Letter: Fiona Findlay believes that even for atheists, it still has a place in modern society
believes that even for atheists, it still has a place in modern society
‘Exorcism is unique in that it allows the “possessed” to externalise their trauma … to have it ritually extracted from them.’‘Exorcism is unique in that it allows the “possessed” to externalise their trauma … to have it ritually extracted from them.’Last modified on Sun 20 Nov 2022 16.50 GMT While most understanding of exorcism comes from Hollywood films, the reality is normally much more mundane: often it is less about spectacle and more about an earnest, if rudimentary, form of therapy .
Exorcism is unique in that it allows the “possessed” to externalise their trauma, to give it a name and a face, and to have it ritually extracted from them. For many survivors of abuse, feelings of guilt and complicity remain for years, and exorcism can prove a cathartic experience that, while not solving these problems entirely, can give patients the motivation to seek conventional therapy.
We must, however, remember that some religious and spiritual leaders target vulnerable people. Exorcisms have been performed on disabled and mentally ill people, with tragic and sometimes lethal consequences. Despite its shortcomings, I do believe that there is still a place for exorcism in modern society.