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Summary: Demons in America?
Review: Whether demons exist and whether they can possess a person is not the central question of Michael Cuneo's text, American Exorcism. Demonology is not a field he wishes to research; however, the fact that some Americans believe both in demons and their alleged power is. Cuneo extensively interviewed people who perform exorcisms and those who believe that they are the victims of demonic affliction. These people come from all walks of life: the mid-west housewife to the urban priest-socialite. From the text, it appears that Cuneo has covered most of the ground involved here, including such books and movies as Peck's The Road Less Traveled and the film Kung Fu Exorcist.As for the topic of demonology, Cuneo concludes that demonic presence is non-falsifiable. However, to continue wasting words on this subject is asinine; it is unimportant to the text. Demons do not matter; it is all in how people react to their alleged presence. The other question is the effect these demons might or might not have on these people. Quite simply, people want these demons out of their hair and out of their spheres of influence. The second question is more important. Cuneo argues convincingly that popular culture has wielded its influence in Americans' spiritual lives. It is no coincidence that the belief in demons and demonic possession rose immediately following the two theater runs of William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist. People watched a 2020 episode in which a Roman Catholic priest performed an exorcism. These people walked away from have watched the show believing that they, too, were the victims of diabolical possession. This displays a disconcerting readiness to identify with what we see on television and in other media. However, something else must make these people susceptible to the belief that they have had their bodies taken over by some malevolent supernatural force. Could there somehow be a benefit to believing yourself possessed? Americans want the same thing from every commodity they consume, so why should spirituality be any different? Americans want immediate satisfaction. Americans want moral exculpation. Americans want brand variety. Exorcism is attractive because it offers all of these things. A few prayers and maybe some fireworks, and the demons are gone from your body. Plus, you weren't to blame for any bad things you did; the demons were! Finally, exorcism comes in all different shapes, sizes and colors. Really the only question someone need ask when looking for an exorcism is whether they want the demon to come out clean or in a puss-filled puddle of vomit. This is what Cuneo argues. This is why exorcism is so attractive and why so many Americans believe that they have fallen under some diabolical spell. Finally, what are the real results of exorcism? Cuneo says that they have a non-falsifiable therapeutic value when performed correctly. Whether this value is placebic or real is a question along the lines of whether demons exist. However, the problem remains with the exorcist, as exorcism can cause irreparable harm. People have died when overzealous exorcists push the envelope determining that demon has irreversibly infested some poor person. The line between benefit and harm is thin and must be respected. Overall, it is a fascinating book that forces the reader to contemplate the evidence. No, Cuneo does not offer a glimpse into demonic existence. Yes, he does offer a view of American spirituality and the popular culture that can sway it. The prose, like the research, is top notch.
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Summary: Excellent introduction to a fascinating area
Review: While by no means comprehensive, this book serves as an excellent primer into what is truly a fascinating, if somewhat dissapointingly empty, subject area. The first part of the book charts the relationship between exorcism and popular entertainment, from books by Platty to films by Friedkin to further books and movies. The author ultimately contends that there is a curious co-dependancy between Hollywood and the real life exorcist, the former being the fuel that drives the awareness and, to an extent, the popularity and demand on the latter. The author argues that the depiction of demonic manifestation as seen in popular culture can also serve as a kind of 'textbook' for those undergoing such a procedure, so that they may immitate how they perceive they should act under such circumstances. Cuneo then moves on to consider various accounts of exorcism, including Malachi's 'Hostage to the Devil' among others. Then, in the most gripping part of the book, the author charts his experiences in sitting in with exorcisms as they happen, from the nutty fundamentalists to the strict rituals of Roman Catholicism.
The result is a fascinating, if somewhat dissapointingly empty account of exorcism; empty in the respect that there is no account of 'fireworks', levitating bodies or spinning heads - this simply did not occur in the Cuneo's experience. The author does a good job of remaining relatively impartial, deliberately avoiding direct discussion of the reality of the demonic, focusing instead on the value of exorcism regardless of its truth. Thus there are chapters on exorcism as having therapeutic value.
This book is not comprehensive or particularly thorough, but it is incredibly readable and serves as a great introduction to a fascinating topic. There aren't many books written with such impartiality and withou bias in this area, and Cuneo's book is a most welcome piece of work.
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