[Magdalen] Exorcism

[Catharine Phillips]

I also believe, as Roger does, in the existence of evil presence in people
and places. I also agree with Georgia, that it needs to be treated with
great care. I have felt it more in places than in people, and have done
blessings, and asked God's presence in the midst, and felt the power of the
Holy Spirit. I also believe that defining it too closely and definitively
is not ours to do.


On Tue, Dec 8, 2015 at 11:13 AM, Roger Stokes <roger.stokes65 at btinternet.com
> wrote:

> On 08/12/2015 14:18, Ian Gomersall wrote:
>
>> I wonder what people's views are on evil as an entity - and so also on
>> exorcism.
>>
>> We're running an occasional series on Big Questions at our church and
>> Exorcism is the current one.
>>
>> Have a look at:
>>   https://stchrysostoms.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/exorcism-a-big-question/
>> <https://stchrysostoms.wordpress.com/2015/12/06/exorcism-a-big-question/>
>>
>> When I think of some of the evil things that groups of people have done /
>> do, I can't help but think the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
>>
>
> Ian,
>
> I do believe in the existence of evil and of evil presence in people and
> places.  Indeed I have some sensitivity in that area and generally I agree
> with Georgia.  This is an area to be treated with great care.  Sometimes
> formal exorcism may be required, but very rarely, and the C/E House of
> Bishops have laid down guidelines which are similar to the ones Georgia
> cited.  Jay is right that some Pentecostal churches believe that demons are
> just about everywhere and their pastors will "exorcise" these supposed
> demons.  I share her opinion of such practices and note that exorcisms have
> resulted in a number of deaths.
>
> What I have done is call down God's blessing on someone (this was a Maundy
> Thursday evening - not a good time to try and get hold of the bishop) and I
> felt the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through me to her.  Years later I
> was called to somebody's house (a Muslim's gouse as it happens, the request
> having come through a nominal Chriustian). As I went round the house there
> was a room where I certainly detected what I believed to be the presence of
> evil. Again I called on God to cleanse and bless the place.  Again I felt
> that the atmosphere had lightened and heard later that the family were
> happier in the house after my visit.
>
> Exorcism is not something to be undertaken lightly but only after die
> care, including a psychiatric assessment if someone believes they are
> possessed.
>
> Roger
>



-- 
*Catharine Phillips, MA, MDiv, CADC*


*All will be well.  Period.  (Thank you, Julian of Norwich)*

allwillbewellperiod.blogspot.com