2007-08-15 10:02:41 · 17 answers · asked by miss w 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Exorcism is a Catholic rite or ritual. The Catholic Church created the ritual and the specific prayers used. That is why a priest must do it.
Now, whether the Catholic rite of Exorcism is the only way to expel a demon or spirit is another question altogether. I'm sure a holy person outside of the Catholic church could drive out a demon in the name of the Lord, but it still would not be an "exorcism."
2007-08-15 10:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Not necessarily so. It only seems that way though.
Let's face it, "being possessed" by the devil is nothing new to Roman Catholicism. It's been around for the last 17 centuries! That's 1,700 years of experience for the Church.
In the past --specifically during the Inquisition and subsequent witch hunts-- "being possessed" was an automatic heresy and outright ANATHEMA to the Church and these people who were deemed "possessed by the devil" were tortured, then executed and killed, or burned at stake.
Perhaps it was only in the last two [?] centuries when EXORCISM became the more accepted method of the Church when it came to reports about people "being possessed". And, upon approval from the powers that be, this ritual was to be performed by a Priest.
However, it should not be limited to Catholic Priests alone. The Bible teaches that ANY Believer/Disciple of Jesus Christ, with a [VERY] STRONG enough FAITH, and having knowledge and experience of the practice, should be able to Exorcise those who are deemed to be possessed by the devil...
Peace be with you!
2007-08-15 10:29:37 · answer #2 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, a lot of evangelical Christians have jumped on the exorcism bandwagon. Bob Larson has revitalized his career by doing exorcisms. It's not just relegated to Catholics anymore. There are several Anglican priests who will also do exorcism rites, and there are non-Christian exorcism rituals, as well. It is most commonly associated with the Catholic Church due to portrayals in the media, but other groups do exorcisms, too.
2007-08-15 10:09:17 · answer #3 · answered by solarius 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only a validly ordained clergyman can perform a real exorcism. This is includes Orthodox as well as Catholic priests.
2007-08-17 05:16:20 · answer #4 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
patrone07 has it.
The catholic priest (or really, any apostolic priest, minister, bishop, presbyter, etc.) has the authority to cast out demons passed down to them through succession from the apostles. It actually has a biblical foundation (see Acts). The reason that the RCC priests are the most visible, is that they have an entire ritual that has been developed over the years, along with the tradition that goes with it. The Protestant denominations also practice exorcism. Though, in general, they don't have as ritualized a practice, and therefore, are generally not as visible. However, as has also been pointed out, that is beginning to change.
2007-08-15 10:16:32 · answer #5 · answered by Jim K 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is true, that the Catholic Church has the Rite of Exorcism, which is actually administered very rarely. However, I believe other Christian Churches believe in demonic possession and practice rituals to expel demons.
2007-08-15 10:11:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Anyone can preform an exorcism. However, the more difficult ones may require the use of certain sacraments which can only be administered by the Catholic priest.
Kristina K, I'm sure there is more to it than that, you can only remember so much nonsense fed into your empty head.
2007-08-15 10:14:04 · answer #7 · answered by Klute 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because Catholics are the only ones that perform exorcisms and the Priests are the only ones "strong enough" to denounce the devil fully.
2007-08-15 10:10:09 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
It doesn't. It takes someone who actually believes the Bible that they have the authority from God to expel demons or evil spirits. All authority was given to Jesus and He gave it to the believer, by that I mean the true believers not just people who say they are Christian or go to church.
Plus I would stay away from catholic ideology since they are very non-biblical in most of their teachings. Here is a short list on the false teachings of the catholic church...
idol worship of Mary
idol worship of the apostles
Calling priests- father
Confessing sins to a man
A man forgiving us our sins
Praying to anyone other than God the Father through Jesus Christ
I'm sure there is more that is just off the top of my head.
2007-08-15 10:17:08 · answer #9 · answered by Kristina K 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋
It doesn't. The Bible says that any true believer will be able to cast out any demon with the authority that our Heavenly Father gave us! In His name we will be able to cast out devils, speak in new tongues, won't have to worry about getting poisoned, and heal the sick by the laying on of hands! Praise Jesus!
2007-08-15 10:22:45 · answer #10 · answered by michael m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