Editing Spirit possession (section)

== Organized religions ==
=== Christianity ===
{{see also|Baptism with the Holy Spirit|Holy laughter}}
{{Further|Exorcism in Christianity}}
From the beginning of [[Christianity]], adherents have held that possession derives from the [[Devil]] (i.e. [[Satan]]) and demons. In the battle between Satan and [[Heaven]], Satan is believed to engage in "spiritual attacks", including [[demonic possession]], against human beings by the use of [[supernatural]] powers to harm them physically or psychologically.{{sfnp|Jones|2005|page=8687}} [[Prayer]] for deliverance, [[blessing]]s upon the man or woman's house or body, [[sacraments]], and [[exorcisms]] are generally used to drive the demon out.

Some [[Theology|theologians]], such as [[Ángel Manuel Rodríguez]], say that [[Mediumship|mediums]], like the ones mentioned in [[Leviticus 20]]:27, were possessed by demons. Another possible case of demonic possession in the [[Old Testament]] includes the [[false prophet]]s that King [[Ahab]] relied upon before re-capturing [[Ramoth-Gilead]] in [[1 Kings 22]]. They were described as being empowered by a deceiving spirit.{{sfnp|Rodríguez|1998|pp=5–7}}

{{anchor|New Testament}}
The [[New Testament]] mentions several episodes in which [[Miracles of Jesus#Exorcisms|Jesus drove out demons from persons]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2019&version=NIV|title=The New Testament|date=2011|website=Bible Gateway|access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> Whilst most Christians believe that demonic possession is an involuntary affliction,{{sfnp|Malachi|1976|p=462}} some biblical verses have been interpreted as indicating that possession can be voluntary. For example, Alfred Plummer writes that when Devil entered into [[Judas Iscariot]] in [[John 13]]:27, this was because Judas had continually agreed to Satan's suggestions to betray [[Jesus]] and had wholly submitted to him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=John 13:27 |work=Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges|url=https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/john/13.htm|via=Bible Hub}}</ref>

The [[New Testament]] indicates that people can be possessed by demons, but that the demons respond and submit to Jesus Christ's authority:
{{blockquote|In the [[synagogue]], there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area|Luke 4:33–35<ref>{{bibleverse|Luke| 4:33–35|NIV}}</ref>}}

It also indicates that demons can possess animals as in the [[exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac]].

{{anchor|Catholicism}}

==== Catholicism ====
{{Main|Exorcism in the Catholic Church}}
[[Roman Catholic doctrine]] states that [[angel]]s are [[Non-physical entity|non-corporeal]], spiritual beings<ref>Catechism of the [[Catholic Church]], paragraph 328.</ref> with intelligence and [[Will (philosophy)|will]].<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 330.</ref> [[Fallen angel]]s, or [[demon]]s, are able to "demonically possess" individuals without the victim's knowledge or consent, leaving them morally blameless.{{sfnp|Amorth|1999|p=33}}

{{anchor|Old Testament}}
The ''Catholic Encyclopedia'' says that there is only one apparent case of demonic possession in the Old Testament, of King [[Saul]] being tormented by an "evil spirit" ([[Books of Samuel#1 Samuel|1 Samuel]] 16:14), but this depends on interpreting the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word "''rûah''" as implying a personal influence which it may not; as a result, even this example is described as "not very certain". In addition, Saul was only described to be tormented, rather than possessed, and he was relieved from these torments by having [[David]] play the [[Kinnor|lyre]] to him.<ref>{{CathEncy|wstitle=Demoniacal Possession}}</ref>

[[File:Ottheinrich_Folio018v_Mt8F.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Exorcism of the Gerasene Demonaic]]
Catholic exorcists differentiate between "ordinary" Satanic/demonic activity or influence (mundane everyday ''temptations'') and "extraordinary" Satanic/demonic activity, which can take six different forms, ranging from complete control by Satan or demons to voluntary submission:{{sfnp|Amorth|1999|p=33}}
# Possession, in which Satan or demons take full possession of a person's body without their consent. This possession usually comes as a result of a person's actions; actions that lead to an increased susceptibility to Satan's influence.
# Obsession, which typically influences dreams. It includes sudden attacks of irrationally [[obsessive thought]]s, usually culminating in [[suicidal ideation]].
# [[Oppression]], in which there is no loss of consciousness or involuntary action, such as in the biblical [[Book of Job]] in which [[Job (biblical figure)|Job]] was tormented by Satan through a series of misfortunes in business, material possessions, family, and health.
# External physical pain caused by Satan or demons.
# Infestation, which affects houses, objects/things, or animals; and
# Subjection, in which a person voluntarily submits to Satan or demons.

