Has anybody seen an excorcism? Are they for real? What is it like?

Question

Do they have these in Islam and other religions as well as Christianity?

What is its history?

Answer 1

Possession is an ancient belief in all religions world wide.

Answer 2

You need to use the proper context.

An actual exorcism is when the Rite of Exorcism is used. Anything else is deliverance. To expell. To cast out.

De Exorcismus et Supplicationibus Quibusdam - from the Roman Ritual. This is only done after certain tests leave the clergy with little doubt that this person is indeed possessed. And even then, it is only done with permission of one's bishop.

Any Christian has the power to expell a demon. It's our God given right. Jesus said so.

It seems a handful of people here have seen or heard of deliverance in action. I've been there done that myself.

The problem with deliverance is that very often they are carried out without any thought to mental illness. While there is much hissing, spitting and thrashing about, no one has given any thought to mental illness. They just feel empowered and go to it.

So to speak.

There are some books to read. I highly recommend them.

Hostage to the Devil, by Malachi Martin
They Shall Expell Demons, by Derek Prince
American Exorcism by Michael Cuneo
(this is one of my faves because he is NOT a believer. So it's very very objective.)
An Exorcist Tells his Story by Gabriele Amorth
The Demonologist by Ed and Lorraine Warren
The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
Beware the Night by Ralph Sarchie

While Amityville and Beware aren't about exorcism they're both excellent case studies on demons. Don't waste your time on any of the Amityville movies. They're all Hollywood.

Before you say "Amityville was proven a hoax" let me assure you that it was not. A few bitter people who neither set foot on the property nor interviewed the Lutzes have coughed up that lie.

Answer 3

Yes, i have seen an excorcism. Not the movie but in real life. It was my brother's ex-girlfriend. One of the "bad spirited angels" fell in love with her and I guess would enter her body to be with her. It's not a pretty sight at all. While their priest performed the exorcism, i watched from a window in our house. My dad immidiately closed all windows and scolded me for watching. So, yes, it is real. Demons are real. Expelling demons goes back to Jesus' day. We are told in Scripture: “But after it became evening, people brought him [Jesus Christ] many demon-possessed persons; and he expelled the spirits with a word, and he cured all who were faring badly.” (Matt. 8:16) So, Jesus did expel demons, and when this took place the person returned to a normal state of mind. Notice though, that Jesus was authorized by his Heavenly Father, the Almighty God to expel demons which in turn, forced the demons to acknowledge that Jesus was God's son. Notice too that Jesus did not expel these demons by doing some ritual or a séance or any form of magic or used books on exorcism. For that matter, the use of some form of magic or ritual is not compatible with true Christianity.

Answer 4

Yes they are real. And yes I've been involved with several. But we don't call them 'exorcisms' nor do we use "rituals" to cast the demons out. Demons manifest themselves in many ways and they love being dramatic but we don't "entertain" them by asking questions and doing a bunch of rigmarole. We do what Jesus did. We take authority over the demon, and command it to come out of the person. Demons can be persistent but when they are spiritually bound and commanded in the name of Jesus - they MUST obey. They have no choice but to obey. And the person is completely delivered. The caution for people who have had this kind of cleansing is not to go back into areas that satan has authority in, because that would open a door - almost like an invitation - for satan to again attack them. And then we encourage them to stay under their spiritual blood covering in Christ (satan cannot cross the blood line) and we strongly encourage them to be filled with the Spirit of God because this will give them the spiritual power they need to combat effectively the forces of the enemy.

Answer 5

History must be with Jesus' exorcisms. I have heard one on a tape. It was a real one that I heard from a priest. Very disturbing but, I will say one thing that people do not realize because Hollywood has put their own little slant on these things the Devil HATES the Blessed Virgin Mary. He appeals to everyone's pride mostly but, she is the most humble of all God's creation so he could go nowhere with her. This is why she says "Do whatever HE (meaning Jesus) tells you". Not do what I tell you but let your fiat be for him.

Answer 6

I have never seen an exorcism and no I don't believe in them. I believe in good and evil. We were given free will and if Satan was able to take over our bodies, he would have done it from the start. You need to read the Holy Bible and find out the truth. Thank you and GOD bless.

Answer 7

No. It's just something in films.

It doesn't exist in real life, there are no such things as devils and demons.

However there are people with serious psychological problems who may think that they're "possessed by demons".

Answer 8

My pastor has. Yes they are real, and you don't want to see one.

There is a book written by a secular psychologist who wanted to see whether or not demonic possession was real or not. He was puzzled by unexplainable evil that he was running across in his profession. It is a disturbing read, but will answer your question.
http://www.amazon.com/People-Lie-M-Scott-Peck/dp/0684848597/sr=8-1/qid=1172779435

Demonic possession may date back as far as the pre-flood peoples in regard to the Nephalim.

Answer 9

I suspect they are much duller than the film.

Answer 10

ive seen one when i was 14. not nice .all true