
In this article, I use the word ‘demon’ to mean an evil, malevolent, oppressing spiritual entity, which torments, scares, induces negative activities from or burdens an individual. I do not believe ALL disembodied energies and spirits should automatically be considered evil.
Modern Exorcism is More Scientific Than You May Think.
When The Exorcist came out the day after Christmas in 1973, it was a first introduction to Catholic exorcism for many, as well as a first look into manifestations of demonic display. People were afraid of the dark after watching that movie and rushed to churches to devote their full attention to Christ for divine protection. Now society finds itself in a mental health crisis as Chiron traverses through Aries (representing the head with all of its components) and many are asking, “should we call a priest or a psychiatrist?”
Even in the 70s, all requests for exorcism had to be investigated, and if you did not have time for that, you could find a southern COGIC church on Sunday afternoon around 2:30 pm est and they’d take care of it. In fact I have heard stories, from the horses mouth, tell how a good healer could sober up alcoholics and cure drug addiction. However there is no timeframe recorded for how long the process took so nobody knows whether or not the church service was so long that the person actually had time to sober up. The fact that they never again picked up a bottle or pack of cigarettes does give credence to their claim of a miraculous deliverance, even with the issue being listed scientifically as a mental health problem, which usually requires rehab.
In modern times, medical doctors are surely called upon by priests so that physical and mental evaluations can be done prior to and during any rites being performed. This is to ensure that no physical malady is overlooked, which could end in death and lawsuits as in the case of the infamous exorcism of Anneliese Michelle who inspired the movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
In the old days, the local villager who exhibited signs of mental illness could easily be named the Shaman within the community — such is not the case in modern times within urban communities. We also know that Christian pastors have battled addictions, depression, suicidal ideations and the like so Christianity is not a guarantee of immunity from mental health issues.
In this brief article, researched processes determining demonic possession vs mental health crisis will be evaluated and presented for your reflection and comments.
Continue reading Demonic Possession or Mental Illness: How Can You Tell?