A history of exorcism in Catholic Christianity /

"This book traces the development of exorcism in Catholic Christianity from the fourth century to the present day, and seeks to explain why exorcism is still so much in demand. This is the first work in English to trace the development of the liturgy, practice and authorisation of exorcisms in...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Young, Francis (Francis Kendrick) (Author)
Format: Book
Language:English
Published: Switzerland : Palgrave Macmillan, [2016]
Series:Palgrave historical studies in witchcraft and magic.
Subjects:
Description
Summary:"This book traces the development of exorcism in Catholic Christianity from the fourth century to the present day, and seeks to explain why exorcism is still so much in demand. This is the first work in English to trace the development of the liturgy, practice and authorisation of exorcisms in Latin Christianity. The rite of exorcism, and the claim by Roman Catholic priests to be able to drive demons from the possessed, remains an enduring source of popular fascination, but the origins and history of this controversial rite have been little explored. Arguing that belief in the need for exorcism typically re-emerges at periods of crisis for the church, Francis Young explores the shifting boundaries between authorised exorcisms and unauthorised magic throughout Christian history, from Augustine of Hippo to Pope Francis. This book offers the historical background to - and suggests reasons for - the current resurgence of exorcism in the global Catholic Church."--Back cover.
Physical Description:xiii, 275 pages ; 22 cm.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (pages 243-261) and index.
ISBN:9783319291116
3319291114
9783319804910
331980491X
3319291122
9783319291123