Sociology of Exorcism in Late Modernity

by Adam Possamai (Author), Giuseppe Giordan (Author), Adam Possamai (Author), Giuseppe Giordan (Author)

• New

  Hardcover
  2018

  $75.96

  This book provides a sociological understanding of the phenomenon of exorcism and an analysis of the reasons for its contemporary re-emergence and impact on various communities. It argues that exorcism has become a religious commodity with the potential to strengthen a religion's attraction to adherents, whilst also ensuring its hold. It shows that due to intense competition between religious groups in our multi-faith societies, religious groups are now competing for authority over the supernatural by `branding' their particular type of exorcism ritual in order to validate the strength of their own belief system.

  Sociology of Exorcism in Late Modernity features a detailed case-study of a Catholic exorcist in the south of Europe who dealt with more than 1,000 cases during a decade of work.