Join Andrew Gold, a Host of the Heretics podcast and an investigator of exorcism for the BBC, as he dives into the controversial world of exorcisms. Discover how the cultural impact of 'The Exorcist' shaped societal beliefs about demonic possession. Gold reveals that while exorcisms can provide temporary relief, they often mask underlying mental health issues and pose serious risks. He discusses the Catholic Church's role in training official exorcists and explores the dangerous interplay between faith and mental health, urging critical thinking about these ancient rituals.
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insights INSIGHT
Exorcism and Movies
The Exorcist dramatically impacted beliefs about demonic possession.
It made people forget exorcism existed before the film.
insights INSIGHT
Early Exorcism History
Ancient cultures used practices like 'ashipu' to explain mental illnesses as possession.
Exorcism in early Christianity was used to expel rival pagan beliefs.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Blowing Ceremony
Andrew Gold witnessed an exorcism in Argentina where a blowing ceremony was performed.
The ceremony involved blowing air on the person after the main exorcism ritual.
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The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty, tells the story of Regan MacNeil, a 12-year-old girl who becomes possessed by an evil spirit. Her mother, Chris MacNeil, a successful actress, seeks help from two priests: Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest and psychiatrist struggling with his faith, and Father Lankester Merrin, an elderly priest with experience in exorcisms. The novel explores themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil as the priests perform an exorcism to save Regan. The story is intense and graphic, delving into the psychological and supernatural aspects of the possession and the exorcism process. It was inspired by a real-life case of demonic possession in the 1940s and has become a classic in the horror genre[1][3][5].
The primal scream
Arthur Janov
In 'The Primal Scream', Arthur Janov presents his theory of primal therapy, which posits that neurosis stems from repressed emotional pain from childhood trauma. Janov argues that by reliving and expressing these traumas, individuals can resolve their neuroses. The book details his experiences with patients and outlines his approach to therapy, which involves intense emotional releases, often referred to as 'primal screams'.
If you're possessed by curiosity about the efficacy of exorcisms to eradicate evils or illnesses, Andrew Gold compels you to enjoy this Skeptical Sunday!
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by On the Edge host Andrew Gold!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:
Exorcism gained widespread popularity after the release of the movie The Exorcist in 1973, which dramatically influenced beliefs about demonic possession and exorcism practices worldwide.
While exorcism is not scientifically valid, it can sometimes provide temporary relief through placebo effects, adrenaline rushes, and psychological catharsis. However, these effects are typically short-lived and do not address underlying mental health issues.
Exorcism practices can be dangerous, with some cases resulting in injury or death, particularly when performed on vulnerable individuals or used as a substitute for proper medical and psychological care.
The Catholic Church and other religious institutions have embraced exorcism to varying degrees, with some offering training courses and appointing official exorcists, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy.
To protect yourself and others from potential harm, it's important to educate yourself about mental health, recognize the signs of psychological distress, and seek professional medical and psychological help when needed. By understanding the underlying causes of behavioral issues, we can promote more effective and scientifically backed approaches to healing and personal growth.
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