Demonic exorcism via other means?

Question

I was just wondering if historically there were other means of dealing with a "demonically possessed" person before the times of the Christian church (or even Jesus). Was there even exorcisms performed before Christianity was founded? By what means and by whom? Did the "theory" of possession exist before the Christian church? Are there still religions (pagan or otherwise) that perform these rituals today?

* This is simply a religious historical question. I am not claming to be possessed nor am I speaking out against Christianity when asking this.*

Answer 1

Of course. Shamans deal with demonic (and other spiritual) possession all the time, so do Voduns, Witch Doctors and Pagan Priests and Priestesses. And yes, it is still done today. In fact, I think you'll get alot more help from a Shaman or other Pagan than the Catholic Church if you had to deal with a possession or a haunting. I imagine a Catholic Priest would laugh at you and a Protestant would just tell you to pray and leave you to your own devices.

Many Pagans are trained to deal with possession on their own though, through channelling. If you are a trained medium, and allow spirits to enter you willingly, it is easier to deal with those who try to take liberties. It is best to always have an experienced "spotter" when experimenting with this though.

I don't know where Midi_junkie got his info. In Egypt brain surgery was practiced, sometimes, but not often successfully and not just for possession, but also for head wounds, tumors, and chronic headaches. Lobotomy didn't become popular until the Middle Ages or so, when Europe was very much under the influence of the church and it continued well into the last century.

Answer 2

yes.. they dealt with this with death or by removing parts of the brain.. this would actually make the person.. "dumb".. not metaphorcially.. but the Webster definition of dumb. then they would put them in a cell to live the rest of their days slobbering all over themselves.. they didn't per say 'deal' with it in any kind of morally correct way.. death and vivisection were used.