This book does not serve as a good introduction to what exorcist rituals are, and how they function from an anthropological or sociological function. The book also leaves out much of the biblical history that surrounds the topic, it would greatly enhance this book if the author had spent a few pages remarking about the fascinating and complex demonology that existed in the ancient Near East (and still does today). While the book quickly glosses over Jesus’ use of exorcisms, it fails to mention that there are contemporary Jewish accounts of exorcisms in Josephus’ “Jewish Antiquities” where a man named Eleazar extracts a demon through the nostrils of man in front of emperor Vespasian himself and the Talmud’s Hanina ben Dosa (himself from Galilee) who was reported to be widely feared by demons during that period. Also, few readers might find the book a bit too ethno-centric because it deals specifically with Roman Catholic exorcists.
This had me wondering, what role do Demons play in LDS theology, and is there any history with exorcisms?
It seems that demons have played a part in LDS history from the moment Joseph Smith prayed in the sacred grove.
~Those who benefit from the status quo always attribute inequities to the choices of the underdog.~Ann Crittenden ~The Goddess is not separate from the world-She is the world and all things in it.~
MrStakhanovite wrote:This had me wondering, what role do Demons play in LDS theology,
Tempters. More rarely attackers.
and is there any history with exorcisms?
Yes, I have been involved with two of them. They happen albeit rarely.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
Everybody Wang Chung wrote:Nehor, WTF?! You have been involved with two exorcisms?
Yes.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
Don't ya just raise your arm to the square and command the demon to leave in the name of Jesus Christ? Or do you invoke your priesthood authority, too?
~Those who benefit from the status quo always attribute inequities to the choices of the underdog.~Ann Crittenden ~The Goddess is not separate from the world-She is the world and all things in it.~
Because in one case I was under attack and went into convulsions and started hearing voices.
In the other I could tell the guy himself and his place was under some kind of demonic influence. There was a presence there I felt just walking in.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo