This book provides a sociological understanding of the phenomenon of exorcism and an analysis of the reasons for its contemporary re-emergence and impact on various communities. It argues that exorcism has become a religious commodity with the potential to strengthen a religion’s attraction to adherents, whilst also ensuring its hold. It shows that due to intense competition between religious groups in our multi-faith societies, religious groups are now competing for authority over the supernatural by ‘branding’ their particular type of exorcism ritual in order to validate the strength of their own belief system.
Sociology of Exorcism in Late Modernity features a detailed case-study of a Catholic exorcist in the south of Europe who dealt with more than 1,000 cases during a decade of work.
1. Introduction
“This is an excellent and timely contribution to the sociology of religion. Giordan and Possamai’s study provides an historical account of the development of exorcism in Western Christianity, an extensive literature review, and original data on the contemporary significance of the rite of exorcism. Given the extent of belief in the Devil in modern society, we can read this volume as a critique of the secularization thesis that assumed the decline of religion with modernization.” (Bryan S. Turner, Journal of Sociology, January 17, 2019)
“Sociology of Exorcism in Late Modernity is a sociological work that attempts to explain the growth of exorcism in the contemporary period. … I know of no other study that has attempted such a far-reaching project, but hopefully this work will inspire others to do so in the future.” (Michael E. Heyes, Nova Religio, Vol. 22 (4), May, 2019)
Giuseppe Giordan is Associate Professor of Sociology of Religion at the University of Padua, Italy.
Adam Possamai is Professor of Sociology and Director of Research at the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Australia.
This book provides a sociological understanding of the phenomenon of exorcism and an analysis of the reasons for its contemporary re-emergence and impact on various communities. It argues that exorcism has become a religious commodity with the potential to strengthen a religion’s attraction to adherents, whilst also ensuring its hold. It shows that due to intense competition between religious groups in our multi-faith societies, religious groups are now competing for authority over the supernatural by ‘branding’ their particular type of exorcism ritual in order to validate the strength of their own belief system.
Sociology of Exorcism in Late Modernity features a detailed case-study of a Catholic exorcist in the south of Europe who dealt with more than 1,000 cases during a decade of work, and includes observations made by the authors of this book during their attendance at an exorcist ritual.
Offers a detailed case-study of the notes taken by an experienced Catholic exorcist over a ten-year period, dealing with more than 1,000 cases
Provides a sociological update on the phenomenon of exorcism in western countries
Points to an ‘over-policing of the devil’ in contemporary societies, coinciding with an increase in the demand and presence of experts
