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How The Movie Created Demand
- The Exorcist movie (1973) massively increased public demand for exorcisms and shaped expectations of what possession looks like.
- Visual media created theatrical symptoms (vomiting, head-rotation) that people then sought from real rituals.
Possession Versus Affliction Defined
- Catholic exorcism distinguishes between affliction (fluctuating influence) and possession (full takeover).
- Demonic language often framed unwanted thoughts and impulses as external forces needing spiritual remedy.
A Priest Overwhelmed By Requests
- Father Tom Birmingham recounts being inundated with people asking for exorcisms after consulting on the film.
- He advised skepticism and tried to rule out organic or psychological causes before endorsing exorcism.