not so sure if it's so faulty, but that wasn't exactly the point anyway. i was curious if anyone thought that since christianity has evolved, and in my opinion, has not evolved enough, it's possible that there could be another reformation.
Well, every time there has been a "reformation", it hasn't been followed by everyone. There are, and always have been (except in the earliest days), multiple traditions. Sometimes it's hard to know who's right or how much it matters. I guess we should all try to discern as best we can and pray for mercy and forgiveness for every time we fall short or interpret something the wrong way. After all, Christians rely on mercy and forgiveness...
not trying to be a jerk...but i have no idea how you're defining most of the terms in your post, above...or how you've arrived at some of the presuppositions you've arrived at. all that just to say...i'm not much help!
Here's an overview of what an Exorcism actually is ~ (I really didn't know very much about them)... __________ Exorcism is mainly thought of as the rite of driving out the Devil and his demons from possessed persons. Exorcism is mainly performed in incidences of demonic possession that is generally distinguished from spiritual possession. A general assumption is that the Roman Catholic singularly practices the rite of exorcism, but some Protestant denominations such as the Pentecostals and other charismatic groups practice it as well. These groups refer to the practice as "deliverance ministry" where gifted people drive out devils and heal while they touch the persons with their hands, called laying on of hands, and pray over them. Technically, exorcism is not driving out the Devil or a demon, but it is placing the Devil or demon on oath. And, in some incidences there may be more than one demon possessing a person. "Exorcism" is derived from the Greek preposition "ek" with the verb "horkizo" which means "I cause [someone] to swear" and refers to "putting the spirit or demon on oath," or invoking a higher authority to bind the entity in order to control it and command it to act contrary to its own will. During the ritual usually salt, representing purity, and wine, representing the blood of Christ, are present. The victim is to hold a crucifix during the rite. The exorcist is encouraged to use holy water and relics, usually pieces of bones from Saints, and recite Biblical scriptures and other prayers. The greatest danger to the exorcist is becoming possessed by the Devil or demon himself. This is the reason why the exorcist must feel as free of sin as possible and feel no secret need for punishment. Otherwise, the Devil or demon can easily entrap him. Although all exorcisms are different in proceeding there are similar stages they follow. * The Presence: The exorcist and his assistants become aware of an alien feeling or entity. * : Attempts or actions of the evil spirit appear to be the victim's. The exorcist's first job is to break this Pretense and find out whom the demon really is. Gaining the entity's name is most important. * Breakpoint: The moment when the Devil's Pretense finally collapses. This is usually a moment of complete pandemonium. There evolves a scene of panic and confusion, accompanied by a crescendo of abuse, horrible sights, noises, and odors. The Devil then turns on the victim, speaking of the person in the third person instead of as itself. * The Voice: Also a sign the Breakpoint, the Voice (of the demon) becomes "inordinately disturbing and humanly distressing babble." The demon's voices must be silenced for the exorcism to proceed. * The Clash: As the Voices die out there is both a spiritual and physical pressure. The demon has collided with the "will of the Kingdom." The exorcist is now in direct battle with the demon, urging the entity to reveal more information about itself so it can be controlled. As previously mentioned, there is a connection between the entity and the victim's resident. The entity wants a place to be in, or it must return to Hell. An existence out of Hell is what the Devil or demon is fighting for. * Expulsion: In the supreme triumph of God's will, the demon or spirit leaves in the name of Jesus. All present feel the Presence dissipates, occasionally with receding noises and voices. The victim may remember the ordeal or may not recall anything that has happened. full article
There's a book called Possessed you can find at Amazon that tells the story of the only documented exocism here in the States. Good read, whether you believe in that sort of thing or not.
In related news, over 60 people diagnosed as mentally ill or with mental r****dation have been executed in the United States since 1983. In 1998, an estimated 283,000 mentally ill offenders were incarcerated in prison or jail. http://www.aclu.org/DeathPenalty/DeathPenalty.cfm?ID=17380&c=299
