does christian's believe in exorcism?

[supa dupa ninja]

I was born and raised catholic and I just wanted to find out if the christian domination do exorcisms. cause a freind told me that they didn't belive that a demon could not posess a human being (and yes his not an atheist).
just wondering if it is true.

[EireWolf]

Some Christian denominations do, and some don't. (I have found that some denominations emphasize the spiritual "realm" more than others.) They probably don't do it in the same way a Catholic priest would, but... honestly I don't know if there's any ritual to it. Jesus gave us authority as believers to cast out demons in His name.

[Aka-chan]

Jesus did exorcisms, so, yes, Christians believe it is possible. In Mark chapter 9, a man brought Jesus his son who was "possessed by a spirit" (verse 17). In verse 25, Jesus rebukes it saying '"You deaf and mute spirit, I command you,[...]come out of him and never enter him again." (26) The spirit shrieked, cunvulsed him [the boy] violently and came out.' There are several other instances like that in the Bible.

If that's not exorcism, I don't know what is. I've never seen one done, but, again, I believe because it's in the Bible.

[Da Rabid Duckie]

This is probably going o alienate me from 80% of the people on this forum (hopefully not), but I not only beleive in casting out demons and other spirits, I've participated in it. I know that it's very dangerous, and its not something that people weak in their faiths should attempt to do (I learned that the hard way). I know I won't be doing as such for a very long time, unless the Lord bid me to do so, of course....

[EireWolf]

I don't know why that would alienate you from 80% of us... Personally, I haven't participated in any sort of exorcism, but I have witnessed demon possession and it's ugly. It's scary too, but I have to remember that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. You're quite right, though, that those weaker in the faith should not mess around with it.

[Saint Kevin]

Yep, Jesus cast out demons and gave us the authority to do so in his name. That's pretty much all there is to it. I'm not saying an exorcism is easy, but I don't think it needs to be surrounded by a whole bunch of pomp and ritual. That could give the impression that one need to be a particularly special Christian to cast out demons (Or that one needs a priest or church to do it for them). I just don't believe that is the case.

[EireWolf]

It is true that you don't have to be a "special Christian" to cast out demons in His name. But you do have to have exceptional faith:

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:19-21)

[Mave]

This is probably going o alienate me from 80% of the people on this forum (hopefully not), but I not only beleive in casting out demons and other spirits, I've participated in it. I know that it's very dangerous, and its not something that people weak in their faiths should attempt to do (I learned that the hard way). I know I won't be doing as such for a very long time, unless the Lord bid me to do so, of course....

I confess that I'll be among the few who would be freaked out by such activities but that doesn't mean I'm gonna alienate anyone for it (don't worry, er..RabidDuckie! ). Personally I think some individuals are "called" for this eventhough from what I understand 'everyone' is given authority by Jesus

[Bobtheduck]

Gonna restate this (EDIT)

[Saint Kevin]

Just as a little side note...my messianic Jewish friend told me that the Jews have a very ritualized exorcism process as well, that requires that you ascertain the name of the demon before you cast it out. Jesus performed a particular exorcism that further proves His status as Messiah. He casted out a demon that had possessed a mute man (Matthew 9:32-33). According to the Jewish formula at the time, you had to have the name of the demon to cast it out; Therefore, the only person who could cast a demon out of a mute man was Messiah. Read the account in the KJV at the link below.
Matthew Chapter 9

[Saint Kevin]

It is true that you don't have to be a "special Christian" to cast out demons in His name. But you do have to have exceptional faith:

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:19-21)

I stand corrected Eire. My main point though was to state that ritual is unneccessary, and that just because the Catholic Church performs an exorcism with a certain ritual, that doesn't mean they have the market cornered on exorcism.

[Bobtheduck]

Yep, Jesus cast out demons and gave us the authority to do so in his name. That's pretty much all there is to it. I'm not saying an exorcism is easy, but I don't think it needs to be surrounded by a whole bunch of pomp and ritual. That could give the impression that one need to be a particularly special Christian to cast out demons (Or that one needs a priest or church to do it for them). I just don't believe that is the case.

"But this kind come out only by prayer and fasting"

There are some demonizings (to avoid controversy over the term "possession") that all it takes is the immediate authority that every Christian has to remove, and some that it takes a little more. Fasting and praying is what Jesus said. No symbols are needed (such as blessed items or even a cross) only the authority Jesus gave us and, at most, prayer and fasting. Everything else diverts attention away from the person who gave us the authority.

Therefore, the only person who could cast a demon out of a mute man was Messiah.

That is VERY interesting. Many people deny that you need to know their names and even say it's a sin to talk to it or try to find out it's name, even if Jesus DID ask for the names of the demons ("Legion" comes to mind.) The reasoning is that "Jesus could do it because he was God." *rolls eyes* All I have to say is "These things and Greater will you do."

[Da Rabid Duckie]

Excuse me if this is off topic, but I'm overjoyed reading everyone's responses. It's nice to see a place where I can discuss stuff like this freely. Too many places that I go to I get looked at like "oh.... you're one of THOSE kinds of people...". But I'm stopping there, lest I get into a theological debate.

