you know may be the victim of demonic possession, then you might be in need of an exorcist. Although official exorcisms can only be performed by an appointed Priest of the Roman Catholic church, there are other types of exorcisms and exorcists available. This guide will provide you with information on how to determine if an exorcism is needed and how to perform an exorcism should an official exorcist not be available to you. ” • What Is an Exorcism? “An exorcism is a ritual performed to cast out an evil spirit that has taken up residence inside a human. Although the human will still have possession of his or her soul and will, the demonic spirit will be in control of both the person's mental and physical faculties. Legitimate possessions are thought to be those where the Devil is in possession of the person, but has the help of various demonic spirits operating upon lust, anger, revenge, hate, anxiety, destruction, etc. Because the victim has been possessed against his will, he or she is not held morally accountable for whatever may transpire during the possession. ”

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) • Step 1: Investigate ▫ If you think someone you know is being possessed, the first thing to do is investigate. Whether you opt for an official exorcism and investigation, or unofficial one, you will still need to investigate to determine the legitimacy of the possession claim. ▫ You may want to consult with a psychologist or similar behavioral therapist as well. They will be able to monitor the person's actions and determine if the person is question is actually suffering from mental problems instead of demonic possession. ▫ The investigative process will entail determining whether or not the signs of a possession are present, and if so, whether or not they can be explained by something other than possession.

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) • Step 2: Appoint an Exorcist ▫ If you want an official exorcism performed, you will need to contact the appropriate people via the Catholic church. There are usually a certain number of official exorcists, the exact amount determined by the country you live in. ▫ There was once a time when anyone could perform an exorcism and have it be recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, but this has since changed.

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) ▫ If you are not seeking an official exorcism, however, or just want one performed as soon as possible, there are other options available. These include: Bring in someone that has the gift or powers necessary to recognize and perform exorcisms. These will not be official exorcisms though. Have someone from a Protestant church perform the exorcism. They refer to exorcisms as deliverance ministries. Perform the exorcism yourself

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) • Step 3: Decide What Type of Exorcism is Needed ▫ If an exorcism is required, you will need to decide what type to perform. There are two main types of exorcisms: Solemn exorcisms can only be performed by Priests Simple exorcisms can be performed by anyone

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) • Step 4: Perform Exorcism ▫ All exorcisms involve prayers of some sort. For simple exorcisms, the exorcist will usually recite the St. Michael's Prayer ▫ The exorcist should not address the demon directly, instead imporing God and not using the word 'I' at all during the exorcism. ▫ Exorcisms involving Priests also revolve around prayer, but also implore other methods, usually using salt and Holy water.

Example 1 (Taken From Mahalo. com) • Conclusion ▫ Although rare, exorcisms may be needed if someone is definitively possessed by a demonic force. ▫ Although only Priests appointed by the Roman Catholic Church can perform an official exorcism, there are many exorcisms performed annually by unofficial exorcists. ▫ If you are worried someone you know may be possessed, then following the above steps will help prepare you for performing an exorcism, even if you must do it yourself.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Examine your faith ▫ Before you go ahead and banish the world from evil supernatural-style, you must examine your faith. ▫ Successful exorcisms can -- and must -- only be carried out by the highly religious. Those whose idea of faith is going to church on Christmas Eve and forgetting about it the rest of the year need not apply. ▫ Ultimately, it is your faith that will command the demons out

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Examine your faith ▫ Other than its religious context, exorcism has roots in history, too, with the real-life case of Anneliese Michel -- now referred to as Emily Rose. During the late ‘ 60 s and early ‘ 70 s, Anneliese began to experience the classic signs we now equate with possession: Seeing devilish faces, being unable to control her body, hearing voices, and attacking loved ones. Finally, Father Arnold Renz and Pastor Ernst were given permission by the Bishop of Wurzburg to perform an exorcism. For several months, one or two exorcisms were held each week, but to no avail. In 1976, Anneliese died, forensics blaming her death on a form of epilepsy and, ultimately, starvation.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Dress for the possessed ▫ Ensure that you look the part by renting a surplice or purple stole from a local costume shop. ▫ If you’re to dispossess the possessed, you’ll need to convince the demon that you mean business, and that means looking like an authentic priest. ▫ Sling a couple of rosary beads around your neck for extra effect. Be sure to enter the room clutching a Bible, muttering mysteriously and acting erratic

