cms@gatech.edu (02/09/90)
On demons again, I came across the following relevant passage in the Episcopal Book of Occasional Services (second edition): "Concerning Exorcism: The practice of expelling evil spirits by means of prayer and set formulas derives its authority from the Lord himself who identified these acts as signs of his messiahship. Very early in the life of the Church the development and exercise of such rites were reserved to the bishop, at whose discretion they might be delegated to selected presbyters and others deemed competent. "In accordance with this established tradition, those who find themselves in need of such a ministry should make the fact known to the bishop, thorugh their parish priest, in order that the bishop may determine whether exorcism is needed, who is to perform the rite, and what prayers or other formularies are to be used." It's interesting that our attitudes towards demons varies according to the century we're talking about. I wonder how many Episcopal priests would react to someone requesting an exorcism. Sending them to the local Bishop is probably a pretty good idea. Has anyone ever heard of an Episcopalian priest administering the rite of exorcism? gatech!ncsatl!smith_c
JRA102@psuvm.psu.edu (Jim Achuff) (02/12/90)
In all honesty, I feel that I have had personal dealings with demonic forces.
I believe that I have senn demons torment people through their dreams, and
have personally prayed for that individual during the incident. I also believe
that I was arguing with that/those demons that night, telling them that they
have no power to hold either of us because we have been bought with the blood
of Christ, and by his name they must leave. After nearly an hour of dealing
with it/them, they left, and my friend awoke with no recollection of the
incident other than having a nightmare.
I'm sure that this will convince next to zero of you, but my own personal
experience tells me that Satan's forces are very real, very strong, and with
the help of the Spirit and through Christ's name can and will be defeated.
PRAY FOR REVIVAL OF THE CHURCH!
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