The Process of Exorcism Essay -- Religion

When the term exorcism is mentioned, many people think of the devil-possessed head spinning, lead character in the 1973 movie The Exorcist. What is the actual definition of exorcism that Hollywood does not share with us? Exorcism as defined by the Catholic Encyclopedia is (1) the act of driving out, or warding off, demons, or evil spirits, from persons, places, or things, which are believed to be possessed or infested by them, or are liable to become victims or instruments of their malice; (2) the means employed for this purpose, especially the solemn and authoritative adjuration of the demon, in the name of God, or any of the higher power in which he is subject (Toner). However, man people are far less versed in the Roman Catholic form of exorcism. The term Exorcism is derived from the Greek word â€Å"Exorkizein,† which means to bring by oath (Toner). The earliest accounts of exorcism come from ancient Babylon, where Babylonian priests served as the ritual performers of exorcisms. These ancient priests would construct wax or clay figurines suppose to represent the demon ascribed to the possessed person. The demon resembling figurines were then destroyed resulting the demonic spirit being removed from the person. The Fear of demonic spirits was so high in ancient Babylon that it was considered to be â€Å"the most important factor of daily life of a Babylonian.† The first explanations, which were written by the Assyrians for the handling of illness, incorporated prayers to god and challenges towards demons who were believed to be associated with diseases of every type (Bancroft). Exorcism continued to impact the Empires of ancient Mesopotamia in the 6th century Persian Empire. In the official religion of Persia, Zoroastrianism, accoun... ...s/religion/re0418.html>. Graham, Fr. Cliff. "Exorcism--The Facts!" Exorcism--The Facts! Jan. 2007. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. http://www.stmichael.pair.com/index.htm MacNutt, Francis. The Healing Reawakening and Deliverance from Evil Spirits. Grand Rapids, Mich: Chosen, 2009. Print. Matthew. The New American Bible: With Revised New Testament. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1987. Print. Mark. The New American Bible: With Revised New Testament. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1987. Print. Martin, Malachi. Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans. New York: Quality Paperback Book Club, 2000. Print. Toner, Patrick. "Exorcism." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 5. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909. 2 Apr. 2012 . Weller, Philip T. The Roman Ritual. Milwaukee: Bruce Pub., 1964. Print.