Exorcism

Exorcism by Fr Jeremy Davies CTS Explanations Series

I had known very little about Exorcism before reading Fr. Davies’ booklet, and found it quite fascinating. The booklet is subtitled Understanding Exorcism in Scripture and Practice, and it is this approach that makes for such a rich mix.

A lot of the booklet is about setting the context for a correct understanding of exorcism and making distinctions between different causes and degrees of demonic influence. It is only after this context is set that exorcism itself is directly addressed.

In an age which does not treat Satan seriously, it is salutary to read the work of someone who encounters and confronts him directly on a regular basis.

Fr. Davies starts by quoting Mark 16 ‘and in My name they will cast out demons…’ and the introduction sets context (the fall of angels and men) and grounds the Church’s work of exorcism in the salvific work of Christ, and the example of His many exorcisms.

The second chapter then distinguishes between three types of Demonic Influence: Indirect Rule through Sin (as a result of the Fall), Direct Influence through Sin: ‘If an evil Spirit tempts us to sin, how, if we yield to that sin, should we not be united with that spirit?’ and Direct Influence without Present Sin. It is in this last case, that Exorcism is most usually a part of the remedy.

The third chapter explores the Causes of Demonic Influence. Clearly the principle cause is sin, and this is explored in some depth. But Fr Davies also mentions other causes of demonic influence, including sever shock or trauma, original sin itself, and the fact that when we progress in our spiritual life, we provoke a diabolic counter attack.

The following chapter examines the different degrees of demonic influence, ranging from temptation and sin, through obsession to possession, and leads naturally into the next chapter on discernment and diagnosis. This includes some important advice on distinguishing between spiritual and medical malaise.

It is Chapter Six which deals directly with exorcism itself. Do not expect Stephen King style accounts of dramatic scenes. Instead, you will find a description of the different types of exorcism, including those embedded in baptism and confirmation, major (or solemn) exorcism, minor exorcism, exorcism at a distance (Our Lord’s example in St Mark 7:24 – 30 is cited), deliverance prayer, and the exorcism of objects, and places and attacks on the Church.

The final chapter offers some conclusions, of which the most important is to seek help if you believe – or wonder if – exorcism may be required. For while this book provides a very thorough overview of the topic, it is, rightly, not a do it yourself manual!