1030: Exorcism | Skeptical Sunday

Celebrity Influence

The influence of celebrities on exorcism practices is significant. Andrew Gold discusses how the release of the movie The Exorcist in 1973 brought exorcism and primal scream therapy into the mainstream. He mentions how Arthur Yanov, the founder of primal scream therapy, was compared to L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, for his eccentric methods 1. John Lennon became one of the most passionate advocates for primal scream therapy, which inspired his album Plastic Ono Band 2. This cultural phenomenon shows how celebrity endorsements can popularize unconventional practices.

It's amazing how the movies have influenced her mind. Afterwards she feels like a million bucks. She's great. But a year later she's feeling like shit again because yes, there was a placebo effect, but it didn't prevent underlying issues of what we would recognize potentially as something like depression.

--- Andrew Gold

   

Historical Figures

Notable historical figures have also played a role in the narrative of exorcism. Andrew Gold recounts the tragic case of Anneliese Michel, who died after undergoing 67 exorcisms, highlighting the dangers of such practices 3. He also discusses the story of Roland Doe, whose experiences inspired the book and movie The Exorcist. Roland was a deeply disturbed boy who managed to fool his family and priests into believing he was possessed 4. These stories underscore the real-life consequences of exorcism and its portrayal in media.

The consensus today is that Rowlands was a deeply disturbed boy who pulled pranks deliberately to fool his family and the priests. He disappeared into obscurity and seems to have led an ordinary life nonetheless.

--- Andrew Gold