Question
Gramps,
I was requested by a neighbor one night because his wife had a concern, and she seemed to me was possessed by an evil spirit. I didn’t know what to do and what to say, so I just put my hands upon her head and pronounced a blessing. My question is: Is there a proper way to handle an individual who was possessed by an evil spirit? Is there a standard prayer or words to say in the Church?
Meo
Answer
Meo,
The belief in demonic possession is deeply rooted in the scriptures. The New Testament recounts numerous instances where Jesus cast out evil spirits, demonstrating His authority over them. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, we read about Jesus casting out demons from two men in the country of the Gergesenes, who begged Him to allow them to enter a herd of swine rather than be cast out entirely (Matthew 8:31-32). This account illustrates not only the reality of demonic possession but also the power of Christ to command these spirits.
Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also had experiences with demonic possession. One notable account involves Newell Knight, who was possessed by an evil spirit. Joseph Smith commanded the spirit to depart, and Knight reported seeing the spirit leave him, resulting in immediate relief (History of the Church, vol. 1, ch. 9). Such accounts affirm the belief that demonic possession is not merely a relic of ancient times but a reality that can manifest in modern life.
Evil spirits, often referred to as demons, are believed to be fallen angels who followed Lucifer in his rebellion against God. According to Church teachings, these spirits seek to influence and possess individuals, leading them away from righteousness and toward sin. The Church teaches that these spirits are real and can have a profound impact on individuals’ lives, often manifesting as mental or emotional disturbances that may be misdiagnosed as psychological disorders.
The academic world, including the medical profession, often struggles to address spiritual phenomena, leading to a disconnect between spiritual beliefs and medical explanations. I noted in a previous response to a question about multiple personalities, the medical field is not equipped to consider theological matters, which can leave individuals and families grappling with the implications of such diagnoses without a spiritual framework to understand them.
The influence of evil spirits can manifest in various ways, including feelings of despair, confusion, and even physical ailments. The Church teaches that individuals who engage in sinful behavior or who open themselves to spiritual influences through practices such as witchcraft or occult rituals may become more susceptible to demonic possession. This susceptibility is not limited to extreme cases; even seemingly minor transgressions can create openings for evil spirits to exert influence.
In a modern context, many individuals may experience feelings of being overwhelmed or controlled by forces beyond their understanding. This can lead to questions about the nature of their struggles and whether they are experiencing demonic influence. The Church encourages individuals to seek spiritual guidance and support through prayer, scripture study, and priesthood blessings to combat these influences.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that priesthood holders have the authority to cast out evil spirits. This practice is not common but is invoked when necessary. The procedure typically involves laying hands on the afflicted individual and commanding the spirit to depart in the name of Jesus Christ. This authority is believed to be derived from the same power that Jesus exercised during His earthly ministry.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie emphasized that the power of the priesthood is essential in these situations, stating that it is through faith and righteousness that one can effectively command evil spirits to leave. The Church maintains that such experiences, while not frequently discussed, are part of the broader understanding of the priesthood’s role in combating evil.
The effectiveness of casting out evil spirits is closely tied to the faith and righteousness of the priesthood holder. In Matthew 17:21, Jesus explains that certain spirits can only be cast out through prayer and fasting, indicating that a higher level of spiritual preparedness is required for such acts. This principle underscores the importance of living a life following gospel teachings to wield the power of the priesthood effectively.
Moreover, the Church teaches that individuals seeking relief from demonic influence should also engage in personal righteousness. This includes repentance, prayer, and seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost. By doing so, individuals can fortify themselves against the influence of evil spirits and invite divine assistance into their lives.
Many members of the Church have shared personal experiences related to demonic possession and the power of priesthood blessings. These testimonies often highlight the transformative impact of faith and the priesthood in overcoming spiritual challenges. For instance, individuals who have received blessings report feelings of peace and relief, reinforcing the belief that priesthood authority can effectively combat evil influences.
As far as the Church’ stance on exorcisms, such practices are not widely publicized, they are still performed when necessary. He emphasized that the priesthood is a tool for allowing the power of Christ to operate among God’s children, and that casting out evil spirits is a legitimate exercise of that authority.
Gramps
