What is the Difference Between a

Roman Catholic Exorcism and a

Christian Exorcism?

Pastor Chris Ward and his late brother Patrick Ward

 

Real Audio Sound Byte of a Deliverance

 

Pastor Chris Ward, Doctorate of Ministry, grew up a Roman Catholic. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Wayne Michigan, received Holy Communion and Confirmation, was a member of the Columbian Squires, an Altar Boy for 8 years, still knows the Mass in Latin, and attended Holy Ghost Seminary in Ypsilanti Michigan to investigate the priesthood.

He is now the senior pastor of Logos Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational Christian independent fellowship, in Leesburg, Florida.

He has been an exorcist for over two decades. He is 'Born Again,' baptized in water, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and speaks in tongues.

 

Roman Catholic Exorcism versus a Christian Exorcism

By Chris Ward, Doctorate of Ministry

Of course, this is not to imply, that we feel Roman Catholics are not Christians.

They themselves choose to be identified as Roman Catholics rather than as Christians.

They are Christians, when they receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

There are many technical differences between a Roman Catholic Exorcism and a Christian Exorcism, but the primary difference can be found, in the mediation of the priest. In a Catholic exorcism, the priest, on behalf of the exorcee, stands in the place of Christ. The priest is the mediator. He exorcises the sins of the exorcee and defeats Satan. The priest deliberately and intentionally becomes the mediator. See Hostage to the Devil page 434. If you have any doubts about this then why do they call the Pope the Vicar of Christ? The exorcist is the Vicar of Christ in an exorcism. This is why the authority is passed down from the Bishop to the exorcist.

Sometimes a priest will entreat a stubborn Evil Spirit to enter himself, in a veiled attempt, to draw the evil spirit out. Then, hoping to expel the Evil Spirit out of himself, he becomes the sacrifice, or the perfect mediator. In a very real sense, he behaves as Christ. This is reported in Hostage to the Devil by Father Malachi Martin.

This is a very dangerous method and not recommended, but it illustrates the difference between the two approaches. Perhaps this is why Father Malachi Martin reported the tragic deaths of Catholic Priests during and subsequently after difficult exorcisms in his 35 years as exorcist for the Pope. It is has also been reported, but unconfirmed, that Fr. Malachi Martin did himself die during a particularly nasty exorcism, where he had invited a demon into himself. If anyone has any further updated information please contact me. We do not desire to confuse or report out of ignorance.

Jesus gave us authority to cast out demons.

We (Christians) do not need permission from a Bishop.

See Mark Chapter 16:15.

Vatican II completely modified the office of Exorcist and changed it from a major order to a minor order appointed by the Bishop. The exorcist in the Roman Catholic Church may now be an appointed lay person and not an ordained Roman Catholic priest. In other words, any anointed person with a deliverance calling may be chosen. See page 427 of Vatican Council II. In some circumstances the exorcist is a priest but this is by circumstance and not rule of law. In fact, if you ask your local priest who is the Exorcist in his area, he will tell you there is none. It is very rare for a parish or dioceses to have an exorcist. Father Andrew Miles reports that there are only 17 exorcist for the United States as of 2002. Consequentially, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) no longer trains priests to perform exorcisms. Father Malachi Martin also confirms this in his book Hostage to the Devil. Again, we do not intend to confuse or be ignorant, but we can only report that which the RCC publishes. It is very difficult for us to get accurate information from within the RCC. However, it has been our witness that not all of the RCC orders follow the guidelines of the Vatican Council II. If this is true, than how can we Christians do any accurate reporting regarding the RCC?

The Catholic church continues to eschew obfuscution by their most recent document addressing the office of exorcist. One e-mail I received said that I was wrong about my understaninding of RCC policy and the candidate. So he sent me this URL address to clear it up http://www.truecatholic.org/ordmain.htm. I checked out the RCC offical position and again it is still unclear that the RCC teaches priests how to conduct an exorcism as part of their normal residency training program. The web site is titled: The Order of Exorcist. The Exorcistate -- the 3rd of the Minor Orders. Notice that it is still a minor order just as I stated in my report on Vatican II. What am I to believe? Also, notice that the document was written in 1942. Isn't that prior to the Vatican Council II in 1960? Am I to believe that RCC is not aware of the changes it made in Vatican II? Well, somebodies not up to date. Will someone please get me some accurate and updated policy? I can only report want the RCC prints and puts on web pages.

