[soc.religion.christian] Exorcism and Demonology

cil2@midway.uchicago.edu (Fangshi) (01/29/91)

Okay, now, I know that you probably will all think I'm crazy unless I explain
my intentions, so here goes:

I am studying magic and mysticism of various cultures at the University of
Chicago.  I am an undergraduate Chinese major, and have done a lot of reading
about exorcism, demonology, etc. of China and other places.

Enough biography (boring, sorry).  Here's my request:
	Does anyone out there (preferably human) have any information about
getting in touch with living, practicing exorcists?  Not that I have a problem
with demons possessing my refrigerator or anything, I just would really like
to talk to people who practice this art in modern times.  I don't follow any
particular religion, and I am not out to find something to believe in.  Any
conversations I have will remain completely private unless I am given specific
permission to publish by the exorcist(s) in question.  I am not a debunker; I
just want to learn something about modern demonology and exorcism from a 
first-hand source, so that my information won't be filtered through someone's
writing (many books on the subject treat it either as (a) and here's what these
quaint people believe, isn't that funny? or (b) and so you have to guard your
mind and spirit against these evil incursions, so get into church/meditation/
etc. right now!).
	I know about the Warrens (most famous for the Amityville exorcisms).
Does anyone know how to get in touch with them?  Are there any organizations
dedicated to exorcism or the study thereof?
	This probably sounds like I'm a total wacko to some of you (esp. you
sci.skeptic people), but I'm interested mainly from a scientific (NOT
debunking!) point of view.  So calm down, you skeptics - I believe in
scientific methodology.  However, I also think that it is entirely possible
that we have not yet come up with a good scientific way of analyzing or
examining paranormal activity, largely because a lot of the scientists involved
DO have a "let's prove that they're all nuts" attitude.
	So here it is: I am attempting to bridge a gap which a lot of you
have talked about; namely, the gap between science and the occult.  Anyone who
is involved in exorcism particularly is encouraged to send me e-mail.  I will
do my level best to research the exorcistic and demonological practices with
an open but critical mind.
	Note: anyone who practices demonology (i.e. _raising_ any  spirits as
opposed to putting them back) may feel free to contact me as well.  Demonology
is my other main interest right now.  Thanks a lot.
					-Fangshi 
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