Exorcism
Sir: Beneath the comments and strictures passed upon those involved in the tragic case at Barnsley, both by the media and by the church authorities, has been the underlying denial that demons exist, and the contradictory statement that, if they do exist, only psychiatrists are equipped to do anyth ing about it. , These statements are symptomatic of the almost complete loss of faith among church leaders in the healing power of Jesus Christ, who, through the Holy Spirit's ministry, is just as able to heal to-day as he was during his own earthly ministry.
The healing power of Jesus Christ is still available to cure the physically, mentally and spiritually s!ck, and the complete absence of teaching of this fact by most of the churches to-day means that many who could seek Christ's teaching are unaware of its power.
Jesus promised that those who believed in Him would do the same works that he had done, and even greater works too, because he was going to return to his Father, and would send the Holy Spirit to give this power. This meant that the ministry of healing would be carried on through those who believed in him, but not by them: only God himself is the healer.
As Jesus forecast, the activity of demonic forces in the world is on the increase, and so the healing ministry of Jesus is more urgently needed than ever. It is just a part of the decline of the church to-day, so clearly defined by you in your Easter editorial, that people are not taught about the power of Jesus to heal.
It is the urgent task of Christians, and in particular of those in the charismatic movement so rapidly spreading throughout the world, to show that the healing power of Christ is still as effective as ever, and that Christ still wants to heal.
The church is right in insisting that anyone so involved must be prepared — Jesus warned that many demons can only come out by much prayer and fasting. Marie Robinson's tragic mistake was that she attempted on her own to bring Christ's power to bear upon a possessed woman. Her experience must be a warning to all Christians that, even in simple evangelism and fellowship, they should act together and not alone. This not only avoids tragic events, but also misunderstandings and emotional involvements of an undesirable kind, which can get out of hand.
May I end by expressing the hope that all your Christian readers will pray for Marie and for all those so tragically involved (none of whom are known to me personally)?
M. J. Feaver 14 Radyr Avenue, Mayals, Swansea
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