The Role of Exorcism in Clinical Practice and Pastoral Care

Bibliographic Data

ID20331848
AuthorsSydney H T Page (North American Baptist Divinity School Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Sydney Page (Taylor College and Seminary, corresponding author)
Year1989
Volume17
Issue2
Pages121-131
Publication date1989-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychology and Theology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-6471 • E-ISSN: 2328-1162
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/009164718901700204
OpenAlexW2791650505
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited12

This article contends that there is a legitimate place for exorcism in the church today, but urges caution in its use. It begins with a survey of biblical, theological, historical, and practical considerations which favor the recognition of exorcism as a valid form of ministry. It then examines claims that the teaching and practice of Jesus are not normative because (a) his knowledge was limited by the incarnation, (b) he consciously accommodated himself to a prescientific world view, (c) exorcism is not mentioned in the New Testament epistles, and (d) genuine possession was limited to the ministry of Jesus. The next section discusses the following difficulties inherent in the ministry of exorcism: (a) the diagnosis of cases where exorcism is appropriate, (b) the risk of aggravating the condition of a disturbed person, and (c) the tendency to develop beliefs and practices which lack biblical support. Some guidelines for the practice of exorcism conclude the article

Christian ministry · Exorcism · Incarnation · Possession (linguistics) · Sociology · Theology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Philosophy · Psychology

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