GROWING DEMAND FOR EXORCISMS
Two of America’s most active exorcists say there is now a growing demand for their services as more unchurched Americans have been turning to them for help with demonic oppression, possession and other dark spiritual activity.
Father Gary Thomas, from The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, and Father Vincent Lampert, in the series “Paranormal Witness” commented that the increase in exorcism was caused by:
- an expanding spiritual void in the lives of Americans
- the diminishing authority of the Church
- the failure of the mental healthcare system
They say an overwhelming number of requests that they get from people seeking help are regularly diagnosed as actual manifestations of demonic attachment, infestation, vexation or full possession. Many of the requests for help are not coming from practicing Christians but the unchurched segment of the population. Many of those who seek help are desperate people who have had no success with psychology and psychiatry.
We’re gaining all sorts of knowledge but there’s still that emptiness within us that is being filled with addictive behavior such as drugs and pornography. There’s a line in the Old Testament that says when one grows in knowledge one also grows in despair. “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” Ecclesiastes 1: 18
The struggle against evil in society is becoming more of an emergency, and there is a direct cause: horror films, books, and television series which create temptation. Reading “occult books,” watching “occult movies,” can expose people to demonic possession. The most common occult activity is using an Ouija board to summon the dead.
The demand for exorcists in the U.S. appears to be following a global trend some say has been inspired by the leadership of Pope Francis in acknowledging the presence of the devil. Pope Francis has warned in past speeches that Satanism is on the rise in the world, and has praised exorcists for combating “the devil’s works.”
More people are finding out about exorcism because of radio programs like “Light in the Darkness.” in the Philippines. Television programs depict exorcism such as Fox’s “The Exorcist”.
The few people, who are possessed, may lose consciousness and they may even speak strange languages. Very well-mannered people may begin to vomit and blaspheme. Some may have inordinate strength.
Most people are not possessed in this way, but they can be influenced by the devil in subtle ways. They feel really bad. There are sign posts:
DO YOU NEED DELIVERANCE?
To determine if you are in need of deliverance, ask yourself the following questions: Continue reading DEMAND FOR EXORCISM
