American Exorcism

American Exorcism traces author Michael Cuneo's investigation into modern-day exorcism practices across the United States. The book documents his first-hand observations of over 50 exorcisms and interviews with practitioners, believers, and subjects involved in demon expulsion rituals. Cuneo examines how exorcism evolved in American culture from the 1970s onward, sparked by William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist and fueled by growing evangelical movements. He details the key differences between traditional Catholic exorcism rites and Protestant deliverance ministries, while profiling influential figures who shaped contemporary demon-expulsion practices. The research explores why exorcism has gained prominence in modern America despite technological and social advancement. Cuneo analyzes the connection between rising exorcism rates and social changes like feminism, sexual liberation, and declining trust in traditional institutions. The book presents a sociological lens on how supernatural beliefs persist and transform in contemporary society, revealing tensions between secular progress and religious conservatism in American culture.

Readers consider this a balanced, research-based examination of modern American exorcism practices. The book maintains journalistic objectivity while exploring both skeptical and believing perspectives. Liked: - Clear, engaging writing style - First-hand accounts and interviews - Historical context for exorcism in America - Avoids sensationalism - Humor mixed with serious analysis Disliked: - Some repetition in case studies - Limited coverage of non-Christian exorcisms - Occasional academic dryness - Some readers wanted more conclusive statements about authenticity Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (378 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (52 ratings) Notable Reader Comments: "Thorough journalism without pushing an agenda" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have condensed similar cases" - Amazon reviewer "Best mix of skepticism and respect I've read on the topic" - LibraryThing reviewer

Hostage to the Devil by Malachi Martin Chronicles five detailed case studies of Catholic exorcisms, providing investigation into traditional rites and procedures through first-hand accounts of possessed individuals and clergy members.

Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism by Thomas B. Allen Documents the 1949 case of Roland Doe's exorcism that inspired The Exorcist through interviews, church records, and eyewitness testimony.

The Dark Sacrament by David M. Kiely, Christina McKenna Presents ten contemporary cases of possession and exorcism in Ireland through interviews with Catholic and Protestant clergy members who performed the rituals.

Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright Examines belief systems and religious practices in modern America through investigation of Scientology's origins, methods, and cultural influence.

The Science of the Sacred by Michael Shermer Explores the persistence of supernatural beliefs in contemporary society through examination of religious practices, cultural phenomena, and psychological factors.

🔍 The author attended over 50 exorcisms across multiple states while researching this book, more than any other academic researcher in the field. 🎬 The 1973 film "The Exorcist" led to a dramatic surge in reported possession cases across America, creating what some called "possession syndrome." ⚜️ Official Catholic exorcists in the United States increased from only 1 in 1990 to over 50 by 2015, showing a significant revival of the practice. 📚 Published in 2001, this was one of the first major academic works to seriously examine modern American exorcism practices across both Catholic and Protestant traditions. 🔮 During his research, Cuneo discovered that many modern exorcists incorporate psychological counseling and medical referrals alongside traditional spiritual practices.