Demonic Possession
Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia defines demonic possession as "the condition of a person when control over their mind and body is affected by a demon or demons" (Stravinskas. et al. 770). While this is a terrifying and very serious matter there are certain, very important things to know and understand about demonic possession.
A common question this is asked about demonic possession is whether or not a demon has control over a person's soul? Meaning if a person died while under possession, will their soul make it to Heaven? Fr. Gary Thomas, one of the most renowned exorcist in America answered this question during "Interview with an Exorcist; Fr. Gary Thomas Wrestles with the Reality of Satan." He answers, "a demon can't control a person's soul; it can only control a person's body...However, I do think when a person is possessed their will is compromised, because their functionality is limited. They may not even be able to take care of their own physical needs. A person who accepts the demon, we call that integration, whereas possession in involuntary. Nevertheless, a person who is fully possessed is not able to make their own decisions" (qtd. in Coffin). One thing that people may be unaware of is the fact that their can be more than one demon possessing a person (Bastien-Herrera). This of course can make the exorcism ritual more dangerous not only for the person infested, but also for the priest and everyone around them as well. In "They're baaack! What's behind the return of the exorcist," you can read the story of a man named Frank (his real name remains anonymous). Residing not far from Silicon Valley, California, Frank works as a software consultant. After many attempts of trying to find a remedy – such as therapy and pills – for his fits of depression and rage that seemed to cling to his back, his wife decided to help him out by giving him a book that focused on demonic possession. Frank, who was desperate to find anything that could help made the decision while out on a run one night to pray a deliverance prayer that was recommended in the book (Burke). "If I had known what was going to happen, I would have picked a more private place" he says (qtd. in Burke). Frank claims that immediately after saying the prayer he "doubled over, dry heaving, by the side of the road. His lungs felt like they were leaping out of his chest" (Burke). Frank, a man of science, came to the conclusion through cause and effect, that he was under attack of evil spirits (Burke). |
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