Is exorcism stupid?

[JSojourner]

Exorcism, as practiced by the modern Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran and some Baptist, churches is usually done in a very responsible way.  For one thing, it is very rarely done at all. 

Unfortunately, in many Pentectostal, Holiness, and -- surprisingly -- Eastern Orthodox churches, it is often considered a "first response" to any problem...and us frequently done without any medical or psychological evaluation.

[JSojourner]

Exorcism, as practiced by the modern Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran and some Baptist, churches is usually done in a very responsible way.  For one thing, it is very rarely done at all. 

Unfortunately, in many Pentectostal, Holiness, and -- surprisingly -- Eastern Orthodox churches, it is often considered a "first response" to any problem...and us frequently done without any medical or psychological evaluation.

But don't you think these obviously mentally ill people should get medical help? Our brains are wonderful and complicating things but sometimes things go wrong.

Absolutely.  Exhaustive testing, analysis and diagnosis are called for -- both for physical and psychological explanations.  All I am saying is that I believe demonic possession is, in very rare and extreme cases, a reality.  That's because I do believe demons exist and are permitted, in some instances, to inhabit human hosts.

Crazy?  Yeah, maybe.  And then maybe not.

What I think we CAN agree on is that any person (a parent, guardian or clergyperson) who practices exorcism without insisting on rigorous and thorough medical and psychological analysis first is guilty of neglect, abuse and malpractice.  I do believe 99.9 percent of these cases ARE explainable medically and/or psychologically.

[JSojourner]

Exorcism, as practiced by the modern Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran and some Baptist, churches is usually done in a very responsible way.  For one thing, it is very rarely done at all. 

Unfortunately, in many Pentectostal, Holiness, and -- surprisingly -- Eastern Orthodox churches, it is often considered a "first response" to any problem...and us frequently done without any medical or psychological evaluation.

But don't you think these obviously mentally ill people should get medical help? Our brains are wonderful and complicating things but sometimes things go wrong.

Absolutely.  Exhaustive testing, analysis and diagnosis are called for -- both for physical and psychological explanations.  All I am saying is that I believe demonic possession is, in very rare and extreme cases, a reality.  That's because I do believe demons exist and are permitted, in some instances, to inhabit human hosts.

Crazy?  Yeah, maybe.  And then maybe not.

What I think we CAN agree on is that any person (a parent, guardian or clergyperson) who practices exorcism without insisting on rigorous and thorough medical and psychological analysis first is guilty of neglect, abuse and malpractice.  I do believe 99.9 percent of these cases ARE explainable medically and/or psychologically.

Well I think JS we can put to bed the supposition that you are a hard line Leftie on everything. We now know that you have moderate views about exorcism. Are you in the hunt for moderate hero status or something? 

Horrors!  I would hate to be thought of as a moderate hero.  I also enjoy guns, too.  Yipes.  I hope I am not abandoning my Maoist idealism!  ;-)