Psychiatrist believes victims looking for exorcism should not be ignored as demonic possession Is real.
Exorcisms are on the increase after people believe they are a victim of demonic possession. While some people might shake their heads in disbelief and deem them crazy, one psychiatrist has the belief that possession by demons is real.
Demonic possession claims have been increasing around the world. Anyone possessed by a devil spirit undergoes an exorcism carried out by a priest. Demands for the rite are on the increase said Yahoo.com.
While many are skeptical one psychiatrist with a Princeton and Yale education claims they are real and it seems to that many residents of the USA agree.
Gallagher Has Witnessed Human Behavior Along With In-human Behavior
Dr. Richard Gallagher holds a position in a private psychiatric practice at the New York Medical College and Columbia University, with over 25 years of experience. During his time in the field, he has come across many different types of human behavior and there is inhuman behavior he has seen.
Dr. Gallagher on demons:
“They’re very, very smart. The intelligence level of a fallen angel, which is what I call them, is far superior to human beings”
Anyone interested in discernment, which is a step that is required for first determining whether or not there is an actual need for exorcism, turns to Dr. Gallagher for evaluation.
Pope Francis Also Believes in the Devil
Dr. Gallagher is not the only person in authority who believes that the devil is real as Pope Francis frequently makes it know that Satan is real. He said “a real being, roaming the Earth to devour souls like a lion”.
The pope said:
“Hence, we should not think of the Devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea. This mistake would lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and end up more vulnerable.” He observed that life can be “a constant struggle against the devil, the prince of evil”.
Pope Francis even went as far as describing the Rite of Exorcism saying it was “a delicate and necessary ministry”, finally warning when choosing a priest for exorcism it should be done with prudence along with care.
Dr. Gallagher agrees with Pope Francis, many others do, however, Gallagher is the only psychiatrist who will openly admit he believes that the devil can possess a person.
Gallagher said:
“There are many other psychiatrists and mental health care professionals who do what I do – perhaps not to the scope that I do – who seem hesitant to speak out. That’s what gives my work some singularity. That I have had so much experience that I am willing to speak out. I feel an obligation to speak out. I think that I should.”
Dr. Gallagher is the person others turn to if they believe they have been possessed by the devil, and Gallagher noted that many people who have been referred to him to suffer a great deal. The psychiatrist does take people seriously; in fact, he has criteria that are strict in regards to determining if a person is actually being possessed by a devil and needs an exorcism performed.
75% of Americans Believe in the Devil
Dr. Gallagher does believe possessions are real but they are rare, happening in all cultures. The doctor evaluated numerous cases sent to him through priests, Christian ministers, and rabbis. Gallagher has also said that around 75% of people living in the USA do believe in the devil, with around half of these people having the belief demons can affect humans, whether this is by possessing them or not.
Belief in exorcism is dependent on the country. For example, in Madagascar, almost everyone believes it is possible for spirits to possess people.
Dr. Gallagher said, “So it varies a lot from country to country. Haiti is another country that believes a lot in demons along with spirit possession. It depends on what subculture you’re addressing. Some secular subcultures on the east coast and the west coast of the United States are very skeptical but the majority of Americans are not only open to these ideas but believe them. So I don’t feel that I’m out of the mainstream.”
Dr. Gallagher suggests that demons have watched over humans since the world was created and demons are extremely smart, far superior to humans.