Protestant excorcisms

[LoyalViews]

The anti-Protestant rhetoric of some sectarian posters on this web-site is doing a great disservice to an otherwise excellent site.

I never said anything as such

I would say they work but aren’t as effective as exorcism performed by Catholic priests. But Protestant exorcism aren’t as well documented as Catholic exorcisms, and in some denominations you can get an exorcism for just about any problem in your life.

That’s what I thought. Thanks

 

[Cat]

I have been advised that the Our Father, “Deliver us from evil”, and the St Michael prayer are excellent for a layman.

Yes, a priest told us this during our RCIA classes. He told us that if we are being bothered by a demon, to pray these prayers, and also to “plead the blood of Christ.”

Interestingly, as Protestants, we were taught to “plead the blood of Christ” to drive demons away.

I guess what I’m wondering is, “How often are exorcisms necessary in the United States?” Is this something that is becoming more common as our society becomes more Godless and rebellious? God have mercy on us!

 

[Tyuiop411]

Yes, a priest told us this during our RCIA classes. He told us that if we are being bothered by a demon, to pray these prayers, and also to “plead the blood of Christ.”

Interestingly, as Protestants, we were taught to “plead the blood of Christ” to drive demons away.

I guess what I’m wondering is, “How often are exorcisms necessary in the United States?” Is this something that is becoming more common as our society becomes more Godless and rebellious? God have mercy on us!

Apparently if we use the Vatican’s actions as proof the number of exorcisms has gone up in recent years I also recall an exorcist from the Vatican saying that the amount of exorcisms performed have gone up quite drastically, but I don’t remember the article he was quoted in.

 

[ltwin]

My church believes in demonic possession and oppression, and it is willing, when there is a need for it, to perform an exorcism. There is no rite, however. Pentecostals believe that all Christians can command evil spirits to leave in the name of Jesus. HOWEVER, and its a big however, we do not recommend that just anyone, even if they are a Christian, attempt to cast out a demon from someone. It is dangerous for those who are not strong in their faith. Ministers are the only people I know of who are actually asked to perform an exorcism, and they only do it with a lot of prayer and fasting.

 

[pablope]

My church believes in demonic possession and oppression, and it is willing, when there is a need for it, to perform an exorcism. There is no rite, however. Pentecostals believe that all Christians can command evil spirits to leave in the name of Jesus. HOWEVER, and its a big however, we do not recommend that just anyone, even if they are a Christian, attempt to cast out a demon from someone. It is dangerous for those who are not strong in their faith. Ministers are the only people I know of who are actually asked to perform an exorcism, and they only do it with a lot of prayer and fasting.

Does your ministers who do exorcisms have some, or undergo some sort of training?

If there is no rite, then how would they go about it? There should be some basic process, isn’t it?

 

[Hail_Linus]

In simple, do they work?

Since Protestants don’t have valid orders, I assume they don’t work. But I could by wrong.

So, do they work?

In the Catholic Church, it is difficult to prove an exorcism is really needed. Therefore, we cannot really speculate since they don’t have the same standards. What they consider demonic possession would probably not be considered demonic possession by the Catholic Church.

I believe only Priests can do exorcisms. However, the need went away for so long that most priests do not know how to do them anymore and so only a limited amount of Priests have the capacity to perform them.

Interestingly, the real case the Exorcist book and film was based on involved a Protestant family. In the real case, the possessed was a boy. They contacted their Pastor which did not help. They eventually had to call a Priest who in turn had to get permission from his Bishop. The Priest was successful.

I also recommend the DVD “Interview with an Exorcist” The priest in the DVD is the only Priest in the World with a PHD in Exorcisms.

 

[Discipulo]

Apparently if we use the Vatican’s actions as proof the number of exorcisms has gone up in recent years I also recall an exorcist from the Vatican saying that the amount of exorcisms performed have gone up quite drastically, but I don’t remember the article he was quoted in.

I watched a video interview from a Spanish exorcist, the first one in Spain for decades, he said that the rise in exorcisms can be attributed to sexual sins, evil spirits are most capable of attaching themselves through pornography, rape and child abuse because these go deep into the being of a person, damaging them profoundly, its something to ponder about.