Recently, February 19, 2002, Pope John Paul has reported that he has been involved in three exorcisms during his tenure as a Roman Catholic Priest. Inside sources indicate that Pope John Paul feels that the office of exorcists needs to be restored to the priesthood. Exorcist continue to be appointed by the area Bishop.

Fr. Erich P. Junger

In August of 2006, I was contacted by Fr. Erich P. Junger of St. Luke's Mission. Fr. Erich is a Catholic Exorcist of the Brazillian Rite. He informed me of the following: "I am sure that you have already received clarification concerning your statements about who may validly perform an exorcism in the Roman Catholic Church, but if not, I wish to point out that in your web page where you say that "'The exorcist in the Roman Catholic Church may now be an appointment lay person and not an ordained Roman Catholic priest'" is not true. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law states that only a Bishop or a lawfully delegated priest under his jurisdiction may perform exorcisms. The laity may aid in exorcisms by offering prayers and support, but in no way are to act in the place of an authorized exorcist. "

I would guess that Vatican II is out the window. Fr. Armoth says that a Catholic lay person can perfrom an exorcism, and that "it is obvious that not only Catholics, but everyone who believes in Christ has the power to expel demons" (Armoth. G. , 1999, Page 173). Can perform and permission to perform have two different operations, one is spiritual and the other is religious.

"I want to stress that it is right to learn from those who better follow the Gospel recommendations. In this respect, as in the study and dissemination of the Bible, Catholics are lagging behind some Protestant denominations. I will never tire of repeating this: rationalism and materialism have polluted a segment of theologians, and their influence on both bishops and priests has been profound" (Armoth. G. , 1999, Page 173).

Fr. Eric Junger also sent me this message to clear things up: "One of the other reasons why a bishop must approve the exorcism (as you may recall, this is the topic of my Master's Thesis) is to ensure that only priests of proper faith, moral strength and courage undertake an exorcism. There have been numerous stories of priests attacked by the possessed individual, one need only look to the story of the Gerasene demoniac or the sons of Sceva to see these examples. Also, the bishop reviews the case to ensure that the person possessed is truly possessed and not suffering from a medical or psychiatric illness. A search of the Internet will reveal numerous stories of persons attempting exorcisms by extreme methods that have led to the death of the patient and caused great harm to the faith" (Personal Email 12.16.06).

I would like to thank exorcist Exorcist Junger for this timely information. I am not sure that this clears up exorcism or redefines it. I would still like to know if the RCC requires all priests in their training to be trainned in the area of exorcism. Fr. Armorth of the Holy See says no and that is the problem. Jesus made no such regulation. He said...

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be judged. And all these signs will follow those who believe; In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mark 16:5-18.

Are you a believer? Then you have the commission and authority to cast out demons. No man, no Bishop, no tradition of men, and no man made institution has the authority to override a command of Jesus. Now get some training and go do as Jesus directed us to do. Start with prayer and Bible study. Come to our meetings or listen to them on our audio sight for free. If you would like to be on our mailing list then e-mail me at pastorchrisward@logoschristian.org.

Exorcist are few and, therefore people turn to the swelling ranks or sorcerers (Armoth. G. , 1999, Page 168).

The Ministry of Facilitation not Mediation

In a Christian exorcism, the Christian is simply a facilitator. Jesus Christ is the priest and remains as the mediator between the exorcee and the Evil Spirit. At no time should the minister allow himself to be confused with the mediation of Jesus Christ during a deliverance. In fact, we actually ask Jesus to be present and we request a miracle of deliverance from Him personally. I consider ego-centered mediation as a Satanic scheme to bring out the narcissism of the minister and thereby rabbit trail the exorcism.

The Lord Rebuke You!

A Christian minister will stay within the limits of his authority in Jesus Christ and simply say, 'The Lord Jesus Christ rebuke you, the Lord rebuke you,' or 'Get out' in the name of Jesus Christ by the shed blood of the Lamb of God.' This puts the battle between Jesus and the Adversary, where it safely belongs. Then, should the Evil Spirit choose to disregard the exorcist directive, he would have to take it up with Jesus Christ himself, and not the minister or lay person. I call this the "no reviling accusations" tactic.

The scriptures that support this approach are the following:

"Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.

And the Lord (Jesus Christ) said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! '" Zechariah 3:1, 2.

"...The Lord knows how to deliver the godly of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring reviling accusation against them before the Lord." 2 Peter 2: 9, 10.

"Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you." Jude 9.

"Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.'" Acts 3:6.

"Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (Elymas the sorcerer) and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness,will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.' And immediately he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand." Acts 13: 9-11.

"Paul said, "You are commanded in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour." Acts 16: 18. The King James says "I command" but this is probably not a correct translation for four reasons: First of all, Paul probably wouldn't write "I command." He would probably write "Then Saul said, 'You are commanded or Get out' in the Name of Jesus Christ." Second, the Greek word used here is to declare (3853 enjoin) and there is no personal pronoun I. The third reason is that the Greek pronoun I which is ego, is never used by any of the disciples. Only Jesus used the personal pronoun I. The fourth reason is that it does not conform to the old Testament standard set by Jesus and Michael. This is also why it is that we do not pray to St. Michael the Archangel since he himself used "The Lord rebuke you." See Jude 9.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the scheming of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6: 10-12.

I can not emphasize enough how important it is to leave narcissism out of an exorcism. There is no need to make the exorcism personal. In this manner, should the devil decide to throw a fiery dart, his contention is with Jesus Christ, and not with you. You are not the mediator, you are simply a servant and facilitator. In a Christian exorcism Jesus Christ is the mediator between Satan and the exorcee.

Operate in the Power of His might!

I received over 4 million hits to our exorcism web page last year. Sometimes I get over 400,000 hits a month. I personally counsel more than a couple of exorcisms a week. Many people ask me how it is that I can handle so many exorcisms on a weekly basis, pastor a church, and not be affected?

It is simple. I never make it personal. I always operate in the power of His might. That way, Jesus gets the credit and the opposition. I have learned a few schemes against the wiles of the devil from combat experience myself, in other words--the hard way.

In addition to everything you ever read in Hostage to the Devil by Father Malachi Martin and The People of the Lie by Dr. M. Scott Peck, consider the following. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but some guidelines from personal experience:

1. Time is on your side. Always plan to spend at least 8 or more hours in a single exorcism.

2. Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God. Get them in Bible study first.

3. Make them fast. I do not have time with all the counseling I do. I will sometimes fast after an exorcism if I feel real yuckie. That can happen!

4. Never expect money for an exorcism under any circumstances. Never! Donations are acceptable, and it is the responsible thing to do. The Bible says, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine (Exorcists). For the scripture saith, 'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeath out the corn.' And, 'The laborer is worthy of his reward.'" 1 Timothy 5:17.

5. Never do an exorcism alone. Develop a spiritual team and stick with them.

6. Never tie down or restrain an exorcee. It is illegal. This again is an indication as to who you think is the mediator. If you suspect violence, then have the exorcee sit in a swimming pool up to his (her) neck wearing a life preserver. Water dissipates the power of an Evil Spirit. Add some sea salt to the pool. Unclean spirits hate salt and water. We are the salt of the earth. Remember the flood? Water is God's curse for fallen angels and demons. He used salt water to judge them. Remember the legion in the pigs? He destroyed them sending them into the sea. Jesus made the angels out of the fire from lightning. You know what lightening does when it hits water. Water is more of a curse to a devil than truth is to a criminal that is why they seek dry places. See Matthew 12: 43-45.

7. Use a Worship team. Godly music is very disturbing to an Evil Spirit.

8. Never do anything that is illegal in an exorcism. Never tape record or video tape an exorcism for public curiosity or entertainment.

9. Maintain a prayer team 24/7. Just because the exorcism is over doesn't mean that its over for you. Watch your backside.

10. The two greatest enemies of an exorcist are narcissism and laziness. Pray continuously, tithe, worship the Lord, fellowship, and read your Bible daily.

11. Turn off all the phones, radio, television, and computers during an exorcism.

12. Always include a complete Baptism by immersion in an exorcism and have them change into clean clothing right afterwards. Take snip of hair and throw it to the wind. See Leviticus 14.

13. Know your goal. Is it just to get the exorcee delivered by getting them saved? The Evil Spirits can come back. I find it best to make it a goal that the individual repent, renounce the devil and his perks, get saved, get baptized, and get baptized in the Holy Spirit. Jesus warned us in Matthew 12: 43-45. "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places (they hate water), seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first." If you fill the house there won't be any room for them to return. Fill your house with the glory of the Holy Spirit for you are the temple of the living God. Note: How can you read this scripture (Matthew 12: 43-45.) and still believe that a Christian cannot be spiritually oppressed?

14. Don't get too wordy. Jesus cast out demons with a single word. He said that we would do greater things than this. Keep it simple to the Legion He simply nodded His head and they left. Remember He said that we would do greater things than this...

