History of exorcism in catholic christianity (Springer International Publishing AG)

This book traces the development of exorcism in Catholic Christianityfrom the fourth century to the present day, and seeks to explain why exorcismis still so much in demand. This is thefirst work in English to trace the development of the liturgy, practice andauthorisation of exorcisms in Latin Christianity.

The rite of exorcism, and theclaim by Roman Catholic priests to be able to drive demons from the possessed,remains an enduring source of popular fascination, but the origins and historyof this controversial rite have been little explored.

Arguing that belief inthe need for exorcism typically re-emerges at periods of crisis for the church,Francis Young explores the shifting boundaries between authorised exorcisms andunauthorised magic throughout Christian history, from Augustine of Hippo toPope Francis.

This book offers the historical background to - and suggestsreasons for - the current resurgence of exorcism in the global Catholic Church.