 

[Hail_Linus]

I watched a video interview from a Spanish exorcist, the first one in Spain for decades, he said that the rise in exorcisms can be attributed to sexual sins, evil spirits are most capable of attaching themselves through pornography, rape and child abuse because these go deep into the being of a person, damaging them profoundly, its something to ponder about.

That is the video I was referring to “Interview with an Exorcist.”

 

[ltwin]

Does your ministers who do exorcisms have some, or undergo some sort of training? If there is no rite, then how would they go about it? There should be some basic process, isn’t it?

The ministers that I know go through no formal training. Instead, they learn by examples of exorcism in the New Testament and by simple experience. If a case arises where an exorcism occurs (and that’s not often) it becomes a teachable moment I suppose. But to answer your question simply, there is no formal training in my church.

There is a basic process. We believe it is laid out in Scripture. In Pentecostal Doctrine, George Canty (Elim Pentecostal Church) writes about casting out of demons:

No precise instructions for dealing with foul spirits are laid down in the New Testament, therefore the manner in which Christ and the apostles acted has to be our guide. From it we make the following points.

The name of Jesus is the primary secret . . . [Mark 16:17; Acts 3:6, 16; 4:10; 16:18]

Carefully note, however, that there is a danger in tackling spirits with the name of Jesus used merely as a magic formula, since it could merely provoke them, as in the case of the sons of Sceva. The vital element is not the formula, but the presence of Jesus in the life of the person casting demons out. He himself should be a true representative of Christ, a person “in Christ,” accepting the Lord’s authority. . . .

The actual formula to be used is clearly laid down in Matthew 28:19. The casting out of demons does not require a barrage of words with voluminous repetitions of the word “Jesus” or “Christ.” We have authority, and can use it, as “ambassadors” (2 Cor. 5:20), but we must avoid treating it as a “magic” incantation . . .

The particular “method” is of very small consequence. Some may lay hands upon the patients; some feel that they should not. . . If it was of any importance, we would have clear instances or some instructions [in the Bible] about it. . . .

[N]obody was ever given a special gift for “exorcisms,” only for discernment, as part of the protection of the church, chiefly against false teachers with lying and deceitful doctrines of demons. . . .

While it may be possible to cast out a demon, very often a person needs more than this. They need deeper help, in fact. . . . It is wrong to assume that a particular evil in a man’s life is the result of demon control. It is more likely that the evil was there first, permitting the entry of Satanic power.

Again, “method” must not underestimate the power of the Word of God. The preaching of the gospel is deliverance-it is the power of God in itself “unto salvation” (deliverance). . .

Discernment should not only detect demons, but also detect when there are no demons. . .

Demons themselves enjoy having attention paid to them, and tend to turn up where they are talked about a great deal . . . This is perhaps the modern lesson to be learned from Jude’s warning that even the archangel Michael showed a healthy respect for the dignity of the devil and said merely, “The Lord rebuke thee.” Some call Satan names; this is neither Scriptural nor wise. The powers of hell should not be provoked nor should we daily (sic) with them. They should be commanded to leave if they confront us, and that should be the end of the matter, if we believe in God . . .

(Quoted in Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Duffield and Van Cleave, pp. 498-501)

 

[Hail_Linus]

I have seen what Protestants refer to as demonic possession and it really is not.

Demonically possessed people would do things like speak ancient languages that they couldn’t possibly know. And I am not referring to the jibberish people currently call speaking in tongues. I am talking about case where a 5 year old girl speaks perfect ancient Aramaic, etc… I am talking about cases of Priests going to see a possessed person in one city where the demon tells him something in an ancient language and then goes to another city on the same day and the demon says the exact same thing again in an ancient language.

I personally know one Priest who assisted at an Exorcism and he described how the demon who talk to all the Priest present and talk about specifics in their own personal lives that no one could possibly know.

Things like this are what is considered Possession in the Catholic Church. What Protestants call demonic possession simply is not. A bishop would not authorize exorcism in those Protestant cases because they do not qualify.

