M. Scott Peck

The past thirty years have brought a growing demand for exorcists and a growing number of people who claim that exorcism has had a positive impact on their lives. Many psychiatrists and clinical psychologists agree that exorcism may be beneficial for patients who believe it to be valid. For example, the British Health Education Authority has officially acknowledged that "some people have found exorcism and similar approaches helpful." However, most psychiatrists question exorcism's long-term value as a form of therapy.

Here, psychiatrist M. Scott Peck-author of the bestselling The Road Less Traveled (1978)-describes two cases of exorcism he regards as successful and discusses the role of the exorcist in curing demonic possession. Peck believes that exorcism-when performed in a loving and humane way, and with respect for the patient's autonomy-can improve the lives of people who believe...