1. Exorcisms Ashley Blackmon & Amber Mangrum

2. What is an Exorcism? Ritual Act of driving out evil demons from persons, places, or things in the name of God or a higher power

3. History of Exorcism 1 st mentioned by Pope Cornelius in 253 CE in a letter Used in several different religious groups and Cultures: Jews Catholics Christians Egyptians

4. Stages The Presence Break- point The Voice The Clash Expulsion

5. Still used today Children die from due to the use of exorcisms –Example: Terrance in Wisconsin Priests still use today

6. Why people continue to believe: Supported by a major religious group Response to uncertainty Confirmation bias/ 1 sided outcome In response to media Personal and vivid testimonials

7. Testing Exorcisms: Can not ethically test exorcisms because place subject in physical and emotional danger Can not measure or determine if a person is scientifically possessed by the devil Belief is not falsifiable

8. The End “ Evil Spirit is personal, and it is intelligent. It is preternatural, in the sense that it is not of this material world, but it is in this material world. Contemporary life is no exception.” ~ Father Malachi Martin