Exorcisms on the Rise Despite Declining Faith

Interestingly, exorcisms are becoming more common, marking a peculiar trend in the context of diminishing church attendance and faith in places like Michigan and Melbourne. It’s almost as if the darker forces have misunderstood the shifting dynamics of modern life.

Despite the narrative that faith is diminishing, many priests reveal a different story—one filled with increasing demands for exorcisms. As reported from various parishes, there’s a growing need for these spiritual interventions, and they are being taken quite seriously.

Evil exists not because it is misunderstood, but often because it is minimized.

It seems the devil is not quite aware that society is moving on from such concerns.

I’ve engaged in conversations with clergy tackling issues many would rather laugh off or disregard. A name that frequently surfaced was Michael Shadbolt, a priest with a long history of performing exorcisms. When I reached out for insights, I learned of his recent passing, which was quite unfortunate.

Fortunately, I connected with Father Stephen Rossetti, an experienced exorcist and American Catholic priest. He candidly shared that requests for exorcisms are indeed rising—not just in the U.S. but across the globe. He speculated that this might be tied to the waning of religious practice.

This observation contradicts the more popular narrative. It’s often portrayed as a paradox: while Christianity declines, belief in evil somehow flourishes. Yet, this viewpoint may oversimplify human experiences, which are rarely all-or-nothing.

You don’t have to be a believer in God to recognize the presence of evil. It can manifest in various forms, whether it’s a relative grappling with addiction or a spouse inflicting harm.

Evil seems to thrive independently of belief systems. It creeps in through repeated actions, obsessions, and a gradual softening of our moral guard. Vocabulary may shift, but the patterns endure. Take, for instance, the tragic statistics on violence against women and children worldwide that continue to surface.

The way we label these actions as “trauma” or “dysfunction” might explain the aftermath, yet it skirts the real issues at hand. This language engages with the symptoms rather than addressing the root causes.

Our modern lens often labels evil as a misunderstanding or issues inherent to the system. Yet history tells a different story. Evil doesn’t endure because it’s misapprehended; it persists because it’s downplayed, thriving in rationalization or rebranding.

Father Rossetti pointedly remarked that the occult is a clear channel for the devil. This is crucial to understand; it’s often individuals exploring practices that the Church cautions against rather than outright atheism that opens the door to these problems.

He noted that many who abandon their faith often find themselves drawn into the occult, only to later realize they are tormented by malevolent forces.

Rossetti suggests a straightforward remedy: returning to confession, practicing one’s faith, and striving for virtuous living. Each sin acts as a bridge to evil, and the severity of the sin intensifies the risk.

He emphasizes that exorcism can be a profoundly effective solution, though it isn’t instantaneous. It may take years, as reversing the impacts of long-term exposure to darkness can be a drawn-out process.

He mentioned that, typically, a series of three to five years of exorcism is needed for recovery—a journey of renewal and purification.

Exorcism, he insists, isn’t about magic.

The structure is defined: Christ reigns, angels assist, the devil resists, but ultimately, he is defeated.

What we observe today isn’t so much the collapse of faith but rather its fragmentation. While institutional Christianity may recede, the spiritual fervor remains alive but perhaps in less formalized ways. A vacuum has formed, and it surely will be filled.

Astrology has evolved from mere fun to a personal guide, showing a significant shift in spiritual engagement. Tarot cards marketed as “self-care” and various spiritual practices are popping up everywhere, often sold with promises of power and protection—all amid a digital marketplace.

None of these trends emerge without consequences. Open doors tend to remain ajar.

So, the supposed paradox is resolved: Christianity may be retreating, not because faith has vanished, but because it’s lost its stronghold. With traditional structures fading, superstitions can resurface. Where doctrine weakens, chaos may ensue.

As for exorcism itself, it’s not a relic of the past, revived for show. It’s a real response to a persistent reality. It suggests the Church is not fabricating demons but rather responding to palpable issues. Today’s society is marked by isolation and overstimulation that can undermine mental health.

Father Rossetti stresses a crucial point that many resist. He asserts that Jesus is the ultimate authority, while Satan holds no real power unless it’s granted. Compared to Christ, Satan is utterly insignificant.

Christian theology has made this clear: Satan is not an equal counterforce but a fallen being lacking rightful authority, lurking in spaces abandoned by disobedience.

His message serves as a caution. It’s not that evil has gained strength, but rather, we’ve become careless. We’ve treated serious spiritual matters lightly, leading to unexpected consequences.

Father Rossetti concluded emphatically: “Jesus is Lord and has defeated the kingdom of Satan.” The saddest reality is that many people live as though God isn’t present.