In the [[Roman Ritual]], true demonic or Satanic possession has been characterized since the [[Middle Ages]], by the following four typical characteristics:{{sfnp|Wilkinson|2007|p=25}}{{sfnp|Baglio|2009}}
# Manifestation of [[superhuman strength]].
# [[Speaking in tongues]] or languages that the victim cannot know.
# [[Revelation]] of [[knowledge]], distant or hidden, that the victim cannot know.
# [[Blasphemy|Blasphemous]] rage, [[Obscene gesture|obscene hand gestures]], using [[profanity]] and an [[wikt:Special:Search/aversion|aversion]] to holy symbols, names, [[relic]]s or places.

The ''[[New Catholic Encyclopedia]]'' states, "[[Ecclesiastical authorities]] are reluctant to admit diabolical possession in most cases, because many can be explained by physical or mental illness alone. Therefore, medical and psychological examinations are necessary before the performance of major [[exorcism]]. The standard that must be met is that of moral certitude (''De exorcismis'', 16). For an exorcist to be morally certain, or beyond reasonable doubt, that he is dealing with a genuine case of demonic possession, there must be no other reasonable explanation for the phenomena in question".<ref>{{Cite book|title=New Catholic Encyclopedia Supplement|publisher=Gale|year=2009|location=Detroit, MI|pages=359}}</ref>

Official [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] doctrine affirms that demonic possession can occur as distinguished from [[mental illness]],{{sfnp|Netzley|2002}} but stresses that cases of mental illness should not be misdiagnosed as demonic influence. Catholic exorcisms can occur only under the authority of a [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|bishop]] and in accordance with strict rules; a simple exorcism also occurs during [[baptism]].{{sfnp|Jones|2005|page=8687}}

{{anchor|Reformed}}

==== Anglican ====
The infliction of demonic torment upon an individual has been chronicled in premodern [[Protestantism|Protestant]] literature. In 1597, [[King James VI and I|King James]] discussed four methods of daemonic influence upon an individual in his book [[Daemonologie]]:{{sfnp|Warren|2019|p=69}}
# Spectra, being the haunting and troubling of certain houses or solitary places.
# Obsession, the following and outwardly torment of an individual at diverse hours to either weaken or cast diseases upon the body, as in the [[Book of Job]].
# Possession, the entrance inwardly into an individual to beget uncontrollable fits, induce blasphemies, 
# Faerie, being the influence those who voluntarily submit to consort, prophesy, or servitude.

King James attested that the symptoms derived from demonic possession could be discernible from natural diseases. He rejected the symptoms and signs prescribed by the Catholic church as vain (e.g. rage begotten from [[Holy Water]], fear of the [[Crucifix|Cross]], etc.) and found the [[exorcism]] rites to be troublesome and ineffective to recite. The [[Catholic particular churches and liturgical rites|Rites of the Catholic Church]] to remedy the torment of demonic spirits were rejected as counterfeit since few possessed could be cured by them. In James' view: "It is easy then to understand that the casting out of Devils, is by virtue of fasting and prayer, and in-calling of the name of God, suppose many imperfections be in the person that is the instrument, as CHRIST himself teaches us (Mat. 7) of the power that false [[Prophet|Prophets]] all have cast out devils".{{sfnp|Warren|2019|pp=84–86}}

In [[Middle Ages|medieval]] [[Great Britain]], the Christian church had offered suggestions on safeguarding one's home. Suggestions ranged from dousing a household with [[holy water]], placing wax and herbs on thresholds to "ward off [[Witchcraft|witches]] [[occult]]", and avoiding certain areas of townships known to be frequented by witches and Devil worshippers after dark.{{sfnp|Broedel|2003|pp=32–33}} Afflicted persons were restricted from entering the church, but might share the shelter of the [[church porch|porch]] with [[leprosy|lepers]] and persons of offensive life. After the prayers, if quiet, they might come in to receive the bishop's blessing and listen to the [[sermon]]. They were fed daily and prayed over by the exorcists and, in case of recovery, after a fast of from 20 to 40 days, were admitted to the [[Eucharist]], and their names and cures entered in the church records.<ref>{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Energici|volume=9|page=398}}</ref> In 1603, the [[Church of England]] forbade its clergy from performing exorcisms because of numerous fraudulent cases of demonic possession.{{sfnp|Netzley|2002}}

