[iamnoone]

I just wanted to offer you all an update.

 

As of this morning, the course I am teaching, entitled “Demons & Diagnoses” has a officially begun. It is a “First Year Seminar” here at Mount, and is a small class with 16 freshmen; ideal for what we are about to do. Surveying the students before we met, there is a virtual split with regards to whether or not one believes that possession is possible. At its heart, the course has evolved into a course on critical thinking, with the backdrop of possession and exorcism as the bait.

We will be reading Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World, The Rite (which is very different from the film if you have not read it), and American Exorcist.

 

On Wednesday, we begin viewing The Exorcist (uncut, the version you've never seen). There is almost too much to share, but the real highlights are the speakers I have lined up, which includes:

1) A psychiatrist

2) A Catholic priest who has observed exorcisms

3) A Catholic priest from India who has actually performed exorcisms

4) A woman from Indonesia who, from her own account, was possessed and successfully exorcised over a period of 3 years

 

And, we have a Facebook group, if you are interested. On the site will be some random media we watch (which includes the old ABC 20/20 footage of the real exorcism, the “true” story documentary of The Exorcist from the Discovery channel, etc.).  Here is the link if you want to take a look/join…I will add you if you like.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/375354779201671/

 

Cheers!

 

-Dr. Meyer

[iamnoone]

Thanks for the words, and the link to American Exorcism; first I had heard of that, actually, but certainly something of interest for the course.

 

The class yesterday certainly came in with an open mind, and all were in agreement that the use of exorcism for natural human conditions like sexual orientation, etc. are both heinous and irresponsible.  The conclusion many came to is that it is conceivable that a person who believes in the power of god and the devil and is indeed internally suffering somehow could, in essence, be helped psychologically (and spiritually) by an exorcism; even if this “help” is in the form of a placebo effect. 

 

More to come…

[iamnoone]

Tomorrow is the day in Abnormal Psychology when we take a closer look at Exorcism is a series called “A Closer Look”.  This edition is called “A Question of Faith”.

 

Students are surveyed on their religious beliefs, their initial thoughts on exorcism, and then we engage in a debate about the plausibility of possession and exorcism vs. mental illness.  The students view a real exorcism documented in the 1990's by ABC, and a handful of other materials. 

 

Should be fun!

[iamnoone]

Thanks.  The actual class won't be up and running until next fall (you can see how far ahead we plan these things), but I'll be doing a bit more on the subject in my abnormal course again this year; perfectly timed with the approach of Halloween, of course.

 

Incidentally, the Vatican claims that the rise of exorcist numbers is due to a rise in the amount of evil at work in the world.  You are correct in pointing out that a Roman-Catholic sanctioned exorcism supposedly goes through a rigorous psychiatric/medical evaluation before being approved…and I use the word “supposed” on purpose.  Clearly, if your lens even allows for the possibility of demonic possession, then that is a plausible outcome in an evaluation.  From a purely psychiatric evaluation, that is not even on the table.

 

Hence, why this topic is so ripe for academic debate.  Not only do opposing sides of the table disagree with one another, they cannot even grasp (based on their own worldview) how the other side comes to their conclusion.  To the catolic priest, it could be a demon.  To the non-believer, it cannot possibly be a demon, and must be something else. 

[iamnoone]

It is certainly the goal to keep the class talking. discussing, and debating what they believe; based both on evidence and information that they learn, and what they believe.  I want them to dissect their own beliefs, and really begin the process of analyzing why they believe what they do (and I stress begin…they are freshmen).

 

I tinkered with this idea in an Abnormal Psychology class last year with a day-long “special topics” lecture, and the class was surprisingly divided.  I expected an overwhelming majority to dismiss possession as Hollywood make-believe, but many truly believed that this was not only a possibility, but something that is happening around us today.  Many, who also held little to no religious beliefs, or course did not believe, and then there was about 10% or so who were truly undecided, and began to form opinions based on what we watched.

 

One of the difficulties is the great chasm of reality vs. what the media portrays when it comes to actual attempted exorcisms.  There are also different types of exorcisms, and it is “used” for some less-than-sanctioned purposes as well.

 

Tip of the iceberg?  I am also a therapist, and about 5 years ago I had a male client who, now in his young 20's, was suffering panic attacks.  His parents had put him through 10-13 separate exorcisms to drive out the “demons” that were inhabiting his body and making him a homosexual. 

 

Then there is the flip side; the Roman Catholic Church has recently trained more exorcists than at any time in recent recorded history.  Why? 

 

I could talk about this all day.  🙂

[iamnoone]

Anything attached to E:TB automatically loses value.

Trash.

[iamnoone]

If the owner had half a clue he/she could have made quite a nice dime out of “crazy” Exorcist fans wanting to visit.

What an idiot.

[iamnoone]

Wow…thank you. I think youre the first person to read this in quite some time. I always wondered what Burke’s death was like…and this is what is in my mind’s eye.

All 3 parts are put together in the post “Burke’s Symphony”…

Glad you liked it!

-KJM

[iamnoone]

Thanks for the writing compliment. As far as the title, I wasnt attempting to give this a title at all; I just wanted to name the post that compiled them. I guess the real title would be “Chapter…”

Im curious as to what you mean by Burke being out of character. Could you give me an example?

I attempted to incoporate;
1) He has somewhat of a drinking problem that leads to somewhat “loose” language (i.e., the exchange with Karl which is referenced by the demon)

2) He pines for Chris

3) He is Catholic, which is why he brought up the crucifix

Could you give me an example of what you mean?

[iamnoone]

I am back after recovering from the car accident I was in.

Actually, I think SC’s comments are just fine. Personally, after giving it some thought, I dont think having this scene in the film would ruin a thing. In fact, I though the film version of The Exorcist did a poor job with Burke’s character.

I would remind you, SC, that this is Fan Fiction; This is simply the way I envisioned his death in my own mind. Had it been put on the silver screen, this is how I see it being done (or read in the novel).

I didnt take your comments personally, SC, and certainly respect your comments.

Afterall…what piece of writing would be complete without “a few boos from the gallery “;)

[iamnoone]

PRO

It could return some people of a later generation to revisit the classic masterpiece. To me, this is the greatest pro. There are many, many, many young people who have never witnessed the Exorcist, simply due to its age. Many will rent the old one to compare it and (gasp!) may even pick up the novel. It could “reawaken” the demon, so to speak.

[iamnoone]

Thanks, and of course. Im in some pain, and of course life’s other priorities have taken a front burner, but tomorrow afternoon in between teaching classes I am going to post part 3.

What did you have in mind for part 1?

[iamnoone]

Didnt mean to ruin it for you 🙂

You make an excellent point.

I was thinking, though, that it would make a dramtic intro for the demon. Regan…alone…convinced there is someone in her room.

I guess Im not writing this as if I would attempt to “fit it in” the the novel…Im just trying to capture what this moment was like.

The trouble is…its sort of like making a Star Wars prequel. Everybody already has an internal vision of what took place. 🙂

Apologies on being late for part 3. I was invloved in a car accident, but am back on my feet.

emoc ot erom….

[iamnoone]

The “not seeing it” adds to what I think is the absolute most chilling shot in the whole film:

When a shadow passes the window of Regan’s room as Kinderman watches from a cab below.

[iamnoone]

I am quite certain this was never, ever the case. If so, there would be some mention of it somehow in some version…or in some interview with Blatty.

That said, I have been writing what I have always envisioned as Burke’s death in 3 parts in the “fan fiction” forum. Part 3 should be here tomorrow. 🙂

[Author]

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