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Identify the possessed ▫ You must first establish that the possessed is, in fact, possessed. Would you ever forgive yourself for performing a long, drawn-out exorcism on someone that was having an epileptic fit or a psychotic episode, and needed an ambulance ▫ Not only can an exorcism on someone that isn’t possessed be a highly dangerous procedure, but ignoring those in need of medical attention can result in death (or worse, guilt) ▫ Usually, priests called in to perform an exorcism investigate the situation before steaming ahead -- you must too.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Understand the possessed ▫ In order to successfully perform an exorcism, you must understand the typical behavioral patterns of the possessed so that you’re not susceptible to any dirty tricks they may try. ▫ At first, the demon will hide its true identity by pretending to be a peaceful spirit. It will try to lure you in with sweet talk, will look at you like a lost puppy and will do everything in its power to avoid being exorcised.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Understand the possessed ▫ When you threaten exorcism it will invariably reveal itself, thrashing about, throwing up, reciting weird languages, and screaming. It may even attempt to perform a sexual act to demonstrate its deviant, defiant behavior. ▫ After this stage, you and the demon will clash and fight for the soul of the possessed. Here, you must sift through your religious weaponry

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Contain the possessed ▫ If you can, tie them down to the bed ▫ Use something strong, like belts or rope, and bind their wrists and ankles to the bed. Ideally, you’d gag them as well, but getting that close to their mouth is not recommended -- they may just bite your hand off. ▫ Once you are satisfied that the possessed can’t escape, you’re ready to perform the exorcism.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • The rite ▫ The exorcism revolves around a single passage in the Roman Ritual, one of the books detailing the official rites of the Roman Catholic Church. ▫ Begin with the imploring formula whereby you’ll ask God to free the possessed from the devil. Do remember to say please, however. ▫ Say something along the lines of, “God, whose nature is forever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving kindness. ”

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • The rite ▫ At this point, the possessed may thrash about on the bed, hissing and spitting; the demon inside knows that its end is nigh. ▫ Continue the rite by demanding that the devil leave the body of the possessed, “Depart, then, impious one, depart, accursed one, depart with all your deceits, for God has willed that man should be his temple. ” ▫ As the bed begins to shake and the demon spouts profanity from the mouth of the possessed, attempt to keep your cool. Although you may think that you’re hurting this vile creature that lies before you, you are, in fact, saving it from itself.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • The ritual ▫ At various intervals in your recitations and prayers, you must perform certain actions. Occasionally, sprinkle holy water from your vile onto the possessed anybody else that may be in the room with you. You’ll probably hear a burning sound, but don’t worry, this is entirely normal. If you were as consumed by the fires of hell as the possessed, no doubt you’d sizzle too. As well as dousing everyone with holy water, be sure to lay your healing hands on the possessed. While this isn’t a particularly pleasant part of the exorcism, it’s essential in the fight against evil.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • The ritual ▫ Carefully approach the bed (the possessed may quiet down and try to stare you out, but don’t be put off) and rest your hands on their skin -- one hand on their chest and one hand on their forehead (be sure to disinfect your hands afterwards -- who knows where the possessed have been). ▫ You may use this opportunity to perform the sign of the cross on both you and the possessed. If the possessed spits at you, spit back; don’t let it take control of the situation. ▫ If you have a religious relic handy, then touch the skin of the possessed with it. Whether it’s a crucifix or a statue of the Virgin Mary, the demon won’t like it one bit and will have an adverse reaction.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • The exorcism ▫ If everything has gone according to plan and you have won the fight, the demon will be expelled from the body of the possessed. The possessed will return to normal, but will need a few days to recover. ▫ They will have been through one of the most terrifying experiences imaginable, and won’t be up to chatting about the ordeal or taking visitors on the first day. ▫ Allow their body to heal, return your props to the costume shop and distract yourself from the horror you’ve just faced -- watch a Disney film or something.

