For the sake of exactitude

[carudatta]

Exorcism has never really been all that "out of vogue" in the Catholic church.
Not only have "big" exorcisms - scaring demons by a bizarre ritual, so that they will leave a possessed person's body - been carried out throughout the 20th century (not to speak of earlier times), but each and every Catholic person goes through a "small" exorcism once in life.

There is a priest in Italy, named Padre Gabriel Amorth, who claims to have helped more than 10000 people by giving them the "solemn" exorcism. Also Pope John Paul II is said to have exorcised several people in the "big" way, most of them in Poland, before he was elected Pope.

The small or "simple" exorcism is, in fact, part of the Catholic ritual of baptism - every baby is supposed to be possessed by evil spirits of some kind, which have to be cast out to make it a "child of God".

No wonder these guys need a new and better school for exorcism - it's of paramount importance to them.

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And, er, yes, the same person CAN actually be handcuffed AND strapped in a straitjacket at the same time - provided one uses a "transport straitjacket" that has no sleeves!:p

[Roadtoad]

The biggest problem I see with "Demons" is that it becomes an excuse for some of the more foul behavior of our fellow human beings. This is particularly true among the more whacked-out elements of the Evangelical Fringe, particularly those you don't hear about.

That's the real danger in this: You hear about these kooks after someone has bought it, but when you really need to combat them is before they even get the chance to do their damage. Unfortunately, there's enough people out there willing in the name of "tolerance" to allow this crap to continue. Frankly, I'd rather take my chances with the "demons" than some of those who are out to "cure" the afflicted.

You have to wonder what might happen if some of those who are being "exorcised" actually took some responsibility for their actions, instead of turning and running to a priest or pastor to be "cleansed" of their demonic possession. Think maybe there might be a change in life for the better?

[BillyJoe]

On the other hand, I would like to exorcise your avatar.

[carudatta]

yeah, that avatar is definitely suffering from diabolical seizure :D