Are the demonic possessions in the Bible just misdiagnosed mental illness? Did the idea of Satan come from Zoroastrianism? And is it possible to still believe in the demonic, in possessions, and in exorcisms in an age of modern science? I was motivated to write this article for Catholic Answers Magazine for three reasons: On… Continue reading What Do We Make of the Biblical Accounts of Demonic Possessions and Exorcisms?
Tag: exorcism
Are Exorcists Biblical? (And if So, Why Don’t Protestants Have Them?)
Scripture is clear about the reality of demons, and about Jesus and the Apostles driving out demons. So why do Catholics have exorcists, and the vast majority of Protestants don’t? And what does Scripture have to say about the reality of demons, the distinction between evangelization and exorcism, and the ability of individuals to drive demons out?
Casting Out Demons in the Name of Solomon: Jewish Exorcisms at the Time of Christ
Giotto, Exorcism of the Demons at Arezzo (detail) (1300) Exorcisms have been a part of Catholicism from the very beginning. When Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles, “they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them” (Mark 6:12-13). But… Continue reading Casting Out Demons in the Name of Solomon: Jewish Exorcisms at the Time of Christ
The Fascinating Exorcism Case in USA Today
USA Today, of all places, is reporting on an exorcism case, originally reported in the Indianapolis Star. It’s remarkable for several reasons. First, because of the sheer number of eyewitnesses: the Star interviewed “police, DCS [Department of Child Services] personnel, psychologists, family members and a Catholic priest.” There are nearly 800 pages of official records… Continue reading The Fascinating Exorcism Case in USA Today