ExorcismsAshley Blackmon

&Amber Mangrum

What is an Exorcism?

• Ritual Act of driving out evil demons from persons, places, or things in the name of God or a higher power

History of Exorcism

• 1st mentioned by Pope Cornelius in 253 CE in a letter

• Used in several different religious groups and Cultures: Jews

CatholicsChristiansEgyptians

Stages• The Presence• Break-point• The Voice• The Clash• Expulsion

Still used today

• Children die from due to the use of exorcisms –Example: Terrance in Wisconsin

•Priests still use today

Why people continue to believe:

• Supported by a major religious group• Response to uncertainty• Confirmation bias/ 1 sided outcome• In response to media• Personal and vivid testimonials

Testing Exorcisms:

• Can not ethically test exorcisms because place subject in physical and emotional danger

• Can not measure or determine if a person is scientifically possessed by the devil

• Belief is not falsifiable

The End• “ Evil Spirit is

personal, and it is intelligent. It is preternatural, in the sense that it is not of this material world, but it is in this material world. Contemporary life is no exception.” ~ Father Malachi Martin