exorcism

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exorcism

exorcism , ritual act of driving out evil demons or spirits from places, persons, or things in which they are thought to dwell. It occurs both in primitive societies and in the religions of sophisticated cultures. The term is applied to all those acts that seek to dispel or frighten away demons or spirits, as distinguished from those rites that aim at propitiating or evoking their assistance (see magic and shaman ). Exorcism may be applied to a particular person or thing or may be used in a more general way. In central Europe during Walburga's night (or Walpurgishnacht, May 1), the traditional witches' sabbath, witches and demons are exorcised from the town by use of holy water, incense, and loud noises of all kinds. The scriptural justification for exorcism is found throughout the New Testament, and many instances of Jesus' ability to cast out devils are recorded.

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Exorcism

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions 1997, originally published by Oxford University Press 1997. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Exorcism (Gk., exorkosis, ‘out-oath’). The removing of that which has taken possession of a person or object or building. This is usually taken to be an evil spirit or demon.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Exorcism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Exorcism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (November 27, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Exorcism.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Exorcism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved November 27, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Exorcism.html

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