Deliver Us From Evil

The following is our Pub Theology Halloween Special for October, by request, no less. As always, it isn't intended to be comprehensive, merely a good starting point for conversation over a pint and a prayer.

The Summoned, by Kuroi

DELIVER US FROM EVIL

A Quick-and-Dirty Look at Exorcism

Introduction

The Rev’d Phillip Gagnon is a Canadian pastor of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) and a member of the Society of the Holy Trinity (STS). With demand for exorcisms at an all-time high, and with the Vatican now offering a dedicated instruction course for exorcists, the STS sent the Rev’d Gagnon to Rome to attend said class. As a result, he wrote Deliver Us From Evil: A Manual of Exorcism, revised in 2015.

Biblical Background

Every culture and religious tradition acknowledges spiritual evil. Christian theology identifies the origin of evil in fallen angels, though the biblical understanding of demons developed over time (see: The Revelation of Evil). While such powers typically work “behind the scenes,” they can afflict and infect people or even animals, as seen in the canonical Gospel accounts. Christ has come to unveil, oppose, and undo such evil.

Church History

Jesus was, amongst other things, an itinerant exorcist, and the early Church’s ability to expel evil spirits proved to be a powerful apologetic. The Cross breaks the power of magic, from Roman auguries through the troll-infested Scandinavian forests. Baptism involved no less than three ritual exorcisms, and utilized the sign of the Cross, blessed water, oil, and salt, and insufflatio (breathing) in order to impart the Holy Spirit.

Holy Baptism

To this day, our baptismal liturgy involves three denunciations of the Unholy Trinity—the devil, the world, and the flesh—in preparation for confession of the Holy Trinity in the Apostles’ Creed. Before Baptism, catechumens were understood to be under the sway of the devil; the Sacrament was a healing right of liberation and regeneration. The Church long ordained Exorcists Minor, though all were called to pray against evil.

Sacramentals

Sacraments are literally the “mysteries” of the Church. They must (1) impart grace, (2) involve a physical/incarnational element, and (3) be commanded by Christ. Sacramentals, however, are “symbols of the Church [meant to aid] believers in strengthening their faith by pointing to the reality [that] they represent.” These include holy water, consecrated oil, blessed salt, the sign of the Cross, insufflatio, Rosaries, &c.

Reformation

During the Protestant Reformation, “much superstition abounded regarding witchcraft, sorcery, and evil spirits.” The Rite of Exorcism did not change significantly. Luther accepted the reality of the devil, but trusted all the more strongly in the grace of God in Christ. Satan aims not merely to make us suffer but to break our trust in salvation. Luther stresses original sin to impress upon us exactly that from which Christ frees us.

Pastoral Discernment and Care

We needn’t find devils under every rock and pillow. We must neither dismiss the devil, nor give him too much credit. When dealing with a troubled soul, physiological and psychological ailments must be taken into account—indeed, prioritized. Exorcism pertains to extreme cases: patients exhibiting extrasensory perception, superhuman strength, or speaking in languages that they could not possibly have known.

The Western Exorcist

In the early Church, lay exorcists were common. Humility, repentance, and faith trumped formal training or education. Today, every Roman Catholic diocese has an Exorcist Major. Anglicans will release the Major Rite of Exorcism only after consultation with the bishop. The Lutheran exorcism network remains more informal and esoteric, though any Lutheran cleric considering an exorcism must consult with his or her bishop.

Diagnosis

Initial pastoral conversations should utilize Scripture, prayer, and symbols of the Church. Note any unusual behavior or reaction to these, or to Jesus’ Name. Record sessions if possible. Confess all sins. Note also the use of concepts out-of-context for the age or training of the afflicted. Beware misdiagnosis. More sensational manifestations typically arise during the Rite itself. Remember above all that demons are deceivers.

Types of Demonic Influence

(1) Temptation is common to everyone. (2) Infestation may occur to a person or a place, especially in the wake of extreme, habitual, or familial sin; this is when people start to notice weird things. (3) Obsession deals with uncontrollable, irrational, evil thoughts that are difficult to escape; spontaneous outbursts may occur. (4) Affliction involves outward harm. (5) Oppression causes the loss of family, possessions, and health. And in (6) full-on possession, the demon takes over the person, body and soul.

Stages of Exorcism

The site of the exorcism should be consecrated. (1) Pretense: when the demon tries to hide. (2) Presence: when the demon is revealed. (3) Clash: when the exorcist, in persona Christi, commands the demon to leave in a forceful and faithful manner. (4) Expulsion: the demon is cast out. Exorcisms may take several sessions. Multiple demons may afflict one victim, or multiple victims be afflicted by one demon. (5) Aftercare is necessary.

The Rites

Exorcism Rites include preliminary instructions for a team of two to three. The exorcist will be attacked; assistants are key. Two Rites of Renunciation deal with infestation or extraordinary temptation. The Brief Order for Exorcism covers cases of oppression. And the Major Rite of Exorcism remains reserved for cases of true demonic possession. It makes for an intense and invigorating read. Let us turn to some examples.