 

[Rightlydivide]

In my experiences they do work some. The problem is I believe we tend to be too flippant about it and overestimate our abilities to combat these issues. It is akin to earning a patch on a Boy Scout jacket for some people. I have witnessed problems and I think that previous encounters with demonic forces could be the reason.
In my experience, which I related a year or so ago, the person seemed to talking about something random. The people doing the exorcism assumed that and I did not correct them. Instead the demon was giving very specific information that no human being would know from a time in my life when I was unsaved. I do not participate in helping with exorcisms and have no plans on going back.
I would imagine priests have some kind of formal training or guidelines. This would be preferable to people who see a movie or some such nonsense and think we know what we are doing. And yes I include myself in that category…but not anymore.

 

[George_F]

I have done a little reading on these things.
Keeping in mind that the devils greatest trick is convince the world that he don’t exist.
they are very crafty and manifest then self’s in many ways.
The symptoms are many.The diagnosis of insanity excuses them and they stay hidden.
There show doesn’t have to be accompanied by big band music at 0300.
The room dosnt have to be ice cold,things dont have to fly thru the air or melt for them to be doing a job on you.
Keep in mind that IF they can stay hidden,they can stay.

 

[jericho777]

Does your ministers who do exorcisms have some, or undergo some sort of training?

If there is no rite, then how would they go about it? There should be some basic process, isn’t it?

I will tell you this my Pastor grew up in in Africa and has practiced voo doo. He has seen the power of satan throughout his life first hand. Now that he is a Christian and knows the truth about Christ and His word he prays for people who are possesed/oppressed. I have seen with my own eyes these things manifest. It is what you see in the biblical accounts. They may vomit, their voice may change, they sometimes have extra strength (he does not close his eyes when he prays in case they try to strike him) or thrash around. One Sunday after service a lady was delivered from over 10 different demons. He prays and fasts constantly.

There is no formula or rite per say just being led by the Spirit what to pray. Be full of faith and be willing to be used by God for His Glory. Beleive me when he starts praying for the person it is the working of the Holy Spirit through him that the demon manifests and is cast out in the Name of Jesus. The demon resists sometimes violently before it has to leave.

This is not a regular occourance but does happen from time to time.

 

[George_F]

To give You a perfect example -
St Benedict was called on to correct a young monk Who instead of being in prayer he would go out side and wander in the garden.
His Superior Counseled the young monk and the young monk was apologetic and sorrowful
but kept doing it.
So St Benedict was called on,who also councled the young monk.and again the young Monk was sorrowful.And he did it again.
So St Benedict and the Superior of the young monk sat off to the side to observe the young monk.And St Benedict Seen it.
It was a little black boy who would tug and pull on the back of the clothing of the young Monk and lead the young monk out into the garden.
At Another time before this event happend St Benedict was living rather humble out in the woods in a cave.and one day a small black bird came flying around the face of Father Benedict.Immediately St Benedict’s mind was full of lustful pictures and Thoughts.So he tore off all his clothing and ran thru the bushes to change what was in his mind.
And while traveling one day St Benedict came across a insane man by a well So the Father stopped and exorcized the demons out of the man.

 

[Tyuiop411]

To give You a perfect example -
St Benedict was called on to correct a young monk Who instead of being in prayer he would go out side and wander in the garden.
His Superior Counseled the young monk and the young monk was apologetic and sorrowful
but kept doing it.
So St Benedict was called on,who also councled the young monk.and again the young Monk was sorrowful.And he did it again.
So St Benedict and the Superior of the young monk sat off to the side to observe the young monk.And St Benedict Seen it.
It was a little black boy who would tug and pull on the back of the clothing of the young Monk and lead the young monk out into the garden.
At Another time before this event happend St Benedict was living rather humble out in the woods in a cave.and one day a small black bird came flying around the face of Father Benedict.Immediately St Benedict’s mind was full of lustful pictures and Thoughts.So he tore off all his clothing and ran thru the bushes to change what was in his mind.
And while traveling one day St Benedict came across a insane man by a well So the Father stopped and exorcized the demons out of the man.

That just reminded me that the medal of St. Benedict is one of the most powerful sacramentals for keeping away demons and for casting them out.

 

[George_F]

:thumbsup:Yes St Benedict was a true gift to Mankind.
The Archangel Raphael in the story of Torbit got rid of a nasty demon.

 

[George_F]

To add - The story of St Raphael involved *Tobias not torbit.