Aspects théologiques de l’exorcisme

Abstract

This paper highlights the theological reasons behind exorcism: indissociable from the duty and ministry of the exorcist, they can be seen in both the tradition and the present-day mission of the catholic Church. There will be a brief semantic and historical introduction, which will enable us to perceive the «instituted ministry» of the exorcist as being a temporary stage before diaconal and presbyterial ordainment and the exorcist’s official duty as entrusted by the diocese bishop.Four linked aspects then follow, which allow us to understand the specific responsibility of the exorcist, not only in the logic of Christian revelation, but also with relation to the existential, individual or social fields.— The theological aspect will deal directly with the relationship between the traditional assertions on Satan and the question of evil, this from the Trinitarian viewpoint on salvation.— The spiritual aspect considers the fight against evil as coming from and being inside spiritual life, a place of tension and progress.— The ethical and anthropological aspect enables us to question the significance of exorcism from psychological and cultural angles.— The pastoral aspect attempts to redefine, by taking into account the above factors, the particular function of the exorcist’s duty in the Church’s role of healing.