Why We Love to Talk About Demons.

The article explores the enduring fascination with the concept of demonic possession and exorcism, exemplified by the case of Emma Schmidt, a woman institutionalized by the Franciscan Sisters of Earling, Iowa in 1928 due to her alleged possession. Schmidt's experiences, which included violent behaviors and speaking in ancient tongues, reflect themes common in possession narratives, influencing popular culture, notably William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist." The text discusses how these accounts serve as a means to conceptualize radical evil, suggesting that the language of demonology remains a powerful tool for understanding complex moral issues in contemporary society, including war and climate change. Ultimately, the article posits that the idea of possession continues to resonate, challenging notions of individuality and agency in the modern world. [Extracted from the article]