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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkizein - to adjure, correctly pronounced "exercism") is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed (taken control of). The practice is quite ancient and still part of the belief system of many religions.
The person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a priest, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc.. The exorcist invokes God and/or several different angels and archangels. The Priest also uses Crosses and Holy Water often when performing one. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore practitioners regard exorcism more as a cure than as a punishment.
History
The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and were widespread, and may have originated in prehistoric Shamanistic beliefs.
The Christian New Testament includes exorcism among the miracles performed by Jesus. Because of this precedent, demonic possession was part of the belief system of Christianity since its beginning, and exorcism is still a recognized practice of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and some Protestant sects. The Church of England also has an official exorcist in each diocese.
In recent times, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased. Generally, it is currently found mainly in Eastern Europe and Africa, with some cases gaining media coverage; Anneliese Michel is perhaps the most recent of these. This is due mainly to the study of psychology and the functioning and structure of the human mind. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of mental illness, and are handled as such.
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Some say to believe in exorcism one must first believe in the devil. But I don't necessarily say you’d have to believe in the devil but rather believe in negative spirits, spirits that can cause harm and problems. Begin possessed isn't just for one religion; we have found that alot of so-called "religions’" have evidence of persons being possessed by an evil entity/spirit/demon.
Shaman, people of many cultures believed that if they dressed in animal skins and antlers it would increased connection to the spirit guide. They also had special gifts that may include controlling the elements. Disease in many tribes is seen as spirit possession. The Shaman would travel to the under world to wrestle and release his people from the grasp of dark entities. The cure may involve soul extraction, soul retrieval, soul restoration, and working with power animals, plants and minerals.
So you see its not just for the church its for all cultures. |
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