How Jesus' Exorcisms Differed from Pagan Rituals

In today's conversation, Alisa Childers is joined by Anna Kitko—a researcher and clinical expert on spiritual abuse—to unpack the historical, biblical, and psychological roots of deliverance ministry. Together they explore how many of today’s practices trace back not to Scripture, but to ancient pagan rituals, and how that can lead to deep spiritual and emotional harm for sincere Christians seeking help.

Drawing from her research into ancient Akkadian medicine, Second Temple Judaism, and modern charismatic movements, Anna explains that Jesus’ exorcisms were unique precisely because only Yahweh Himself could command evil spirits.

Alisa and Anna also discuss:

The four ancient categories of “demons” and what they reveal about how we understand possession

Why much of deliverance ministry functions like spiritualized mental-health care—without accountability or clinical ethics

The concept of iatrogenic harm (when “healing” practices actually wound people)

How Bethlehem’s “SOZO” prayer model parallels ancient pagan rituals and can lead to spiritual abuse

What true, biblical deliverance and spiritual warfare look like—prayer, truth, and faithfulness under Christ’s authority alone

This episode is a sober but deeply encouraging reminder: Christians are delivered when they trust in Christ and are delivered from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God.

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