What is an EXORCISM? Thoughts of fictitious films like, "The Exorcist," come to mind. But are exorcisms really like those depicted in Hollywood? (Linda Blair's melodramatic performance in "The Exorcist" shows a child possessed by a demonic entity that literally transforms her into a demonic personification.) In most cases, exorcism is believed to be a rite of driving out the devil and/or demons from persons who are possessed.
Exorcisms are performed throughout the world by Catholics, Protestants and even Pentecostals. Known also as "deliverance ministry," exorcisms are said to "drive out" devils and even heal individuals when touched by practitioners of exorcism.
Also called "laying on of hands," exorcism is moreover placing the devil or demonic entity on oath. Derived from the Greek language, Exorcism translates into "...I cause (someone) to swear..." In doing so, a higher authority (Jesus Christ, by Christian beliefs) binds the entity and controls and commands the possessor to act contrary to its own power.
During the rite of exorcism, salt (representative of purity) and wine (representing the blood of Christ) are present. The possessed individual is said to hold a crucifix during the ritual while holy water and relics are used; and Biblical scriptures and prayers are read.
When an exorcism is successful, the demonic spirit is said to leave in the name of Jesus. The former presence disappears and the victim may or may not recall anything that had occurred during the exorcism.
Today, Shamans use a form of exorcism for healing purposes, as do other spiritual healers in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, the Orient, and throughout the world in general.
Exorcism