Posted on 08/12/2011 12:23:37 PM PDT by markomalley
The five teenage girls might look like they’re in a normal class, eagerly reading their textbooks and answering their teacher’s questions diligently.
But the textbooks are Bibles and the girls all have crosses instead of protractors, as they train to become exorcists - real exorcists who fight demons, curses and evil spells.
‘People do look a bit surprised when I arrive,’ admits graduate exorcist Brynne Larson. ‘When people call for an exorcist, they don’t picture a 16-year-old high school girl.’
But Brynne, from Phoenix, Arizona, is one of a new breed of qualified teenage demon slayers, who answered a call when the Church made the admission of there being a worldwide exorcist shortage.
But despite drastic efforts, supply has still not met demand for the controversial ceremony.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Please note that this is a product of Bob Larson, not a product of the Catholic Church. A Catholic exorcist is a priest who is so authorized by his bishop (or the bishop himself).
In Catholic theology, this restriction comes down to an exercise of Christ's ministry as high priest, which was delegated to the apostles and, from there, to the bishops by virtue of apostolic succession. (NOTE: if you don't agree, that's fine...whatever)
I don't know that much about Bob Larson. The only reason I remember his name is from scanning the radio maybe 20-25 years ago and hearing him on some Christian radio station. He seemed pretty flamboyant to me...but I'm no expert on how charismatic types do their business. I don't know if he is regarded as "legit" in the evangelical or charismatic communities or not.
This might be of interest (either for endorsement or mythbusting) for you all...
Who determines the possession? The girls?
Your guess is as good as mine on that. That's why I pinged some folks who I believe are charismatics to this.
As far as the Church is concerned, this would be way, way, way off base.
But within charismatic circles, I don't know what their parameters are (a/k/a I don't know if they would consider this to be off-base or not).
Well, as a Catholic, perhaps it’s not for me to judge.
But I think this is extremely dangerous. It takes a lot of training to be an exorcist. If you are Catholic, you have to be a priest and have the bishop’s permission. And calling the attention of demons to yourself is a very bad idea unless you really know what you are doing and have God’s grace and support.
Sounds like a publicity stunt to me. I hope and pray that these girls will be OK.
Sounds dangerous to me, too.
I certainly think the girls are brave and faithful and dependant on Christ.
And such faith and dependence on Christ, regardless of denomination, is something I suspect most demons would be loathe to face.
There’s prayers of exorcism at every baptism.
Maybe the possessed determine the possession?
Where are the pix? How can I tell if I need exercizin’ if I can’t see the pix?
Very interesting. Part of me thinks, “Well, they have faith and they are trying to help people”. The other half of me thinks, “Dealing with the D^%$$ or his minions is dangerous to your own Soul”. Interesting posting, Markomalley!
‘Last month I did nine in total, casting out demons,’ says Brynne. ‘I’m not like normal teenagers.’
At least she is self aware!
Oh, this guy (Larson) again. I remember him years ago on TBN, always relegated to horrible time slots (Tuesday mornings at 4am Eastern, for example). If you check his home page, you’ll see that he sells (for a $5 Paypal charge) a 30-question self-test to see if you have a demon in you. That should answer all questions right there.
I don’t know. Looking at that Pastor, he seems kind of creepy. And the girls are rather attractive. I sure hope the next story on these folks isn’t how he has been taking advantage of them.
It is my belief that the ladies are putting themselves into dangerous situations.
I have witnessed this kind of exorcism, more often termed ‘deliverance’. It is real. However, I doubt the girls have the necessary discernment to effectively diagnose the difference between mental illness or demonic activity.
Human beings, some more than others, are highly suggestible, and if some outside force can be blamed for their own internal struggle, they will adopt that ‘truth’ and play out the part...
“I have witnessed this kind of exorcism...”
I have to ask: is it as frightening as one imagines? I personally think that I would be scared to death!
Some clarity...
I have NEVER witnessed these particular people, or people from that group in action.
Whether they are legitimate or not is something I cannot answer.
Thanks. You told me what I need to know.
This article sounds like the answer to the burning question: “What would happen if Warren Jeffs were a closet Buffy fan?” :)
IMHO this is very real and very dangerous. I have seen Bob Larson speak a few times. He is confident he is one of the best equipped to take on demons. He is a General in hand to hand spiritual warfare. YMMV
“Who ya gonna call?”
Seriously, how does one discern between mental illness and possession?
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