Exorcism

Speaking in tongues, levitation, demonic voices screeching obscenities against God while convulsing violently. Apparently these are the tell-tale signs of demonic possession.                                                                                                            

However, with advanced medical science explaing mental illnesses, Hollywood films such as The Exorcist and even a general lack of faith, does the power to drive out demons by prayer still exist today?

“Exorcism is definitely taken seriously in today’s church. I can say it still exists,” says Father Hughes, a man dedicated to his faith with many years of experince behind him.

Sitting on the first pew at the front of the ancient Svcottish Chapel known as St Mary’s, facing the magnificent arch shaped stained glass windows, surrounded by fresh flowers, the silver haired priest gladly takes the time to speak about a much frowned upon subject.

Talking in his smooth Irish Accent he says; “Many think it is swept under the carpet or even unheard of nowadays but this is probably due to the nature which surrounds exorcism, Such as the devil or demon taking control of an individual.

“Even today people want what I like to call, a piece of soul. Just like needing a piece of mind, I believe that people who seek an exorcism can be provided by this. For example I was in Africa many years ago, and the people out there were so frightened by Juju (witchcraft) even if they were not Christians they would come for a blessing and it would calm them down and make them feel protected.”

Exorcism orignates from Greek word “Exorkiein” which means “to bind by oath”. The term exorcism refers to the practice or sometimes ritual in which the devil or demon is expelled from the victim.                                                                   The practice of exorcism in Christianity can be traced to at least the second century, was widespread in Egypt and Mesoptamia by the third century and became well known in Jewish literature.                                                                                 Other religions such as hinduism, Islam, Protestant and Buddhism have some form of exorcism rites; therfore it is not only the catholic faith who practices this ritual.

Shrouded with mystery and maybe even myth, entwined with the element of it all being cloak and dagger, what better person to ask than a man of the cloth about exactly what happens during the process of this secret rite.

Although Father Hughes freely admits he is not an exorcist, he does know certain priest who are and just how frightening it can be. His wise clear blue eyes seem to light up with his warm Irish charm as he laughs; “Well the closest I’ve been to doing an exorcism myself is blessing a few alleged haunted houses. Of course a few shivers ran down my spine but that was about it!”

Although light heartedly, seriouness creeps through as he says; “I do know of certain priests who became exorcists and some do become ill after the rite has finished. Many exorcists don’t speak about what goes on as it is not encouraged to discuss it.

“I must point out though, it does take a very special man to become an exorcist. It must be someone of piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life.”

Father Hughes emphasises this with much sincerity as he strongly believes that men like himself and exorcists are only tools of God. In his opinion it is actually God performing the rite of exorcism through the priest.

“A priest has to go through specific mental and physical tests before he is appointed as an exorcist. No one can legitimately perform an exorcism over the possessed, unless he has obtained special permission.                                             By that I mean it is the Bishop who appoints the chosen priest to perform exorcisms.”

The thick seet scent of incense hangs heavy in the cool air of St Mary’s, while the vibrations of the last bell ringing still makes its presencefelt throughout the foundations of the chapel as morning mass finished ten ago.

The atmophere is strangely relaxing as Father Hughes continues with enthusiasm;  “Usually before an exorcism begins the exorcist should have confession so he is absolved of all sins. When the rite begins specific prayers will be said over the possessed person, such as The Litaries of the Saints.

“The job of the exorcists is to call upon the demon to make itself known, to succumb to Jesus Christs and leave the victim in peace.”

Would that mean the possessed person vomits green bile, hisses, shouts and cowers with fear when a crucifix is within sight and their head begins to rotate, like the little girl in the film The Exorcist?

“Apparently some exorcisms ca be peaceful, others more of a struggle and can last months. In some caes the exorcist can loose their lives and the rite is continued by another priest. I personally have not heard of such things like heads rotating during an exorcist though!

“Once the rite has been completed a prayer is said to help and protect the person, and to allow their soul to enter heaven. Basically in the catholic faith exorcism is all about laying the evil spirit to rest.”

The powerful image of God battling against the devil in a game of tug o war to safe the victim’s souls, unknown forces fighting for and against the good of mankind, a sort of spiritual warfae seems to fit the correct description of an exorcism. It also seems to be the perfect ingredients for horror movie script.

The art  of exorcism seemed to be resurrected in 1998 when the Vatican updated its guidelines, making sure exorcists did not confuse a psychiatric illness for possession. Yet the Vatican also made sure that despite mental illness the devil is still at work and Chrisitians should be aware of this.

The re-release of the film The Exorcist, which was apparently based on the true events, stirred up much interest on the subject. Father Hughes listens intently before giving his thoughts on the matter.

“I’d say it’s obvious that certain films like The Exorcist do and did blow many things out of proportion. A lot of people seem to forget films are made to make money and scare theri audiences.

