I had a discussion with John 10:10 about the validity of exorcism as discussed here:
Message 44.
I proposed a case study as shown below:
Myself writes:
It would be interesting to see some type of case study in which two groups are given separate therapeutic treatments. Let's say 15 people all afflicted with the same condition, say heroine addiction. One group is given professional drug counseling and medicine and the other group of 15 are strictly treated with exorcism by three expert Christian exorcists. Both treatments are administer for 12 months. Then lets compare the two groups.
Questions I would like to be answered in this discussionare:
1. Is this a valid case study?,
2. Has this type of study been conducted before? And if so what were the results, and
3. Is exorcism a valid therapeutic treatment for treating mental and physical illnesses? Why or why not?
Ground rules:
1. This is not a discussion of why belief in Christianity (or any other religious belief) is right or wrong. It is strictly a discussion of whether exorcism really works or not.
2. This is not a discussion for or against the existence of demons, this is discussed here:
Message 1.
3. Citing Bible scripture (or any other unsubstantiated religious scripture) is not valid evidence.
4. Keep on topic and be honest.
5. Provide logically sound and coherent arguments. No circular reasoning or resorting to logical fallacies.
6. Provide substantiated empirical evidence for or against.
7. Be polite, no ad hominum attacks.
Any psychology or psychiatry majors or professionals are highly encouraged to participate.
Thanks for participating in my first proposed topic.
Edited by DevilsAdvocate, : No reason given.
For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.Dr. Carl Sagan
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