15. Don't talk to the Evil Spirit. He is a liar. Keep the Evil Spirit silent. If the evil spirit has never spoken through the individual before you are only giving them more access and more ability to control the client. If the person can already hear the demons speak then you may under the power of the Holy Spirit question the unclean spirits via the client to disclose their authority to be there. This is the only reason ever to converse with a lying spirit. Everything they say is a lie. Sometimes it will upset the team, the exorcee, or yourself. It is unnecessary to the exorcism. If you are interrupted just say 'the Lord rebuke you--keep silent, or 'In the Name of Jesus be silent.' If you find yourself rabbit trailing in curiosity you have entered the narcissism zone. Don't go there. It is a trap. The job is to get the exorcee delivered, not give you an education. You will see enough over time. That will be your education.

16. Never make eye contact. You are not going one-on-one with the devil. That is the office of Jesus. It is unnecessary and it only challenges the evil spirits to a dual. An exorcism is not Dodge City.

17. Never use hypnotism-technics. Never use the hypnotic technique of calling up the Gatekeeper and asking the client to step aside or go down. This is pure hypnosis and New Age. When did Jesus ever do this? How do you know that you are not enabling or even empowering the evil spirit? Speak directly to the client. Ask them if they can hear the evil spirits. If they can then ask them to interpret. Never ask them to step aside for the evil spirit to step up to bat. Tell the client to not let them speak through them but to them. This always works. It is often the best way to demonstrate to the client that they do have some authority and to establish client authority. It can be the key to setting them free and empowering the client once they recognize the spirits are subject to authority.

18. Always get a liability release form. See our web page if you need an example to write your own (Exorcism Application). See an attorney if necessary. Always get it signed, witnessed and notarized when possible or necessary. Always! Make no exceptions! They will try everything! Don't listen!

19. Father Malachi Martin, Derek Prince, Maxwell Whyte, Frank Marzullo, Ernie Marzullo, and Dr. M. Scott Peck have some great advise about exorcisms. It was their detailed religious, ritualistic, and scientific approach that led me to start the School for Exorcism. Don't reject their research and procedures just because they are not your religious brand or denomination. Truth is truth. Anytime someone conducts a successful exorcism, believe me, the Lord is there.

Jesus was accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub the ruler of demons. But Jesus defended himself by pointing out that "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out?" In this statement we find that anyone who performs an exorcism successfully can only do so by the hand of God.

 

They come out on the breath!

Mark 1:23 "Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out..."

Mark 1:26 "And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out..."

Mark 9:26 "Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him . And he became as one dead, so that many said, 'he is dead.'"

Acts 8:7 "For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed."

2 Kings 4:35 "He (Elija) returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes."

Here is what we do typically: We say, "The Lord Jesus bind, rebuke, and cast out of you the spirit of rejection, anger, hate (name the spirits)." "Come out now in the name of Jesus Christ." Then we have the client take a deep breath and cough, breath out, burp, fart, or go to the rest room. The spirits come out only by the authority and name of Jesus Christ, but the breathing or releasing exercises will assist them to come out. It is kind of like an act of faith or similar to Baptism. It is an outward sign of an inward experience. In addition, we are inviting the client to invoke their active will.

 

Case Files of an Internet Exorcist

by Pastor Chris Ward

Fr. Andrew Miles (friend), our client, and Rita Ward my wife before an exorcism. God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Study an Actual Exorcism

Is it mental illness , demon possession, or both? You decide.

Trance Possessive State?

This file is a WMV file. You will need Windows Media Player. You may download WMP by clicking on the Windows logo above.

After a seccessuful exorcism, our client is seen signing divorce papers to the devil.

"But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

How to Stop a Demonic Attack

 

Exorcism Warning

Exorcisms are not to be taken lightly. Besides the tools of the exorcist one must consider the spiritual readiness of the exorciser and his team. Character, Biblical knowledge, and training are factors to be considered. In Matthew Chapter 10:8 Jesus said, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast our demons." Then he said "Freely you have received, freely give." This means that the disciples had received training in deliverance ministry. Exorcism is not a parlor game. It is tough spiritual warfare with the powers of evil. It is a battle that one can not afford to loose. Do not try this at home. Get a genuine servant of God. If you need assistance call me at 352-365-0808 or Email me.

Exorcism Application

If you would like me to speak at your church or conduct a deliverance service please do not hesitate to contact me.

The very Name of Jesus Christ will set you free!

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