“Sometimes the fact and fiction are blurred, however an exorcism as you described is sort of a battle, a spiritual one. However I also believe it is not only films that are responsible for the lack of belief in the true meaning and power behind exorcism.

“Things such as ouija boards, young people especially like to dabble with this instrument. Delving into the unknown seems attractive, and then before you know it they start to hear things they do not want to hear.                                            The imagination starts to go wild. Such as believing evil spiritis are in the house, when most of the time it can be simple things such as the house cooling at night or a leaking tap!”

As the Father admits most of the time things may be explanied, therefore this poses another questionable situation. How would the church decide whether or not there is a true case of possession occuring and not just a simple diagnosis?  For instance, it was previously believed that mental illness such as Multiple Personality Disorder and Schizophrenis have symptomes of demon possession, such as hearing voices, facial distortions and speaking in strange voices etc. Surely in this day and age it would be difficult to determine the difference between possession and mental illness?

He clasps his hands and leaves them on his lap and surprisingly states with a matter of fact; “Yes I’d say it can be quite difficult for an exorcist to decide whether it is a true case of possession or mental illness.

“Yet despite it taking years of training and experience for an exorcist to spot the signs of possession, they also ahve great faith in the Ritual Romanium. This is like a guideline which has been revised, so there are specific symptoms which are classed as possession such as superhuman strength or the alleged possessed victim has manifested knowledge of an unknown language.

“However if someone suffers from Melancholia(gloomy dark moods) then it is believed this is a symptom of mental illness.”

Despite the Father’s beliefs, it is fair to say that what had previously been seen as examples of control of an individual by a spirit or the devil himself, certain illnesses are now commonly seenas just that – a form of illness, justified by the nervous system activity in the brain, which resolves the mystery of possession……. or does it?

Dr Cronan wh has worked with the criminally insane at Carstairs Penetation, Scotland UK,  shares her opinion on the topical debate.

“Due to sophisticated medical knowledge, as a doctor I’d say there is not much potential for such as thing as demon possession. A good example of this is Schizophrenia; elements of the disease come under guises such as disorganised speech, mood swings, hallucinations and delusions.

“Another is Personality Disorder which includes symptoms of bodily spasms, vulgar and violent behaviour. Delusions may include a demon speaking to that specific person and giving them commands to carry out.                                                So you could say that certain mental illnesses mimic demon possession. From this the expansion of medical knowledge has resulted in diagnoses other than demon possession.”

The church beliefs have claimed that a sign of possession is abnormal superhuman strength, so how could medical science explain this away as  just another hidden disease?

“Bipolar Disorder, another mental illness which is usually accompanied by psychosis. This results in a lot of energy and often abnormal strength, similar to what is witnessed in people who claim to be possessed.”

So does this really mean that there are no true cases of possession, has it all been down to the ignorance of not knowing exaclty what mental illness is, regardless of religious beliefs throughout the century?                                                                    The relationship between mental illness and demon possession seems to be a complex one.

Dr Cronan surprisingly admits that neuroscience is still not in the position to be able to explain all symptoms related to common professed cases of demonic possession.

“I personally believe that with further research of the human brain will or could result in showing us something unique about certain individuals who are capable of creating a delusion such as demonic possession.

“However the possibility that demonic possession does exist can not be rejected, due to the fact there is not enough evidence to claim other wise. So until scince can prove different, we can not dismiss the possibility that demonic possession is a true phenomenon.”

After Dr Cronan’s opinion on the factual evidence of mental illness, does it simply mean that exorcism owes its popularity to people’s need to believe that the devil is real and is the rite of exorcism really a council of irresponsibility?

Father Hughes considers his reply carefully before breaking the silence in the chapel;

“I’d say it’s fair to think exorcism does to a point owe its popularity to peoples’ need to believe in the devil, and being able to get rid of him, but it is also about your faith in God.

“Whether exorcism is just a council of irresponsibility, I’d say I agree and disagree. Irresponsible because certain preists believe they can solve everything as in fix physical and emotional problems straight away.

“Also the so called faith healers, where you have people collapsing in the church rolling around and convulsing while being viewed by an audience and broadcast on TV is a mockery to exorcism. Exorcism should b ekept civilised and respected.”

The staue of the Virgin Mary seems to be listening intently to the conversation as our voices ehco in a gentle hushed manner. So should the rite of exorcism be laid to rest in today’s world?

The Father cautiously replies; “One thing that is important in today’s society, is the presence of the devil is often ignored. It can be simple things like the selfishness of people; they seem more concerned with themselves today.

“People should remember just because you have not been to a place does not mean it does not exist. So just because you have not seen the devil does not mean he does not exist. Exorcism will remain in the church for many years to come.”

It would seem ideas of evil spirits are indeed a universal mystery in all cultures. Maybe exorcism is frowned upon because people are genuinely scared of the unknown but that does not mean that a rite such as exorcism should be disrespected, questioned yes.

As C.S Lewis said; “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was in convincing the world he did not exist.”