12 things you didn’t know about demonic possession – #7 will shock you [+Photos]

2. Exorcisms Are Cures, Not Punishments

How exorcisms are carried out is a bit of a mystery. We know it involves heavy praying and most likely a dash of holy water, but the specific words spoken and items used are not readily available for public knowledge. What is known, however, is the Catholic church’s view on exorcisms, which is very important to the whole topic at hand.

Mainly because they view demonic possession as separate from the person being possessed. Obviously, this believed separation is a decidedly limited one, as it’s hard to completely separate the supposed being when it looks a lot like the afflicted. This being said, exorcisms are seen as cures for an illness as opposed to punishment for wickedness. Which is why amateur exorcisms performed at the expense of victims’ lives are widely criticized.