Benjamin Radford is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine and author of six books including "Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries." His website is http://www.BenjaminRadford.com.
"The Vatican first issued official guidelines on exorcism in 1614, and revised them in 1999. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, signs of demonic possession include superhuman strength, aversion to holy water, and the ability to speak in unknown languages. Other potential signs of demonic possession include spitting, cursing, and "excessive masturbation."
Along with a handful of Vatican-sanctioned exorcists, there are hundreds of self-styled exorcists around the world. After attending 50 exorcisms during research for his book, Michael Cuneo states that he never saw anything supernatural or unexplainable: No levitation or spinning heads or demonic scratch marks suddenly appearing on anyone's faces, but many emotionally troubled people on both sides of the ritual."
"Excessive masturbation?"
Can the church please quantify this statement for us? we wouldn't want to be out of place with what is acceptable by the clergy in general....
"The Vatican first issued official guidelines on exorcism in 1614, and revised them in 1999. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, signs of demonic possession include superhuman strength, aversion to holy water, and the ability to speak in unknown languages. Other potential signs of demonic possession include spitting, cursing, and "excessive masturbation."
Along with a handful of Vatican-sanctioned exorcists, there are hundreds of self-styled exorcists around the world. After attending 50 exorcisms during research for his book, Michael Cuneo states that he never saw anything supernatural or unexplainable: No levitation or spinning heads or demonic scratch marks suddenly appearing on anyone's faces, but many emotionally troubled people on both sides of the ritual."
"Excessive masturbation?"
Can the church please quantify this statement for us? we wouldn't want to be out of place with what is acceptable by the clergy in general....
No God, No fear.
Know God, Know fear.
Know God, Know fear.