History of Anglican Exorcism

By Brian Brock

Book Description

The Anglican Church's relationship with exorcism reveals one of the most surprising transformations in modern religious history. Today, every Church of England diocese designates clergy members specifically trained in deliverance ministry, making spiritual warfare more accessible to parishioners than ever before. Yet this contemporary reality represents a dramatic departure from centuries of Anglican tradition.

Francis Young uncovers the fascinating journey of how a church that once dismissed exorcism as either Catholic superstition or evangelical extremism came to embrace demon expulsion in the 1970s. This comprehensive historical examination traces the Anglican Church's evolving approach to demonology and spiritual deliverance from the Reformation through the present day.

Through careful analysis of doctrinal shifts and cultural influences, Young illuminates the complex factors that led to this remarkable theological transformation. The book explores how changing attitudes toward the supernatural, psychological understanding of spiritual phenomena, and pastoral needs converged to reshape Anglican practice.

For readers seeking to understand the intersection of faith, history, and spiritual warfare, this work offers valuable insights into how religious institutions adapt their practices while maintaining their core identity. Young situates his exploration within broader intellectual and cultural movements, revealing how the Anglican Church's journey with exorcism reflects deeper questions about the nature of evil, healing, and spiritual authority in the modern world.

This scholarly yet accessible account provides essential context for anyone interested in contemporary spiritual practices and their historical foundations.