Increase in exorcism demand ascribed to 'Pope Francis' effect

Pope Francis encourages more exorcisms to take place:

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Pope-Francis-encourages-exorcisms-devil/2015/04/13/id/638216/?ns_mail_uid=94127627&ns_mail_job=1616660_041420

What's your opinion on this development, Star?

If you're asking me if I believe in demons and/or the devil then my answer is most certainly yes. I've stated my beliefs on this subject in many other threads. However, I think genuine demon possession is extremely rare but it has happened on multiple occasions throughout history. Jesus Himself exorcised many unclean spirits/demons from many different people. The film the Exorcist is based on a true story too of a young boy who had a demon exorcised from him in the 40's.

Ghosts, I do not believe in but demons I do.

As a believer in the supernatural, i think this should have been kept quiet.
Why?
Because many more of these cases are people with psychological problems than are actual possessions. Todays "smart marks" are going to insist on spinning heads and pea soup barf or get out, every time a priest is called in, and cry bullshit when that doesnt happen, regardless of wether the priest's presence actually helped.

I think that the Pope encouraging more exorcisms is a bad idea, nonetheless. It will only lead to more hoaxes and people falsely claiming they are possessed just so they can get attention. I think declaring someone genuinely possessed should only happen if the strictest requirement criteria for them being so are met. Otherwise, every Tom, Dick, and Harry will be claiming they're possessed because they're hoping they will be put on the news and become famous.

Originally posted by riv6672
As a believer in the supernatural, i think this should have been kept quiet.
Why?
Because many more of these cases are people with psychological problems than are actual possessions. Todays "smart marks" are going to insist on spinning heads and pea soup barf or get out, every time a priest is called in, and cry bullshit when that doesnt happen, regardless of wether the priest's presence actually helped.

My thoughts exactly.

Originally posted by riv6672
Todays "smart marks" are going to insist on spinning heads and pea soup barf or get out, every time a priest is called in, and cry bullshit when that doesnt happen, regardless of wether the priest's presence actually helped.

Originally posted by Star428
My thoughts exactly.

😕

Translate to English, please?

Originally posted by bluewaterrider
😕

Translate to English, please?

Weird statement. The previous pope did build a new exorcism department if I recall correctly. For the propose of training priests and dealing with odd cases.

Originally posted by Star428
Pope Francis encourages more exorcisms to take place:...

Are we still in the dark ages?

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
Are we still in the dark ages?

Find a document attesting more exorcisms were needed in the Dark Ages or stop criticizing medieval culture without proof.

😛

^^^OMG you frikkin' KILLED me with that one...😆 ✅ 😆

Exorcisms. Youtube.

Match made in heaven.

Renamed for accuracy.

Originally posted by Bentley
Find a document attesting more exorcisms were needed in the Dark Ages or stop criticizing medieval culture without proof.
😛

Prove that demons exist in the first place. 😛 If demons do not exist (and they don't) then exorcisms are never needed.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
(and they don't)

Let me save you time. You can provide none.
Advice: lighten up and stop belittling others' beliefs, Shaky. It reflects badly on any viable arguments you DO make in these threads.

Wouldn't bother wasting my time with Shak if I were u, riv.

Yeah, i guess. Not trying to be a dick, it just gets old.

Originally posted by riv6672
Proof?...

Proof doesn't matter to you?

Exorcism is barbaric. Many times people who are mentally ill are denied proper medical care for the equivalent of witch doctors performing ceremonies.

All I want is a little proof. Otherwise it just doesn't fly.

Originally posted by riv6672
Proof?

I'm curious as to why YOU believe in demons.

It's part and parcel of Christianity; I wasn't aware Asatru had any claim to them.

I've seen the Asatru terms Aesir and Vanir; both types of beings would be considered demons in Christianity (nearly all gods from other religions are), but somehow I don't think Asatru itself would consider the likes of Odin, or Thor, or Freya as demons within its own belief system. (Maybe Loki might be considered one, but, I'm not sure Loki occupies a place in the religion anywhere similar to the one he holds in Norse Mythology ... )

Explain, please.