Purging the Devil: Exorcism and Possession After the Death of God

A radical cultural and political history of exorcism and possession from the 1950s to the present day.

Once considered an outdated embarrassment, demands for exorcism have increased since the mid-twentieth century, becoming a popular product in our therapeutic marketplace and a weapon against groups that resist state, corporate, and ecclesiastical powers. Are the 'possessed' suffering from mental health problems? Is the world falling victim to the devil and demons?

Charting the history of exo...