Posted: February 11th, 2023
Sources for my research
Exorcism:real or superstition?
1. Article: Shackles of superstition
Citation: Shrivastava, Parveen. “SHACKLES OF SUPERSTITION.” Alive (New Delhi, India), no. 410, 2016, p. 57–.
2. Article: Fakecraft
Citation: Paul Christopher Johnson. “Fakecraft.” Journal for the Study of Religion, vol. 31, no. 2, 2018, pp. 105–37, https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3027/2018/v31n2a5.
3. Video: Your Bleeped Up Brain
Citation: Your Bleeped up Brain. Episode 1, Deception. A&E Television Networks, 2013.
Citation: Chambers, Amy C. “‘Somewhere Between Science and Superstition’: Religious Outrage, Horrific Science, and The Exorcist (1973).” History of the Human Sciences, vol. 34, no. 5, 2021, pp. 32–52, https://doi.org/10.1177/09526951211004465.
5. Book: The Devil Within : Possession and Exorcism in the Christian West.
Citation: Levack, Brian. The Devil Within : Possession and Exorcism in the Christian West, Yale University Press, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Summary of book: The Devil Within formed a key addition to the bibliography list as the resource provided in-depth information on possession and exorcism cases that have taken place over the years. Incorporation of this book was essentially a no-brainer as it featured wide range of instances whereby the problem of possession was easily observable across the populations involved. Generally, the book encompasses multiple centuries and integrates various instances of possession and exorcism as have been recorded across history. It importantly includes well depicted scenarios such as The Exorcism of Emily Rose. The book is a vital addition as it features an extensive regard of the cases of possession and exorcisms which have taken place. The book also presents true story based film which concludes “..The trial of two German parish priests in 1973 for killing twenty-three-year-old woman, Anneliese Michel, after exorcising her sixty-seven times…” (Levack 242). In this way, the authors are able to provide insight on the developments that took place thus enabling the readers to be informed about the reality or lack thereof of demonic possession and exorcism. The coverage of lengthy timeframe is instrumental in depicting how the subject matter has been a part of the lives of individuals for a long while. It was necessary to include this book in the research process mainly because of the knowledge base that it has contributed towards.
Note: You can use this information from book in the rough draft
SOLUTION
Exorcism is a religious practice that has been performed by various cultures and belief systems throughout history, but its validity and effectiveness is a matter of contention. While some people believe that exorcisms can rid individuals of evil spirits and malevolent forces, others consider it to be a superstition without any scientific basis.
From a scientific perspective, there is no evidence that supports the existence of evil spirits or demons that can possess individuals, and mental and physical illnesses that may appear similar to demonic possession can often be treated with medicine and therapy.
However, for those who hold religious beliefs that include the concept of evil spirits and demonic possession, exorcism may provide a sense of comfort and peace. In these cases, the belief in the power of exorcism to rid individuals of malevolent forces may be considered real and effective, regardless of a lack of scientific evidence.
Ultimately, the question of whether exorcism is real or a superstition is subjective and depends on individual beliefs and experiences.
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