The Rite

• IMDB.
• Based on Matt Baglio's book, The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist.

There is, of course, a kernel of truth in the story: the Church does teach that we have supernatural enemies (fallen angels--devils, and demons) and that people are capable of choosing Hell (the souls of the damned); it does teach that Jesus can use ordained ministers (deacons, priests, or bishops) to drive evil spirits out of the souls of God's children; the holiness and wisdom of the exorcist does make a difference in the efficacy of the rite--in obedience to the Scripture passage, "This kind can only be driven out by prayer [and fasting]," the exorcist often fasts and prays continually until the matter is resolved; there is a renewed emphasis on the need for the ordained to be trained as exorcists so that they are available when needed.

Exorcism is NOT a contest between the exorcist and the unclean spirits. It is the application of Jesus' victory on the Cross to a suffering member of His Body.

Because the movie was designed to make money for the producers, I doubt that it is an entirely accurate representation of the Church's teaching. Some day I will go see it, I suppose; it is not something I look forward to at all.

Some Observations

Tag line: "You can only defeat it when you believe."

We don't defeat the evil spirits; Jesus has defeated them and shares His victory with us. Our faith is not in our faith; our faith is never any greater than a mustard seed compared to the greatness of God's love and compassion for us.

Symptoms of possession

"The Ritual gives three signs that indicate the possible presence of a demon: abnormal strength, the ability to speak or understand a previously unknown language, and the knowledge of hidden things."

Our culture is vulnerable

"Where faith decreases, superstition grows."