{{anchor|Baptist}}

==== Baptist ====
In May 2021, the Baptist Deliverance Study Group of the [[Baptist Union of Great Britain]], a [[Christian denomination]], issued a "warning against occult spirituality following the rise in people trying to communicate with the dead". The commission reported that "becoming involved in activities such as Spiritualism can open up a doorway to great spiritual oppression which requires a Christian rite to set that person free".{{sfnp|Showalter|2021}}

In September 2023, Pastor Rick Morrow of Beulah Church in [[Richland, Missouri]] gave a sermon in which he presented the cause of [[Autism spectrum|autism]] as, "the devil's attacked them, he's brought this infirmity upon them, he's got them where he wants them". He asserted that the cure for the [[neurodevelopmental disorder]] was prayer by claiming to "know a minister who has seen lots of kids that are autistic, that he cast that demon out, and they were healed, and then he had to pray and their brain was rewired and they were fixed."<ref name="FA">{{cite web |last1=Mehta |first1=Hemant |title=Baptist pastor falsely claims autism is demonic: "My God doesn't make junk" |url=https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/baptist-pastor-falsely-claims-autism |website=Friendly Atheist |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>
Members of the pastor's community found his comment to be "derogatory toward individuals with certain disabilities." Their public outcry led to Morrow's resignation from the [[Board of education|school board]] on which he was a member.<ref name="KY3">{{cite web |last1=Hoffman |first1=Michael |title=Pastor resigns from Stoutland School Board amidst backlash from autism comments during sermon |url=https://www.ky3.com/2023/09/13/richland-mo-pastor-resigns-stoutland-mo-school-board-amidst-backlash-autism-comments-during-sermon/ |website=KY3 |date=13 September 2023 |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>

{{anchor|Evangelical}}

====Evangelical====
In both [[Charismatic movement|charismatic]] and [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] Christianity, exorcisms of demons are often carried out by individuals or groups belong to the [[Deliverance ministry|deliverance ministries]] movement.{{sfnp|Cuneo|1999}} According to these groups, symptoms of such possessions can include [[chronic fatigue syndrome]], [[homosexuality]], addiction to [[pornography]], and [[alcoholism]].{{sfnp|Tennant|2001}} The New Testament's description of people who had evil spirits includes a knowledge of future events (Acts 16:16) and great strength (Act 19:13–16),<ref name=":1" /> among others, and shows that those with evil spirits can speak of Christ (Mark 3:7–11).<ref name=":1" /> Some Evangelical denominations believe that demonic possession is not possible if one has already professed their faith in Christ, because the [[Holy Spirit]] already occupies the body and a demon cannot enter.

=== Islam ===
Various types of creatures, such as ''[[jinn]]'', ''[[Shaitan|shayatin]]'', ''[[Ifrit|ʻafarit]]'', found within [[Islam]]ic culture, are often held to be responsible for spirit possession. Spirit possession appears in both [[Islamic theology]] and wider cultural tradition.

{{anchor|Ifrit|Afarit}}
Although opposed by some Muslim scholars, sleeping near a graveyard or a tomb is believed to enable contact with the [[ghost]]s of the dead, who visit the sleeper in dreams and provide hidden knowledge.{{sfnp|Diem|Schöller|2004|p=144}} Possession by ''ʻafarit'' (a vengeful ghost) are said to grant the possessed some supernatural powers, but it drives them insane as well.{{sfnp|Westermarck|2014|pp=263–264}}

{{anchor|Jinn|Geni}}
''[[Jinn]]'' are much more physical than spirits.{{sfnp|Chodkiewicz|2012}} Due to their [[Subtle body|subtle bodies]], which are composed of fire and air (''marijin min nar''), they are purported to be able to possess the bodies of humans. Such physical intrusion of the jinn is conceptually different from the whisperings of the devils.<ref name="Böttcher–2021">{{cite book|last=Krawietz|first=B.|year=2021|title=Islam, Migration and Jinn: Spiritual Medicine in Muslim Health Management|location=Deutschland|publisher=Springer International Publishing}}</ref>{{rp|67}} Since ''jinn'' are not necessarily evil, they are distinguished from cultural concepts of possession by devils/demons.{{sfnp|Al-Krenawi|Graham|1997|p=211}}

