American Exorcism (Paperback)

There is perhaps no other religious ritual more fascinating, or more disturbing, than exorcism.

This is particularly true in America today, where the ancient rite has a surprisingly strong hold on the popular imagination. Whether conducted by officially appointed exorcists, maverick priests or Episcopal charismatics, it seems exorcism is alive and well in this new millennium. The archdiocese of Chicago recently appointed its first full-time exorcist in its 160-year history, while in New York four priests have officially investigated forty cases of suspected demonic possession every year since 1995.

Having attended more than fifty exorcisms and interviewed those who took part, Michael Cuneo brings this fascinating phenomenon vividly to life, conjuring up memories of the infamous film and other bizarre (and occasionally stomach-churning) images.

Exploring this strange netherworld of American life, including such provocative topics as the ‘Satanic Panics’ of the 1980s, repressed memory and ritual abuse, Cuneo reflects on the meaning of exorcism today and the relationship between religious ritual and popular culture. The result is a remarkably revealing, occasionally disconcerting but always entertaining work of cultural commentary.