Possesion and exorcism in the works of Sulpicius Severus Cover Image

Synteza tematyki opętania i egzorcyzmu w dziełach Sulpicjusza Sewera
Possesion and exorcism in the works of Sulpicius Severus

Author(s): Józef Pochwat
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Ancient World
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Papieskiego Jana Pawła II w Krakowie
Keywords: possession; exorcism; exorcist; the devil; demon; evil spirit; prayer; the monk;

Summary/Abstract: This article contains thoughts of Sulpicius Severus (ca 360–420) with regard to the influence of evil spirits on man. Based on the knowledge of St. Martin of Tours, who had much to do with demons. Sulpicius presented a number of human cases of demonic possession by an evil spirit. Most cases he described were about man’s release from possession. Sulpicius Severus was demonstrating that when Satan masters a man he takes away his freedom, a fundamental value, which comes from God. In the face of the numerous cases of enslavement of people by Satan, God’s intervention was needed. Sulpicius was convinced that God has equipped some people to be exorcists, with the gift of releasing the possessed from the power of the devil.

  • Issue Year: 31/2012
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 111-120
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Polish