Since such ''jinn'' are said to have [[Predestination in Islam#Qadar and free will|free will]], they can have their own reasons to possess humans and are not necessarily harmful. There are various reasons given as to why a ''jinn'' might seek to possess an individual, such as falling in love with them, taking revenge for hurting them or their relatives, or other undefined reasons.{{sfnp|Rassool|2015}}{{sfnp|Bulkeley|Adams|Davis|2009}} At an intended possession, the covenant with the ''jinn'' must be renewed.{{sfnp|Maʻrūf|2007|p=2}} Soothsayers (''kāhin'' pl. ''kuhhān''), would use such possession to gain hidden knowledge. Inspirations from jinn by poets requires neither possession nor obedience to the jinn. Their relationship is rather described as mutual.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Yosefi, Maxim|title=The origins of the traditional approach towards the jinn of poetic inspiration in tribal Arab culture|journal=Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies|volume=49|publisher=Archaeopress|pages=293–302|year=2019|jstor=27014158}}</ref>

The concept of jinn-possession is alien to the Quran and derives from pagan notions.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Islam, F.|author2=Campbell, R.A.|title=Satan Has Afflicted Me!" Jinn-Possession and Mental Illness in the Qur'an|journal=J Relig Health|volume=53|pages=229–243 |year=2014|issue=1 |doi=10.1007/s10943-012-9626-5|pmid=22688386 }}</ref> It is widespread among Muslims and also accepted by most Islamic scholars.{{sfnp|Dein|2013|pp=290-293}} It is part of the ''[[aqida]]'' (theological doctrines) in the tradition of [[Ashari]],<ref name="Böttcher–2021"/> and the [[Atharism|Atharis]], such as [[ibn Taimiyya]] and [[ibn Qayyim]].<ref name="Böttcher–2021"/>{{rp|56}} Among [[Maturidites]] it is debated, as some accept it, but it has been challenged since the early years by Maturidite scholars such as [[al-Rustughfanī]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Harvey|first=Ramon|title=Transcendent God, Rational World: A Maturidi Theology|publisher=Edinburgh University Press|year=2021|page= 164}}</ref> The [[Mu'tazila]] are associated with substituting jinn-possession by devilish-whisperings, denying bodily possession altogether.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Dein, Simon|author2=Abdool Samad Illaiee|title=Jinn and mental health: looking at jinn possession in modern psychiatric practice|journal=The Psychiatrist|volume=37|issue=9 |year=2013|pages=290–293|doi=10.1192/pb.bp.113.042721 }}</ref>

{{anchor|Shaitan|Shayatin}}
In contrast to ''jinn'', the devils (''[[Shaitan|shayatin]]'') are inherently evil.{{sfnp|Meldon|1908|pp=123–146}} [[Iblis]], the father of the devils, dwells in the fires of hell, although not suffering wherein, he and his children try to draw people into damnation of hell.<ref>{{cite book|author=Bullard, A.|year=2022|title=Spiritual and Mental Health Crisis in Globalizing Senegal: A History of Transcultural Psychiatry|location=US|publisher=Taylor & Francis}}</ref> Devils don't physically possess people, they only tempt humans into sin by following their lower ''[[nafs]]''.{{sfnp|Sells|1996|p=143}}{{sfnp|Griffel|2005|p=103}} [[Hadith]]s suggest that the devils whisper from within the human body, within or next to the [[Qalb|heart]], and so "devilish whisperings" ({{langx|ar|waswās}} <big>وَسْوَاس</big>) are sometimes thought of as a kind of possession.{{sfnp|Szombathy|2014}} Unlike possession by ''jinn'', the whispering of devils affects the soul instead of the body.

Demons (also known as ''[[Div (mythology)|div]]''), though part of the human conception, get stronger through acts of sin.<ref>{{cite periodical |first=Moiseeva Anna |last=Vladimirovna |year=2020 |title=Prophet Sulaimān v klassische persische Poesie: Semantik und struktur des Bildes |lang=de |trans-title=The prophet Solomon in classical Persian poetry: Semantics and structuring of images |periodical=Orientalistik. Afrikanistik. |number=3 |url=https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/prorok-sulaym-n-v-klassicheskoy-persidskoy-poezii-semantika-i-struktura-obraza |access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref> By acts of obedience (to God), they get weaker. Although a human might find pleasure in obeying the demons first, according to Islamic thought, the human soul can only be free if the demons are bound by the spirit (ruh).<ref>{{cite journal|author=Shalinsky, Audrey C.|title=Reason, Desire, and Sexuality: The Meaning of Gender in Northern Afghanistan|journal=Ethos|volume=14|issue=4|year=1986|pages=323–43|publisher=JSTOR|doi=10.1525/eth.1986.14.4.02a00010 |jstor=640408}}</ref> Sufi literature, as in the writings of [[Rumi]] and [[Attar of Nishapur]], pay a lot of attention to how to bind the inner demons. Attar of Nishapur writes: "If you bind the ''div'', you will set out for the royal pavilion with Solomon" and "You have no command over your self's kingdom [body and mind], for in your case the ''div'' is in the place of Solomon".<ref>{{cite book |author=Hamori, Andras |year=2015 |title=On the Art of Medieval Arabic Literature |place=US |publisher=Princeton University Press |page=158}}</ref> He further links the demons to the story alluded in the Quran (38:34) that a demon replaced the prophet Solomon: one must behave like a triumphant 'Solomon' and chain the demons of the ''[[nafs]]'' or lower self, locking the demon-prince into a 'rock', before the ''[[rūḥ]]'' (soul) can make the first steps to the Divine.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Lewisohn, L.|author2=Shackle, C.|year=2006|title=Attar and the Persian Sufi Tradition: The Art of Spiritual Flight|location=Vereinigtes Königreich|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|page=156}}</ref>

