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jerusalemknight
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Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 08:37 pm |
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I have been told that only a priest is allowed to perform deliverance (exorcism). I've been told that layity is forbidden to do so. Is this true? And if so, how can this possibly be reconciled to scripture?
My interest is not because I plan on performing daily exorcisms, but the Gifts of the Spirit are bestowed on all that God sees fit for His glory and the benefit of the saints. Therefore, any of the Charismatic gifts could be brought into the state that exorcism is held in the Catholic Church, if indeed it is held that way. However, I also understand that the Catholic Church endorses Charismatic gifts since approx. 1979.
____________________
Lucky Jack, Gentleman of Fortune. Formidable to men, fascinating to women.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:02 am |
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First of all, welcome to the forum. We're glad to have you here with us.
The Church recognizes many forms of exorcism, essentially designated as liturgical, major, and minor (not necessarily a formal designation).
The type of exorcism we see on movies like The Exorcism of Emily Rose are intense spiritual, personal, and emotional experiences dealing with demonic possession and may only be performed by a trained, experienced exorcist, a priest so designated by the bishop, and may only be undertaken after medical and psychological evaluation and with specific approval of the Church. This type of exorcism is performed by the entire Church in the person of the exorcist, who is placing his own soul at risk in the procedure. The danger is that the priest will not be strong enough spiritually to withstand the influences of Satan, and will fall victim himself. For this reason, the exorcist must be very carefully chosen and prepared liturgically, emotionally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
Other recognized exorcisms include prayers and blessings associated with sacraments. For example, during the baptism ritual an exorcism is performed. Since a priest or deacon is the ordinary minister of baptism, only they can perform the exorcism associated with it. A lay person who baptizes in an emergency situation does not perform the exorcisms, blessings, or anointing with chrism associated with a formal, ritual baptism.
Minor exorcisms may be performed by anyone in a position to do so. There are minor exorcisms in the RCIA ritual that can be performed by catechists at class meetings.
And of course, any of us can pray for the deliverance of a person from the influences of evil, which is actually a prayer of exorcism. We have several prayer requests on this forum asking for prayers for friends and chidlren who have fallen under the influence of evil in one form or another. The term "exorcism" isn't used, but that's in effect what it is.
As to the Church "endors[ing] Charismatic gifts since approx. 1979", that's not true. Charisms are gifts of the Spirit, and they have been endorsed by the Church since the apostles received the Spirit on Pentcost. The Pentecostal-style Charismatic movement called Catholic Charismatic Renewal was recognized at around that time, but the charisms of the Spirit have always been an integral part of the Church.
And by the way, all of the charisms of the Spirit are essentially treated the same way. For example, anyone may teach, but some have gone through training and certification to become better teachers. Anyone may preach, but priests and deacons have taken scripture and homiletics to become more effective preachers. The charisms are recognized in everyone, but some have more formal training and experience and are recognized as being more capable than others.
You wouldn't want someone with a second grade education to teach your kids algebra, would you? I wouldn't want someone with a questionable knowledge of his faith to teach my kids about their religion. I certainly wouldn't want someone of questionable spirituality to perform an exorcism if my child was demonically possessed!
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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jerusalemknight
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Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 10:28 pm |
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I can see that this is the Catholic Church's stance, but by experience I would have to say that this is not the Holy Spirits stance. I for one have conducted deliverance on many people, some of which were severly afflicted. I am nothing but layity. I am also not a Catholic, I'm in RCIA right now.
We see in scripture the Apostles stopping a man from casting out devils in Christs name because he was not one of their company (an Apostle). This negates the exclusivity of Apostolic authority here. When the report was brought to Christ Himself he was very quick to disapprove saying that whoever was not against them was with them and not to stop him. Also we see the first authority given to His followers, not just the 12, was to drive out demons. The different degrees of affliction don't seem to be biblical, either. Nor does the exclusivity of that particular ministry to the clergy.
I would say that the bible is very clear that anyone in the Kingdom of God has the authority in Christ to conduct the practice. The only thing that is biblical is the command to do this in pairs, as Christ sent them out by two's.
Can you clear this up for me.
____________________
Lucky Jack, Gentleman of Fortune. Formidable to men, fascinating to women.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 12:37 am |
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jerusalemknight wrote:I can see that this is the Catholic Church's stance, but by experience I would have to say that this is not the Holy Spirits stance. I for one have conducted deliverance on many people, some of which were severly afflicted.
Actually, Jack, there is no contradiction. The Church’s “stand” is a disciplinary one, not a matter of doctrine.
Yes, theoretically a layman can “deliver” or exorcise. But practically speaking, it is not advisable for anyone not thoroughly familiar with the ways of Satan and his horde, armed with all the tools and grace of of the Almighty, to undertake such a task. The devil is a formidable opponent, and even a small brush with him can be very upsetting. (This doesn’t mean that everyone in every instance will encounter manifestations, etc., but that there is always the danger. Satan is fickle.)
The bottom line: The Church, wishing to protect its sheep from the wolf, prefers to reserve exorcism to trusted clergy.
The “different degrees of affliction” refer not to scripture but to 2,000 years of theological tradition in the Catholic Church. As with any other discipline, a lot can be learned about spiritual warfare and exorcism in a couple of millennia. It is not the task of scripture, but of theologians, to study, categorize and systematize.
Finally, as you mention that you are currently in RCIA, it is wise to remember that not everything in Catholicism is doctrine; some of it is universal tradition (with a capital T, referring to doctrine; or with a small t, designating something universally accepted but not doctrinal), some discipine (authoritative but revokable, such as the liturgy or priestly celibacy), and some local custom or individual preference. In other words, there are different levels of authority. (Individual preference is, of course, not authoritative at all). Further, scripture is not our only source of doctrine, because we recognize Tradition as well; therefore, something does not have to appear explicitly in the bible for it to be Catholic doctrine.
David
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jerusalemknight
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Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 11:51 pm |
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Thank you so much! That I can accept! Bless you brother!
____________________
Lucky Jack, Gentleman of Fortune. Formidable to men, fascinating to women.
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