A few years ago, my dad performed an "exorcism"

[Zeldarocks2]

A few years ago, my dad performed an ‘exorcism’ on me, due to my avowed atheism and what he termed ‘rebellion’ against God.

This traumatized me, putting me in a highly suggestible state, where I “felt lead by the Spirit” to reveal sin and various demonic influences.

In retrospect, I believe that in subjecting myself to that exorcism, I suffered emotional abuse, to the point where I began to believe that there were “demons” inside of me.

I needed to share this, as I felt the need to get an outside perspective on it.

 

[Holly3278]

Are you currently an Atheist or have you changed your beliefs? Also, what religion is your dad and what religion was he at the time that he performed this exorcism?

 

[Zeldarocks2]

I am currently a Catholic Christian. My dad is a Fundamentalist Pentecostal Christian, and has been throughout his entire life.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

A few years ago, my dad performed an ‘exorcism’ on me, due to my avowed atheism and what he termed ‘rebellion’ against God.

This traumatized me, putting me in a highly suggestible state, where I “felt lead by the Spirit” to reveal sin and various demonic influences.

In retrospect, I believe that in subjecting myself to that exorcism, I suffered emotional abuse, to the point where I began to believe that there were “demons” inside of me.

I needed to share this, as I felt the need to get an outside perspective on it.

I can understand your resentment. Early on in my own Christian experience, I had a bit of an issue with a Protestant pastor who had an exorcism ministry. Later I felt irritated with him, as I thought he was over the top.

I spoke to my own pastor about it and he commented that “some of these people who get involved in spiritual warfare ministries start seeing a demon under every rock and behind every tree.”

I don’t suppose your father was involved in regular exorcism ministries, but some people can get a bit carried away with their obsession with “spiritual warfare”.

That said, the spiritual realm is real, and demons do exist. They have two chief aims - one is to stop people from turning to Christ, and the other is to put tempting thoughts in their way.

 

[Catholic_farmer]

I don’t see how an ‘exorcism’ could be honestly done by one’s own father. It would be impossible, in my opinion, for a father to put aside any resentments he has towards his ‘rebellious’ son. I also don’t see how he could have possibly separated his desire for you to bend to his own personal will, as opposed to the desire for you to accept the will of God alone. I think there is a very good reason that real exorcisms are performed by a priest. I believe it was more emotionally abusive and likely felt as if he was personally coercing confessions from you. I’m so sorry you went through that.

That goes against what the Church teaches, which is true confession with a contrite heart. We’re supposed to be reconciled with God through the priest, willingly. The key is willingly; not coerced. Please speak to your priest about this and ask his advice for any future ‘exorcisms’ your father may wish to subject you to.

Welcome back to the Church and God bless you.

 

[St_Francis]

The father of a child does have the authority to do what might be called a very minor exorcism, but this is simply saying a binding prayer in private (it is not for doing in public or a ministry), and praying for the continued protection of the child.

This is for when a demon might be bothering a child (oppression or obsession). If someone is seriously possessed, not only is a priest needed to do the major exorcism, but the priest needs permission from the bishop.

This does not sound like what happened with your father tho. Sometimes people get the wrong ideas all around. I would talk with a priest about this as you’d be able to go into more detail and he would know the right questions to ask. But not all priest are knowledgeable about this area of the Faith.

On this page, there are several talks given by a priest who has been trained as an exorcist. There are several talks (MP3) towards the end of the page specifically about spiritual warfare and protection, among them Spiritual Protection, Disappropriation, Oppression, etc.

The main point he makes throughout is that the best way to deal with this is to consistently practice holiness, increase in virtue, and pray, pray, pray.

 

[glendab]

Only a Priest can perform and actual Exorcism. If you father prayed over you, they were Deliverance prayers, which anyone can do. The actual Rite of Exorcism is a sacramental of the Church and only those Ordained can use it once they receive the proper authorization and directives to do so. Everything else are prayers for deliverance or liberation. Even when a Saint expels demons, as was the case with Padre Pio, it isn’t an actual Exorcism unless the Rite is employed.

Glenda

 

[henpecked]

so you were an atheist at the time? then post-“exorcism”, you’ve become Catholic?

if so, have you talked to a Priest? basic Catholic based psychological counseling and the Church has tools in it’s toolbox to deal with certain things.

 

[ready]

A few years ago, my dad performed an ‘exorcism’ on me, due to my avowed atheism and what he termed ‘rebellion’ against God.

This traumatized me, putting me in a highly suggestible state, where I “felt lead by the Spirit” to reveal sin and various demonic influences.

In retrospect, I believe that in subjecting myself to that exorcism, I suffered emotional abuse, to the point where I began to believe that there were “demons” inside of me.

I needed to share this, as I felt the need to get an outside perspective on it.

As an atheist you were indeed rebelling against God. Your Father did the best hew knew how to get you to be delivered from Satan and to save your precious soul. Please do not be angry with him for trying to save your soul in the best way that he knew how. He would not do such a thing to you unless he thought it were absolutely necessary. He is your Father and loves you. He loved you as a father more than you loved your own immortal soul as an atheist. God bless you.

 

[fred_conty]

A few years ago, my dad performed an ‘exorcism’ on me, due to my avowed atheism and what he termed ‘rebellion’ against God.

This traumatized me, putting me in a highly suggestible state, where I “felt lead by the Spirit” to reveal sin and various demonic influences.

In retrospect, I believe that in subjecting myself to that exorcism, I suffered emotional abuse, to the point where I began to believe that there were “demons” inside of me.

I needed to share this, as I felt the need to get an outside perspective on it.

I would suggest you put this unpleasantness behind you by giving this to Jesus and asking that it be used for your dad’s spiritual benefit. That way it will be something useful and good.

May God our Father give you grace and peace.

 

[Holly3278]

I am currently a Catholic Christian. My dad is a Fundamentalist Pentecostal Christian, and has been throughout his entire life.

Oh okay. Well, I am happy that you are currently a Catholic Christian.

I don’t know a whole lot about Pentecostals but as far as I know, they do believe that anyone can perform an “exorcism” right?

That said, I don’t blame you for feeling bad about what your dad did. Have you tried to have a talk with him about how it bothers you?