Writer Larisa Brown reports in the November 20 edition of
MailOnline
in the UK that Asians are turning to exorcism rather than medical help or
counseling for problems as varied as schizophrenia, bi-polar disease or
epilepsy. From reading the article it seems Larisa is referring to people from
the Middle East, not Asians, but perhaps Asians also are seeking out
practitioners who can rid them of "Jins".
Hundreds of British Asians are operating as healers, blaming the supernatural
for mental health problems and charging sometimes thousands of pounds a session
to remove evil spirits from bodies believed to be possessed.
An exorcist operating in east London has said the demons can ‘deceive
doctors’ and research by BBC’s Newsnight has found that some communities are
finding it more acceptable to be possessed than mentally ill.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2235669/Hundreds-exorcisms-performed-UK-Asian-communities-treat-people-mental-illnesses.html#ixzz2DAEB6O6j
The Christian form of exorcism is often performed by a Catholic Priest or
member of the church who is skilled in the use of prayers, amulets and rituals
said to ban the harmful spirits. It is interesting, however that according to
the Wikipedia coverage, "The Catholic rite for a formal exorcism, called a
"Major Exorcism", is given in Section 13 of the Rituale Romanum. The
Ritual lists guidelines
for conducting an exorcism, and for determining when a formal exorcism is
required. Priests are instructed to carefully determine that the nature of the
affliction is not actually a psychological or physical illness before
proceeding."
It's interesting to speculate why an alternative treatment is sought by the
Middle Easterners. The author suggests that there is less stigma and blame
attached to being possessed. Perhaps these recent immigrants feel less confident
seeking the help of a traditional medical doctor. Or perhaps it is just lack of
money. Are the treatments successful? What do you think? Leave a comment below,
OK?
