Exorcism: Facts and Fiction About Demonic Possession

The belief that demons exist and can possess people is of course the stuff of fiction and horror films — but it is also one of the most widely-held religious beliefs in the world. Most religions claim that humans can be possessed by demonic spirits (the Bible, for example, recounts six instances of Jesus casting out demons), and offer exorcisms to remedy this threat.

Understanding the Concept and Etymology

Regarding its origins, the word exorcism derives from the Greek word for oath, "exousia." As religious studies scholar James R. Lewis explains in his book "Satanism Today: An Encyclopedia of Religion, Folklore, and Popular Culture," "To exorcise thus means something along the lines of placing the possessing spirit under oath — invoking a higher authority to compel the spirit — rather than an actual 'casting out.'" This becomes clear when the demonic entity is commanded to leave the person, not by the authority of a priest but instead, for example, "in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Religious and Spiritual Perspectives

The idea that invading spirits are inherently evil is largely a Judeo-Christian concept; many religions and belief systems accept possession by both beneficent and malevolent entities for short periods of time as uncommon — and not especially alarming — aspects of spiritual life. For instance, Spiritualism, a religion that flourished across America in the 1800s and is still practiced in a few places today, teaches that death is an illusion and that spirits can possess humans. New Agers have also long embraced a form of possession called channeling, in which spirits of the dead are said to inhabit a medium's body and communicate through them.

Furthermore, the biblical records provide specific examples of this practice. Mark 1:23-25 says, “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.” Additionally, in the book of Acts, Paul perceived that a girl was speaking by an evil spirit; he turned and said to the spirit, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her," and she was instantly free. In this context, we must understand that our validation comes from Christ, not from the acknowledgement of men or demons.

Hollywood and Cultural Influence

Hollywood, of course, has been eager to capitalize on the public's continued fascination with exorcism and demonic possession with films often dubbed "based on a true story." There are countless exorcism-inspired films, including "The Last Exorcism," "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," "The Devil Inside" and "The Rite" — wildly varying in quality, originality, and scariness. The greatest cultural influence, of course, came from the classic "The Exorcist." In the weeks after the film came out in 1974, a Boston Catholic center received daily requests for exorcisms.

The script was written by William Peter Blatty, adapted from his best-selling 1971 novel of the same name. Blatty described the inspiration for the film as a Washington Post article he’d read in 1949 about a Maryland boy who had been exorcised. However, research suggests that while there really was a boy who underwent an exorcism, virtually all of the gory and sensational details appearing in the book and film were wildly exaggerated or completely made up. Michael Cuneo, in his book "American Exorcism: Expelling Demons in the Land of Plenty," characterizes Blatty's work as a massive structure of fantasy resting on a flimsy foundation of one priest's diary.

Modern Practice and Signs of Possession

While many Americans think of real exorcisms as relics of the Dark Ages, exorcisms continue to be performed, often on people who are emotionally and mentally disturbed. The Vatican first issued official guidelines on exorcism in 1614, and revised them in 1999. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, signs of demonic possession include superhuman strength and aversion to holy water.

To the extent that exorcisms "work," it is due to the power of suggestion and psychology: If you believe you're possessed (and that an exorcism will cure you), then it just might.

Exorcism Data and References

Category	Information from Draft Materials
Etymological Root	Greek word "exousia" (oath)
Catholic Guidelines	First issued 1614, revised 1999
Biblical Examples	Jesus in Mark 1:23-25; Paul in Acts 16:16-18
Cinematic Milestones	"The Exorcist" (1974), written by William Peter Blatty
Signs of Possession	Superhuman strength, aversion to holy water