How is it that only Catholic priests are 'capable' of performing exorcisms?

Question

Where does this ability come from and why aren't other Christian Ministers able to perform this great feat?

Answer 1

Exorcism is one of those things the Vatican keeps on hold untill the times have changed. They have never denied the existence of Satan, they just toned him down a bit. In countries where they have a dominating position, especially in the education sector Satan is alive and kicking.

Contrary what many catholics think, say and preach, exorcism is not a monopoly of the Vatican, though the pope seems to think he is the head of the only "complete church".

I am ready to do an exorcism at reasonable conditions and huge expenses, including 30 silver eagles. The rest can be discussed after I receive my air ticket (first class please).

Catholic priests might be cheaper though. After the L.A. settlement about paedophilia, they have a few pits to fill.

In my denomination, "kwistenbiebelism" there is only one member, myself. Shoud need arise, I will perform an autoexorcism., at a special price.

May I wish everybody a good day, wherever you are.

Answer 2

The power comes from God, given to Catholic Clergymen who have received the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Even then, the authority to conduct an exorcism comes from the Church, and is given to only specific clergyment blessed with the particular charism to carry out exorcisms.

Why can't non-Catholic Christian ministers conduct exorcisms? Most have not received valid Holy Orders and/or permission from the Church. Non-Catholic Christian ministers have neither the power nor the authority to carry out exorcisms.

Answer 3

In the original Greek the word 'exorcism' is used only once in Acts to describe a failed attempt by the seven sons of Sceva to cast out an evil spirit. There is also no such description as 'possession' in the original Greek in Scripture - it is 'to have' a demon and getting rid of them is 'casting them out'. There are dozens of books describing accounts of casting out demons showing that non-ordained people have exercised this power in the name of Christ. The ability comes from Christ through the the Holy Spirit. Most Christian ministers, pastors, vicars, etc, cannot do this because they don't believe in it or try it without the relevant gifts.

Answer 4

I asked a priest that I know about exorcism and this is what he told me.

It takes an extremely dedicated and special individual to preform this task. And there are not many who devote themselves to this so it isn't like any priest can do it.

In the area where I live, the closest priest is in Atlanta.

I also saw a documentary on a priest who chose to be an exorcist and several priests who had been chosen to assist in exocisms. Many times other denominations must ask a priest to assist - it isn't like what the others who have answered have mentioned. Truly, it is a difficult calling and takes a very special person.

I would also say that there are many aboriginal cultures who have special individuals that can exorcise as well.

Answer 5

Catholics have been casting out demons ever since Jesus and the Apostles did it.

Modern psychology says that most of the people who had demons cast out of them were probably miraculously cured from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. But their cures were still miracles.

The Catholic Church believes that real demonic possessions are rare but possible, so they keep a few exorcists around just in case.

I do not know about exorcism and other Christian denominations.

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

I could be greatly misinformed, but I was under the impression that Catholic priests are very uncomfortable performing exorcisms. As for other Christian ministers performing them, it can and has been done. Many ministers however, along with many priests, I'm assuming, are very uncomfortable dabbling with things of such a nature because unless one is tapping into the spiritual power that only God can give and is putting all their faith in God and not in themselves, then they are going into a battle with the forces of darkness while unarmed. Not something many folks are comfortable doing. For the record however, one does not need to be a minister or a priest to exorcise evil spirits. One needs to be a believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and have faith that He will cast out the evil spirits. One needs to have an understanding of what it is they are embarking upon and rely upon the power of God to do such a thing. Then one needs to pray to God and in the name of Jesus Christ, cast out the spirits. A person shouldn't be confused though between a person being truly possessed and a person being spiritually tormented by evil spirits. One can be tormented and not possessed. Furthermore, one can be a Christian and be tormented and that does not mean they are possessed. Once you belong to Christ, you cannot be possessed, but if one is not walking closely enough with God, then one can certainly be tormented.

Answer 7

Catholic priests aren't the only ones. My guess is most religions have way to perform exorcisms they just don't talk about it as much and there aren't any movies out about them. I've heard of exorcisms being performed in my religion.

Answer 8

It has always been mostly a Catholic thing to exorcise spirits out of people. I think most people just never questioned it. Probably the other preachers are relieved that they don't have to do it.

Answer 9

Somewhere along the way someone has fed you some false information. Catholics are not the only ones who can do this, anyone who knows God well can do this. You don't have to be a preacher or anyone in leadership...you just have to have a strong faith in God and know what you are doing. :)

Answer 10

a lot of religions do exorcisms, Muslims, Taoists, Hindus. Is it real? Who knows