Back on the subject, I'm standing in agreement with everything my fellow fowl just stated on the issue at hand, and I raise a glass of root beer to him. Hear hear!!

[Saint Kevin]

I was born and raised catholic and I just wanted to find out if the christian domination do exorcisms. cause a freind told me that they didn't belive that a demon could not posess a human being (and yes his not an atheist).
just wondering if it is true.

Perhaps you need to ask your friend to clarify. Perhaps your friend meant to say that they do not believe that a demon can possess a Christian person. Many Christians believe that the elect (wrong word don't want to start a debate), that Christians cannot be possessed by evil spirits because they are already indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Perhaps that is what your friend meant.

That is VERY interesting. Many people deny that you need to know their names and even say it's a sin to talk to it or try to find out it's name, even if Jesus DID ask for the names of the demons ("Legion" comes to mind.) The reasoning is that "Jesus could do it because he was God." *rolls eyes* All I have to say is "These things and Greater will you do."

To clarify Bob, I was not suggesting that only Jesus could drive out demons without knowing their names. But perhaps the Jews at the time needed some kind of formula like that to cast out demons (before they had authority from Messiah to do so). Perhaps that could also explain how some, who didn't know Jesus were able to cast out demons. They are spoken of in Matthew 7:21-23:

Matthew 7:21-23: 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Also, Bob, I don't advocate anyone using any formula or ritual to cast out demons, only the authority Jesus gave to us, and prayer, and fasting, as you pointed out. I was only repeating what my Messianic Jewish friend had told me. The reason he told me this was to explain that the Jewish people understood the signs that Messiah could perform, and that this is one of them. It also explains the reaction of the crowd, and how they had never before seen something like that (the casting out of a demon from a mute man) in all of Israel. Just to clarify.

Another good verse I stumbled upon: John 15:16 "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."

[Psycho Ann]

Just want to add my 2 cents that demon possession and casting out is VERY, VERY, real. I speak personally for a close friend's mother and that my aunt has also participated in a few exorcisms back in Indo (it's very interesting that those possessed share the same "demonic" traits whether in Asia or Western countries. Like spitting out blood/objects, slithering on the ground like a snake, etc).

[Technomancer]

While it is true that there are particular rituals within the Catholic Church regarding exorcisms, they are only undertaken after all other avenues have been exhausted, or in other truly extraordinary cases. Regardless of the theology of exorcism, it is not something that should be undertaken lightly by anyone. Undoubtedly, many cases that might once in times long past have been regarded as possession, result from psychological disturbances. Professional medical/psychiatric should be sought first and foremost.

[Straylight]

I was at a Christian gathering a while back. I was assigned with a youth ministry and before we started or ended the day we would get together and have serious prayer meetings. At the end of one day, a demon tried to enter someone on our team, so we were completely taken by surprise, nevertheless the thing did get cast the thing out, using the name of Jesus. (I didn't participate though)

From this I have no doubt that demons are real, and that dealing with them is not to be taken lightly. However, their power is nothing compared to power of the name of Jesus. I'm guessing that the faith aspect is all about placing your belief in this fact.

[JediSonic]

rabidDuckie, just so you know -- Catholics are christians, and there is no such thing as "the christian denomination"

[cbwing0]

I looks like most of the relevant theology has been covered, so I will just say that I also believe in demonic possession, as well as the ability of Christians to cast out demons.

[Debitt]

Argh..everything I wanted to say has been said, but I have to just put in my two cents here, because I believe strongly that demons can enter people, and that we as Christians have the power to cast them out. I'm not going to go into much detail on how I know, but demon posessions are a very real, and a very scary thing, and should not by any means be handled lightly.

[Mave]

Many Christians believe that the elect (wrong word don't want to start a debate), that Christians cannot be possessed by evil spirits because they are already indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

*raises hand* I'm one of them. And I think it's because I've never had any personal encounters with 'demonization' or spiritual issues like that. My grandfather was a Chinese medium and before he died, I was told he was greatly tortured...0.o I never witnessed it though. I've also heard certain stories from my christian friends about that but have always maintained a skeptical outlook towards it. But now hearing everyone's sharings has got me reconsidering this statement. Don't worry, not a bad thing at all...I appreciate everyone discussing this in a civil manner.

>what my Messianic Jewish friend had
Pardon my ignorance....I must clarify, "What does Messianic Jewish mean?"

[Saint Kevin]

Precisely Cephas.
BTW I also believe Christians (not just in name only, God knows who are His) cannot be possessed by demons, but can be tempted by them.

[Zilch]

I agree with Kokoro, demons are real, but aren't to be feared, because we have dominion over them. And I also agree that demons cannot indwell a Christian, because if a demon posesses someone, they take over their thoughts, actions, and speech. Because we Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, it would go against the Bible("you can only serve one master"), and how can someone serve satan(he doesn't derserve to get his name capitalized) and God at the same time?

[FireStarter2003]

Hi y'all's,

It's been a while since I've been on this board. Anyways, to the topic at hand.

