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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
exorcism on television	Omar	Monday, December 6, 2004
Question: Hello Brother: In 1991, the television show 20/20 broadcast a live exorcism performed by Catholic priests. I've seen from previous answers to other peoples' questions that you urge us to refrain from watching or becoming involved with anything that imitates or portrays evil, (such as watching the movie "The Exorcist.") Is it wrong that the New York Archdiocese, (they being the ones who authorized the exorcism,) allowed the broadcasting of such an event? Thank you for taking the time to answer this question, and God Bless you and your ministry. Omar
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Omar: The issue of watching things that imitate or portrays evil refers to movies and TV shows and the like that exploit evil images. These would include the "cut-em up horror movies", TV shows and movies that portray the worldview of witchcraft. The movie, "The Exorcist", I do not recommend for an additional reason. The movie, while portraying some accurate information on exorcism, also portrays some serious flaws and misconceptions. It also tends to appeal to mere curiosity about things that the average person need not have in their mind. The Bible warns us to guard our senses, and also makes the point that while some things may be permitted, it does not mean that those things are prudent or beneficial. As for the "20/20 broadcast of a live exorcism performed by Catholic priests," if this was actually approved by whoever was the Bishop of New York at the time, I am surprised, and I would disagree with that decision. I think to allow this, if indeed it was allowed by the Bishop or any official of the Diocese, it was a foolish decision and one that fails to understand the possible ramifications of exposing public to the images and circumstances of an exorcism. This, of course, is my personal opinion. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

exorcism on television

Omar

Monday, December 6, 2004

Question:

Hello Brother:

In 1991, the television show 20/20 broadcast a live exorcism performed by Catholic priests. I've seen from previous answers to other peoples' questions that you urge us to refrain from watching or becoming involved with anything that imitates or portrays evil, (such as watching the movie "The Exorcist.") Is it wrong that the New York Archdiocese, (they being the ones who authorized the exorcism,) allowed the broadcasting of such an event?

Thank you for taking the time to answer this question, and God Bless you and your ministry.

Omar

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Omar:

The issue of watching things that imitate or portrays evil refers to movies and TV shows and the like that exploit evil images. These would include the "cut-em up horror movies", TV shows and movies that portray the worldview of witchcraft.

The movie, "The Exorcist", I do not recommend for an additional reason. The movie, while portraying some accurate information on exorcism, also portrays some serious flaws and misconceptions. It also tends to appeal to mere curiosity about things that the average person need not have in their mind.

The Bible warns us to guard our senses, and also makes the point that while some things may be permitted, it does not mean that those things are prudent or beneficial.

As for the "20/20 broadcast of a live exorcism performed by Catholic priests," if this was actually approved by whoever was the Bishop of New York at the time, I am surprised, and I would disagree with that decision. I think to allow this, if indeed it was allowed by the Bishop or any official of the Diocese, it was a foolish decision and one that fails to understand the possible ramifications of exposing public to the images and circumstances of an exorcism.

This, of course, is my personal opinion.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.