Editing Spirit possession (section)

==== 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 Demoniac]]
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 polity|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}}