I believe that, as born-again Christians, we cannot be possessed by demons. Our born-again spirits are regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and therefore, no one else can dwell in there.

However, we must remember that we are triune beings: we are spirits that live in a body and have a soul (mind, will, emotions). Salvation for the whole man includes regeneration for the spirit (which is instantaneous through the New Birth), restoration of the soul (which includes renewing of the mind, submission of the will to God's will, and healing of emotions), and the sanctifying of our bodies (offering our bodies as living sacrifices - Rom. 12:1).

Having said that, allow me to propose the following: while our spirits are the property of Jesus Christ, and are indwelt by the Spirit of God, the enemy cannot have a claim to that. However, Christians can be oppressed, vexed, or even demonized, in the soulish and bodily arena. Scripturally and in the original Greek, the term "demonized" is more accurate in describing the condition of those whom may be tormented from within by demons. Christians whom have required deliverance ministry are not possessed by demons, cuz the Holy Spirit dwells in their born-again spirit. However, there are intruders in the soulish and bodily area that need to be evicted.

There are various reasons that individuals, and even Christians, may experience degrees of demonic oppression and/or demonization. These may include:

- generational curses
- unforgiveness
- bitterness
- past (or present "innocent") occult involvement
- sexual sin
- false religions
- etc.

The Scriptures tell us not to give place to the devil. We are called to be holy as the Lord our God is holy. God knows that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, so we must submit to God's will, and resist the devil. There is a real spiritual battle raging around us, and we must ensure that we are on the winning side.

As to who can minister deliverance, I believe any born-again, Spirit-filled child of God, walking in their God-given authority, utilizing the power of the name and the blood of Jesus, can cast demons out. It's not for the few with ordination papers. Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that BELIEVE."

Just my thoughts, carry on.

[DrNic]

I believe that people can be possessed by demons or evil spirits and I also know exorcisms occur sometimes in churchs. My church's pastor has witnessed his father cast out a few, my dads seen someone possessed walk into church and have a demon cast out of him, and many other (older) members of my church have witnessed a few. I've not seen one for myself yet but this is enough for me to believe. Also, Jesus cast evil spirits out of people in the bible.

I don't believe that christians can be possessed because they dont usually put themselves in the possition where it will happen (most possessions are linked with witchcraft, ouiji boards and the like)

Just what I believe, still not 100% sure. Perhaps I should ask my pastor sometime...

[RoyalWing]

i think that evil spirits or demons are very real, and are in fact living proof that God exists and Jesus is alive. because you can only exorcise using His name, you can't just say "get out of me, you thing.." i'm not sure however, if you need to know the name. as far as i believe it is true.
i really believe in this, it's been proven to me in a very personal way. but i'm afraid to say it, so... carry on with the conversation. -__-

[Gypsy]

I also believe that demons are real, they can be cast out in Jesus Christ's name, and that Christians cannot be possessed by demons. However, I must mention that I believe that Christians can be oppressed by demonic powers. I want to state that very carefully, though. I don't agree with looking for a demon under every rock, nor blaming the aforesaid demon for everything bad that happens, and I think there's a huge difference between weakness of the flesh and demonic oppression.

In any case, it's been very interesting to read this thread.

[EireWolf]

Having said that, allow me to propose the following: while our spirits are the property of Jesus Christ, and are indwelt by the Spirit of God, the enemy cannot have a claim to that. However, Christians can be oppressed, vexed, or even demonized, in the soulish and bodily arena.

I think Job would be a good example of that. While not a "Christian," per se, he was a faithful believer in God. Yet Satan was allowed to torment him.

btw, Gypsy, that was well said. One thing I remember my former pastor saying was that if you focus too much on the demonic realm, you're going to have problems with demons. We shouldn't give them too much credit, because then they'll start justifying the credit given to them. Hope that makes sense.

[madphilb]

I'll poke in my 2cents here....

While as a general rule I would say that Christians (believers) can't be posessed, I believe there are times when a believer will invite them in... but in these cases I think it's still more of an oppression than a possession. My ex-wife had an instance that would fit posession, but it was long before I came around, so, I don't know much other than what I was told.

There are those who fear this sort of thing to the point of "if you have this movie playing the evil spirits will come into your house and come to live in your child and torment them" or some such nonsense.... taking some sort of "creepy feeling" as posession/opression.

Worse I've seen people take it far enough to start casting demons out of in-animate objects....

IMNSHO I'd say that's living in fear, and I don't believe we're to do that.


Oh, and while the simple answer to "What is a Messianic Jew" is what was stated above, it is a little more than just a Jew that believes in Jesus. The interesting thing is that if you can hook up with a Messianic it can give you some real insight into many of the things in the Bible (since Jesus and the 12 desciples where all Jews). I think one of the coolest examples is if you can find a Messianic group doing a Passover Seader (SP?).... to understand what the cup and the bread in "communion" really represents in the context of the Passover feast, it'll give you chills.

Anyway... back to pluggin away at the forums... now that I'm working and can only check CAA once a day I find I have a lot more in one sitting to dig through

[Fsiphskilm]

[quote="VOLT"]Demons are real, they do e