=== Judaism ===
{{anchor|Shedim}}{{anchor|Dybbuk}}
{{main|Shedim|Shade (mythology)|Dybbuk}}
Although forbidden in the [[Hebrew Bible]], magic was widely practiced in the late [[Second Temple Period]] and well documented in the period following the destruction of the Temple into the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries C.E.{{sfnp|Bohak|2008|p={{page needed|date=November 2020}}}}{{sfnp|Wahlen|2004|p=19}} [[Jewish magical papyri]] were inscriptions on [[amulets]], [[ostraca]] and [[incantation bowls]] used in Jewish magical practices against ''shedim'' and other [[unclean spirit]]s. According to the ''Catholic Encyclopedia'', Jewish methods of exorcism were described in the [[Book of Tobit|Book of Tobias]].<ref name="CathEncy|wstitle=Exorcism">{{CathEncy|wstitle=Exorcism}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/demons-and-demonology|title=Demons and demonology|date=2008|website=Jewish Virtual Library|access-date=November 20, 2019}}</ref>

In the [[16th century]], [[Isaac Luria]], a Jewish [[Mysticism|mystic]], wrote about the [[Transmigration of a soul|transmigration of souls]] seeking perfection. His disciples took his idea a step further, creating the idea of a ''dybbuk'', a soul inhabiting a victim until it had accomplished its task or atoned for its sin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/dybbuk-Jewish-folklore|title=Dybbuk|website=Encyclopaedia Britannica|access-date=November 20, 2019}}</ref> The ''dybbuk'' appears in Jewish folklore and literature, as well as in chronicles of Jewish life.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/dibbuk-dybbuk|title=Dybbuk|website=Jewish Virtual Library|access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> In [[Jewish folklore]], a ''dybbuk'' is a disembodied spirit that wanders restlessly until it inhabits the body of a living person. The [[Baal Shem]] could expel a harmful ''dybbuk'' through [[exorcism]].<ref>{{Cite web| title=Dybbuk| url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/174964/dybbuk| website=Encyclopædia Britannica Online| access-date=10 June 2009}}</ref>

Possession-trance and [[adorcism]] are also engaged with by some Jews. Notably, Ethiopian Jewish women may participate in [[zār]], and Tuisinian Jewish women have a practice called Stambali.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last1=Somer |first1=Eli |last2=Saadon |first2=Meir |date=December 2000 |title=Stambali: Dissociative Possession and Trance in a Tunisian Healing Dance |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/136346150003700406 |journal=Transcultural Psychiatry |language=en |volume=37 |issue=4 |pages=580–600 |doi=10.1177/136346150003700406 |issn=1363-4615}}</ref>

Stambali uses incense, music (traditionally performed by Black musicians from fraternal orders), dance, animal sacrifice, and large spreads of food to induce trance and to appease jinn which may be afflicting someone, and ceremonies may be regularly repeated by that person. Stambali is also sometimes done preventatively as part of wedding, bnei mitzvah, and housewarming festivities to ward away the evil eye. The afflictions of jinn may simply be buildups of emotional stress or more serious illness. During trance, the jinn enter the body, and the participants do not remember what occurred during trance afterwards. If a particular person has needed a Stambali ceremony organized, the jinn afflicting them will be asked what it wants as it possesses them. Usually requests involve clothes and an animal for sacrifice. The atmosphere is festive, and participants wear bright clothes and henna. Aside from musicians, the participants are all women. The dances and lyrics are improvised. Those seen as particularly susceptible to jinn affliction are the victims and perpetrators of aggression, those who are frightened, and those who may have the evil eye directed at them. Showers are also seen as particularly vulnerable places where a jinn may attach themselves to a person.<ref name=":5" />