The Psychologization of Exorcism

Abstract

Abstract Exorcists are once again in demand for their very specific set of skills in casting out demons. Even though it is a liturgical practice, current exorcism guidelines and discourses incorporate psychiatric and psychotherapeutic approaches and terminology. In this respect, Austria offers an ideal case study as it has an established and renowned system of psychiatry and psychotherapy with a variety of medical approaches on offer, yet remains culturally and socially a “conservative” Roman Catholic society. This chapter presents the results of an ethnographic study of Austrian Roman Catholic exorcists and illuminates the tension between religion and medicine as religious experts interact with medical experts and give their religious healing practices legitimacy through reference to medical and psychotherapeutic methods.