Example 2 (Taken from Askmen. com) • Release me ▫ Thanks to Hollywood, the secretive ritual of exorcism has been brought from the underground into the mainstream. ▫ However, that doesn’t mean that just anybody can go willy-nilly into the bedroom of the possessed and command a demon to leave. If you’re not religious or well-equipped, the demon will probably zap you into oblivion. ▫ Responsible would-be exorcists should consult a local clergy for guidance. God willing and good luck.

Example 3 (Taken from Catholicculture. org) • What Is An Exorcism? (Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1673)) ▫ "When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms (Mk l: 25 f. ) and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcising (Mk 3: 15: 6: 7, 13: 16: 17). In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called 'a major exorcism, ' can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the Bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. ”

Example 3 (Taken from Catholicculture. org) • What Is An Exorcism? (Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1673)) ▫ "Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter: treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 1172). "

Example 3 (Taken from Catholicculture. org) • Ten Golden Rules: A Key To The Revised Rite Of Exorcism ▫ First, the exorcist must be sure he is dealing with a possessed person, not someone with psychological problems. ▫ To do this, he must distinguish possession from superstition. Sometimes people believe they have been affected by the "evil eye" or some other form of black magic. They should not be denied spiritual aid, but no exorcism should be carried out in such cases.

Example 3 (Taken from Catholicculture. org) ▫ The following are signs of possession: a sudden capacity to speak unknown languages; abnormal physical strength; the disclosure of hidden occurrences or events; and a vehement aversion to God, the Virgin Mary, the saints, sacramental rites and religious images, especially the cross. ▫ In difficult cases, while always respecting the secrecy of the confessional, the exorcist may consult with spiritual guides or Church-recommended physicians and psychiatrists before deciding to perform an exorcism. ▫ In the case of non-Catholics or other unusual situations, the exorcist-priest can leave the final decision to his diocesan bishop, who may also consult outside experts.

Example 3 (Taken from Catholicculture. org) ▫ The exorcism should, if possible, be carried out with the consent of the possessed person, and with awareness of that person's individual physical and mental condition. ▫ The exorcism must always be performed as an expression of Catholic faith, and should never give the impression that it is a superstitious or magical event. ▫ At the same time, an exorcism should never turn into a "show" for the faithful. For that reason, media representatives and journalists must not be allowed to attend. The success or failure of an exorcism is not to be announced or published.

Example 3 (Taken from Catholicculture. org) ▫ Relatives and friends may assist at an exorcism, if the exorcist deems it helpful, since they are able to help with their prayers. The possessed person should pray to God, particularly before the ritual, and strengthen his soul by receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confession and Communion. “ ▫ If at all possible, the exorcism should take place in a church, or if not, in a closed-in place, with images of Christ Crucified and of the Mother of God. The exorcist makes the sign of the Cross over the victim's head, and immediately afterwards speaks the phrase commanding the devil, in Christ's name, to depart from the body of the possessed.

Conclusion • Now that we have reviewed these various methods to exorcism, we must ask how they match up to what took place in the Word of God ▫ What steps are taken to exorcise the demons? ▫ Do we find ritualistic emblems and Holy water used in scripture? ▫ Where do the events of the exorcism take place? ▫ Who is present at the exorcism? ▫ How many exorcism attempts were necessary to remove the demons ▫ Are the processes we are following in line with what God’s Word says, or we following after the teachings of men?

Conclusion • We need to remember the words of warning from scripture ▫ Gal 1: 8 -9 & Rev 22: 18