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The word exorcism has its root in the
Greek word exousia, meaning oath; when translated to English,
it means adjure. Thus, to exorcise doesn't really mean
"cast out" as much as it means "putting the Devil
on oath or invoking a higher authority to compel the Devil to
act in a way contrary to its wishes (Guiley
87)." According to Toner,
"Exorcism is (1) the act of driving out, or warding off,
demons, or evil spirits, from persons, places, or things, which
are believed to be, possessed or infested by them, or are liable
to become victims or instruments of their malice; (2) the means
employed for this purpose, especially the solemn and authoritative
adjuration of the demon, in the name of God, or any of the higher
power in which he is subject." |
