Does the IPHC practice the "casting out of demons?"
Yes, IPHC does believe in the practice of "casting out demons," sometimes known in the Christian church as "exorcism." This is something that Jesus and the apostles did (Matthew 10:1; Mark 1:21-27, 32-34; 5:1-20; Luke 4:33-36; 9:1, 2; 10:17-20; 11:14-26). Throughout church history many Christians have believed that demons do possess and oppress people but that Christ gave the church power over these spirits (Mark 16:15-17; Acts 5:14-16; 8:4-8; 16:16-18; 19:11-17).

Is there a way to identify these demons?
The phrase "demon possession" does not occur in the Greek New Testament. That is the English way we usually translate the word that literally means "demonized." The demonic can be identified by looking at the ways demons showed themselves in the New Testament: profound disruption of personality (Mark 5); efforts to harm one's self (Mark 9:17-22); profound rejection of Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 1:23-25). But the demonic can be more than someone hollering or shrieking as it is commonly portrayed. People who commit profound acts of violence may be considered demonized. Such occurs when persons have surrendered themselves to, or been taken over by, Satan, who uses them for his evil ends. Other persons, including Christians, may be oppressed by demons who control portions of one's self. A Christian is born again in the human spirit by the Spirit of God who dwells there. The Holy Spirit then engages in bringing wholeness and holiness to the entire person: mind, soul, emotions, etc.

Is there a formula or ritual for this?
In many Christian traditions there are rituals which provide a theological framework for confessing Jesus Christ, His blood, and His victory over Satan. For instance, these rituals are found in the Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church. In most Pentecostal churches the ritual is not in a written form but nonetheless has common elements: the power of the blood of Jesus, the desire of the demonized person to truly want to be delivered, and pastoral care to the person.

What is the scriptural basis for doing this in our present day?
In contemporary Pentecostalism and the Charismatic renewal there are many good resources about this topic. They tend to center around the themes of "deliverance." Works by writers such as Francis MacNutt, John and Paula Sanford, and Neil Anderson provide a balanced approach to the issues of healing our sin-broken selves. You can use your internet search engine to find their specific books.

Last update on 10/15/08
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